R A Rohan Rihat

03/07/2025

19/05/2025

into a , typically done using , is a well-coordinated process that ensures the grain is transported efficiently and safely. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how wheat is loaded into a ship:

# # # Preparation

1. Inspection and Cleaning:
- The ship's holds are thoroughly inspected and cleaned to ensure they are free from contaminants that could affect the wheat's quality. Any residues from previous cargoes are removed.

2. Preparing Equipment:
- Loading equipment, such as conveyor belts, elevators, and spouts, is prepared and checked for functionality. This equipment is crucial for transferring wheat from storage facilities to the ship.

# # # Loading Process

1. to Port:
- Wheat is transported to the port from silos or storage facilities using trucks, trains, or barges. At the port, it is stored in large silos or grain elevators until it is ready to be loaded onto the ship.

2. Sampling and Quality Control:
- Before loading, samples of the wheat are taken to check for quality, moisture content, and contaminants. This ensures the wheat meets the required standards for export.

3. to the Ship:
- Wheat is moved from the port storage facilities to the ship using conveyor belts or pneumatic systems. The wheat flows through these systems, which are designed to handle large volumes quickly and efficiently.

4. Loading Into Holds:
- The wheat is directed into the ship’s holds through spouts or loading arms. These spouts can be positioned accurately to distribute the wheat evenly within each hold, preventing uneven weight distribution, which could affect the ship’s stability.

5. Monitoring and Adjustments:
- During loading, operators continuously monitor the process to ensure even distribution and to prevent overloading of any single hold. Adjustments are made as needed to maintain balance.

# # # Ensuring Safety and Compliance

1. Ventilation:
- Proper ventilation is maintained to prevent condensation and moisture buildup, which can spoil the wheat during transit.

2. Dust Control:
- Dust generated during loading is managed using dust control systems to ensure safety and maintain air quality around the loading area.

3. Regulatory Compliance:
- The entire process complies with local and international regulations, including those related to grain handling and maritime safety.

# # # Completion

1. Sealing the Holds:
- Once loading is complete, the holds are sealed to protect the wheat from moisture and pests during the voyage.

2. Documentation:
- All necessary documentation, including quality certificates, weight tickets, and shipping manifests, is prepared and verified. This paperwork is crucial for customs and for the buyer at the destination port.

# # # Technological Advancements

1. Automation:
- Modern ports often use automated systems to streamline the loading process, increasing efficiency and reducing human error.

2. Real-Time Monitoring:
- Advanced monitoring systems provide real-time data on the loading process, allowing for immediate adjustments and ensuring optimal loading conditions.

3. Robust Logistics:
- Integrated logistics and supply chain management systems coordinate the movement of wheat from inland storage to the ship, ensuring timely and efficient operations.

By following these steps and employing advanced technologies, the wheat loading process is designed to be efficient, safe, and compliant with regulatory standards, ensuring that the grain reaches its destination in good condition.

19/05/2025

World’s First Ultramax Methanol-Fueled Bulk Carrier Launched in Japan

On November 22, 2024, the Japanese shipbuilding company Shipbuilding (Fukuyama) launched what is claimed to be the world’s first Ultramax bulk carrier equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of operating on methanol. The is scheduled to be delivered to its owner in the spring of 2025, according to the company’s press release.

The bulk carrier, named Tess66 Aeroline, has a deadweight of 65,700 tons.

Founded in 1917, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding specializes in constructing bulk carriers, container ships, and various types of tankers, as well as ship repair. It is a leading company within the Tsuneishi Group, whose core focus is shipbuilding and marine transportation. The company’s shipyards are located in Japan (Tsuneishi shipyard and headquarters in Fukuyama), the Philippines, and China.

08/04/2025

April 6 2020- Busan Container Terminal
MV MILANO BRIDGE contacted with gantry cranes collapsing one and derailing two gantry cranes.

29/01/2025

𝗕𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

Ballasting is the process of managing ballast water to maintain a vessel's stability, trim, and structural integrity. Ballast water is stored in dedicated tanks and is essential for safe operations, particularly during loading, unloading, and transit. Proper ballasting ensures the ship remains stable, prevents structural stress, and optimizes maneuverability. It also helps achieve the desired draft and trim for efficient fuel consumption and regulatory compliance. This operation is critical for both safety and performance, particularly in rough seas or when navigating in ports with draft restrictions.

