News

A consortium led by ABS has been granted EU funding for a study on the future of the Ship Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). ABS, Vessel Performance Solutions (VPS), and Arcsilea Ltd formed a consortium to deliver the study titled: Decarbonisation of Shipping: Technical Study on the future of the Ship Energy Efficiency Design Index. The study will analyze EEDI's ability to deliver improved designs and evaluate its relationship to various technologies. The study is intended to return preliminary results ahead of MEPC 76 in October this year and be concluded in early 20201. More information: ABS

In an effort to reduce the risk associated with novel coronavirus, the cruise industry's biggest association has proposed new rules that would limit embarkation for vulnerable and elevated-risk passengers. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has reportedly proposed to deny boarding to any person over the age of 70 unless they present a note from a doctor stating that they are fit to travel on board a cruise ship. Those with an underlying chronic medical condition that would make them more vulnerable to the illness would also be prohibited from embarking. More information: Maritime Executive

Standard Club insurers have advised members with ships trading in Brazil that port authorities in the country could ban open-loop scrubbers. Brazilian maritime authority regulations currently allow for scrubbers to be used as a sulphur cap compliance measure, but, as a statement from Standard P&I pointed out, there is no clear language regarding discharge of wash water from open-loop scrubbers, which many other ports have banned. Read more: Riviera Maritime 

February 26th was Pink Shirt Day in Canada. Albion marine’s Team in Canada and India chose to wear pink to encourage conversations about the topic and to create awareness about preventing bullying. “In a world where you can be anything remember to be kind to one another!” .