Author Archives: grafx-sigma

Crew changes during COVID-19 – a new flashpoint for charterparty disputes?

Whilst the world is adapting to the new normal, the shipping industry still struggle with the challenges and uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. A major hurdle facing shipowners has been crew changes. Notwithstanding global efforts to improve this situation, many obstacles remain, and unrestricted crew changes are unlikely to return in the foreseeable future.

Seafarers in a time of pandemic – strategies for maintaining and improving mental wellbeing

We are facing unprecedented worldwide lockdown and severe travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Several thousand seafarers have been asked to extend their contracts beyond their usual tour of duty.

Onboard safety precaution on tank cleaning – “The Final Stretch” for IMO 2020 Sulphur Cap

The shipping industry is now making the final preparation for the compliance with the IMO 0.50% sulphur cap with less than a month to go before the new regulation takes effect on 1 January 2020. Skuld would like to advice its members on the risk for the IMO 2020 regulation, particularly to the crew onboard who will be cleaning the tanks if the vessel will use compliant fuel.

Sulphur 2020: Fuel specification guidelines

In view of the upcoming implementation date of 1 January 2020 of the Sulphur Cap Regulation, Skuld would like to inform its members that the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has released new fuel specification guidelines for very low sulphur marine fuel oil “ISO / PAS 23263:2019”.

Ultrasonic testing and leaking hatch covers

Cargo damage due to water ingress through leaking hatch covers remain an important part of cargo claims. Non-weathertight hatch covers are the main cause of wet cargo damage. Therefore, P&I clubs require vessels to always maintain hatch covers in a weathertight condition. It is also the statutory requirement for weathertightness in the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966: