AVIC Dingheng Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

The Nippon Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the offshore technology development consortium DeepStar to establish a joint research and development program focused on decarbonization in offshore oil and gas, with a focus on renewable energy and the environment.The initial program budget is up to $10 million through 2026, and the overall plan is to develop technologies for commercialization.“I am very pleased that we have been able to conclude this new memorandum of understanding,” said Mr. Sasakawa.

Equipment issues are behind nearly a quarter of all lifeboat accidents, according to  new safety report from classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) and ship management trade association InterManager.Concerned about lifeboat safety and fatalities caused by lifeboat accidents, InterManager began gathering statistics several years ago, aiming to identify key risk factors. Having collated figures which date back to 1980, InterManager now has the largest maritime industry database of lifeboat accidents.

Liberia and China are teaming up to bolster and expand on their existing working relationship in maritime safety.The Liberian Maritime Authority, and the Maritime Safety Administration of the Peoples Republic of China signed a Memorandum of Understanding together in Beijing on October 17 following several months of close discussions and cooperation.Among focus areas are Port State Control; Marine Environmental Protection; to Promote and Facilitate Maritime Transport between both nations; to Promote the Safety of Navigation at Sea; Seafarer Training and Welfare; and other areas concerning the safety of vessels at sea.

Hege Solstad has joined port agency and marine services provider Inchcape Shipping Services as Vice President Commercial for the Europe Region.Solstad was most recently with the Liberian Registry and previously with Wilhelmsen Ships Service in Asia and Europe.Christopher Crookall , Inchcape Shipping Services Chief Commercial Officer, said, “We are delighted to announce that Hege Solstad joins Inchcape as Vice President Commercial for the Europe Region. Hege will be based in Oslo and will take her place as a key member of the Europe regional leadership team.

Shipping association BIMCO said it has created a new standard contract for providing a balanced contractual framework for security escort vessels (SEV) that accompany merchant ships in high threat areas such as the Gulf of Guinea, which has recently seen a rise in piracy activity as the dry season has begun.The new contract is dubbed SEV-GUARDCON because it is based on BIMCO’s GUARDCON contract for the employment of security guards on board ships.“The escort vessel’s capabilities, and what should happen if the vessel does not arrive at the rendezvous point as agreed, are key issues for shipowners and operators trading in high threat areas.