The process involves planning the ballast requirements, preparing the system by inspecting equipment and valves, and transferring water using pumps while monitoring stability and trim. Sequential filling or emptying of tanks is used to minimize the free surface effect, which can reduce stability. Challenges include environmental regulations requiring ballast water treatment, risks of overfilling tanks, and the possibility of equipment failures. Adhering to the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) ensures compliance with international standards, preventing the spread of invasive species through ballast discharge.

To ensure safe and effective operations, crew members must follow best practices such as continuous monitoring, regular equipment maintenance, and proper documentation. Training is vital for managing risks and responding to emergencies. By properly executing ballasting operations, ships can navigate safely, maintain efficiency, and meet environmental and port-specific regulations.

28/01/2025

Understanding Vessel Tonnage: What Every Shipping Professional Should Know 🚢

Did you know that a vessel's tonnage isn’t just about its weight? It’s a versatile term that defines size, capacity, and even revenue potential. Here’s a quick dive into the key types of tonnage and why they matter:

🔹 Gross Register Tonnage (GRT): Measures the vessel’s total internal volume (think engine rooms, cargo holds, living spaces) and influences port fees, safety rules, and regulations.

🔹 Net Register Tonnage (NRT): Focuses on cargo-carrying spaces, representing the vessel’s earning capacity.

🔹 Deadweight Tonnage (DWT): The total weight a vessel can safely carry, including cargo, fuel, and provisions. A critical metric for capacity planning.

🔹 Displacement Tonnage: The total weight of the vessel and its contents—commonly used for naval vessels and stability analysis.

🔹 Lightweight Tonnage (LWT): The vessel’s weight without fuel or cargo—important for ship valuation and scrapping.

🔹 Cargo Tonnage: Represents the actual weight or volume of cargo carried.

🔹 Special Canal Tonnage: Used specifically to calculate transit fees for the Panama and Suez Canals.

Why it matters:
Tonnage isn’t just a technical metric—it’s the foundation of operations, commercial decisions, and regulatory compliance in the shipping industry. From port fees to international safety conventions, tonnage affects it all.

28/01/2025

📌The Bridge Wing: An Essential Extension of the Ship’s Bridge👨‍✈️

The bridge wing is an open platform located on both sides of the ship’s bridge. It is designed to provide a clear and unobstructed view of the ship’s surroundings, making it an essential part of the bridge layout. Bridge wings play a vital role in ship navigation, docking, and maneuvering, especially in challenging environments where direct visual assessment is crucial.

Key Features of the Bridge Wing
1. Location and Layout:
• Positioned on the port (left) and starboard (right) sides of the bridge, extending outwards from the enclosed bridge structure.
• Equipped with railings or guardrails for safety.
2. Visibility:
• Provides an excellent line of sight to the ship’s sides, stern, and bow, especially during berthing, anchoring, or navigating in tight waterways.
• Often equipped with mirrors or periscopes to improve visibility of areas that are hard to see directly.
3. Equipment:
• Wing Consoles: Duplicate controls for steering, engine throttle, and thrusters to allow maneuvering directly from the wing.
• Communication Devices: Radios, sound-powered phones, or internal communication systems for relaying information to the bridge team or crew on deck.
• Navigation Aids: Compass repeaters, engine order telegraphs, and binocular stands for enhanced situational awareness.
• Spotlights: Used at night to illuminate the deck or surrounding waters.

Functions of the Bridge Wing
1. Berthing and Unberthing:
• The bridge wing offers a clear view of the pier, helping the master or pilot maneuver the ship safely during docking or undocking.
• Controls on the bridge wing allow precise adjustments to the ship’s position.
2. Anchoring Operations:
• During anchoring, the bridge wing provides an unobstructed view of the anchor and bow area, ensuring the operation is carried out smoothly.
3. Navigation in Narrow Waters:
• While transiting canals, straits, or congested ports, the bridge wing allows the crew to monitor the ship’s sides and maintain safe distances.
4. Mooring Operations:
• The bridge wing offers a vantage point for observing the deck crew during mooring and line-handling operations.
5. Emergency Situations:
• In case of restricted visibility from inside the bridge, such as during a fire or power failure, the bridge wing serves as an alternative control point for maneuvering the ship.

