Insight

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The 'Plimsoll line' is the simplest, yet most extraordinary contributor to maritime safety in the last two centuries.