Insight
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Limitation of liability – lessons from the MSC Flaminia
INSIGHT04 DEC 2023
The English High Court’s decision in the case of the MSC FLAMINIA provides useful guidance on which claims are subject to limitation, and which are not.
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Shipping battery energy storage systems - high energy, high risks?
INSIGHT27 NOV 2023
In the past few months, Gard has received several queries on the safe carriage of battery energy storage systems (BESS) on ships. In this insight, we highlight some of the key risks, regulatory requirements, and recommendations for shipping such cargo.
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Preventing accidents when clearing shore pipelines
INSIGHT20 NOV 2023
Accidents related to shore pipeline clearing operations are on the rise. Over-pressurization or overfilling of tanks can cause physical damage, pollution and even personal injuries. This article gives an overview of best practices to reduce risks and prevent losses.
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The risk of EV battery fires should not be downplayed
INSIGHT09 NOV 2023
They can be hotter, more toxic, quicker to spread – and possibly more explosive. Most experts agree that lithium battery fires are different and that the risks for people on board are serious. The industry needs to align and collaborate more to address the issue.
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The Hong Kong Convention – will it be a game changer?
INSIGHT09 NOV 2023
The Hong Kong Convention will finally enter into force in 2025, but what does that mean in practice? How will ship recycling practices be impacted, and what will a key recycling nation like Pakistan do? Gard’s Special Adviser Kim Jefferies spoke with Herman Steen, Partner at Wikborg Rein, to get some answers.
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New CII clause – advice to owners and charterers
INSIGHT25 OCT 2023
BIMCO has just issued a new Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) clause for voyage charterparties. Here are the main issues owners and charterers should be aware of.
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Israel-Gaza conflict: contractual implications
INSIGHT17 OCT 2023
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The Israel-Gaza conflict has escalated significantly after Hamas launched a major attack on 7 October. This article answers some of the trade-related and contractual questions shipowners might have in this turbulent and highly volatile situation.
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Increase in stern tube damages - a concerning new trend?
INSIGHT12 OCT 2023
The number of stern tube-related damage claims has increased considerably over the last few years and such damages are now one of the more frequent claim types handled by Gard under the hull and machinery policies. A recent Gard analysis sheds light on the problem.
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Ballast water management – regulations are tightening
INSIGHT28 SEP 2023
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A year from now, all vessels subject to the Ballast Water Management Convention must have an approved ballast water treatment system installed onboard. Is your ship ready for tighter regulations?
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Shifting winds in offshore energy
INSIGHT18 SEP 2023
The energy landscape is changing – and so is the offshore industry. What will the global energy mix look like over the next few decades? How big will offshore wind become, and last but not least, will carbon capture and storage be the climate change solution it promises to be?
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The importance of sampling liquid cargoes
INSIGHT06 SEP 2023
Taking proper samples of liquid cargoes is vital to protect shipowners’ interests when allegations of cargo contamination arise. Here is an overview of how and when to do it.
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Additional mooring ropes – who pays?
INSIGHT29 AUG 2023
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The private Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal implements mooring rope requirements beyond class standards. Our author describes the requirements and discusses whether owners or charterers bear the costs.
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Hot spots for accidents – the risks and locations to be aware of
INSIGHT23 AUG 2023
Navigating a ship has always involved risks, but it is near the shore and in ports where the danger is greatest. A new analysis based on Gard claims data reveals where vessels are most likely to be involved in groundings or collisions.
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Recent developments in the war in Ukraine - the effect on contractual obligations of the cessation of the Black Sea Grain Initiative
INSIGHT09 AUG 2023
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The Black Sea Grain Initiative that allowed grain products to be shipped from Ukrainian Black Sea ports has now ended. Our article focuses on what that means for owners’ and charterers’ contractual obligations.
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An exciting start to a career at sea
INSIGHT26 JUL 2023
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Cadetship is a great way to start your career at sea and for Gard’s latest sponsored cadet, Harriet Harding, it was even more so as she joined the Royal Research Ship Sir David Attenborough for the first sea phase of her cadetship.
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The Geneva Declaration on Human Rights at Sea
INSIGHT19 JUL 2023
History tells us that as with many progressive steps in the area of human rights, change at an institutional or inter-governmental level is driven by committed individuals and non-governmental organisations.
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Beware cargoes which may liquefy not listed in the IMSBC Code
INSIGHT11 JUL 2023
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Gard is aware of a number of cases involving cargoes which may liquefy that are not listed in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code as Group A cargoes and therefore not declared as such by shippers.
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Making the case for nuclear power in shipping
INSIGHT04 JUL 2023
Professor Jan Emblemsvåg of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology recently spoke at the Gard Summer Seminar “Making Waves – geopolitics, energy and the future of shipping.” He is a knowledgeable and outspoken proponent of nuclear power for vessel propulsion and made a strong case for including nuclear reactors in the mix of alternative fuels to power the green transition.
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Bridge resource management – A pilot’s perspective
INSIGHT14 JUN 2023
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From boarding to berthing – our Bergen based author describes the interaction within the bridge-team and concludes that effective communication is key to safe navigation.
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The sailor’s champion: Samuel Plimsoll
INSIGHT02 JUN 2023
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The 'Plimsoll line' is the simplest, yet most extraordinary contributor to maritime safety in the last two centuries.