Modern Features of Bridge Wings

In modern ships, bridge wings are equipped with:
• Enclosed Wing Areas: Some vessels have partially or fully enclosed bridge wings to protect operators from harsh weather.
• CCTV Cameras: Allow continuous monitoring of the vessel’s sides without relying solely on the wing.
• Integrated Bridge Systems: Advanced controls and displays, integrated with the main bridge systems for seamless operations.

Challenges on the Bridge Wing
1. Weather Exposure:
• Being an open area, the bridge wing is exposed to harsh weather conditions, including wind, rain, and cold temperatures.
2. Limited Space:
• The platform’s size is restricted, requiring careful coordination during operations involving multiple personnel.
3. Safety Concerns:
• Due to its elevated position, precautions such as anti-slip surfaces and secure railings are critical to prevent accidents.

Importance of the Bridge Wing in Maritime Operations

The bridge wing is an indispensable asset for mariners, providing a hands-on approach to ship handling that complements the high-tech equipment within the enclosed bridge. It is a testament to the balance between traditional seamanship and modern navigation practices, ensuring safety and precision in every operation.

28/01/2025

𝗙𝗨𝗘𝗟 𝗢𝗜𝗟 𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗘𝗥

A fuel oil purifier is essential on ships to ensure the fuel supplied to the engine is clean and free from contaminants like water, sludge, and dirt. It uses centrifugal force to separate impurities based on their densities, protecting the engine from damage and maintaining efficiency. The purifier consists of key components, including a bowl assembly, a stack of conical discs for efficient separation, a gravity disc to manage oil-water separation, and ports for clean fuel and sludge discharge. By spinning the bowl at high speeds, heavier contaminants are flung outward while clean fuel remains near the center.

The purification process begins with heating the fuel to reduce its viscosity, enhancing separation. The heated fuel enters the purifier, where solids and water are separated from the lighter fuel. Purifiers can be categorized into clarifiers (which remove only solids), standard purifiers (which remove both water and solids), and self-cleaning purifiers (which automatically discharge sludge). Proper operation requires selecting the correct gravity disc, maintaining optimal fuel temperature, and ensuring throughput matches the equipment's design.

Regular maintenance is critical for a purifier’s performance. Tasks include cleaning the bowl and disc stack, inspecting seals and bearings, and monitoring operational parameters. Without proper upkeep, issues like clogging, imbalance, or reduced separation efficiency can arise. By ensuring clean fuel delivery, fuel oil purifiers help maintain engine reliability, reduce wear on components, and promote efficient combustion, contributing to the overall safety and performance of maritime operations.

28/01/2025

Boka Vanguard is a semi-submersible heavy-lift vessel with a remarkable deadweight capacity of 117,000 tons. This unique ship, operated by Boskalis, features a 'bowless' design, allowing it to accommodate overhangs on both the bow and stern. It measures 275 meters in length and 70 meters in breadth, offering an expansive open-end deck space ideal for transporting exceptionally heavy and large cargoes such as offshore drilling rigs, oil production platforms, and other substantial structures. This vessel's innovative design and capabilities enable it to serve as an offshore dry-dock facility, providing maintenance and inspection services without the need to return to port, thus minimizing downtime for its cargo.

The ship's versatility and capacity have made it an invaluable asset for various complex maritime operations, including the transport of the Jack/St. Malo oil platform and serving as a floating dry dock for the Carnival Vista cruise ship's repairs.

28/01/2025

“Why is the ship’s bridge dark at night?”

Description: The bridge of a ship is kept dark at night to ensure maximum visibility for navigation. Bright lights inside the bridge can cause reflections on the windows, making it harder for the crew to see external objects like other vessels, buoys, or hazards. This practice, called “dark adaptation,” allows the crew’s eyes to adjust to the low light, improving their ability to spot obstacles or distant lights. Additionally, dim lighting minimizes distractions and helps maintain situational awareness during night operations.

Key Points:
1. Avoiding Glare: Bright lights can reflect off windows, obstructing the crew’s view.
2. Night Vision: A dark environment helps the crew’s eyes adjust to natural light outside.
3. Safety: Clear visibility at night is crucial for identifying nearby vessels, hazards, or navigation aids.
4. Regulations: International maritime practices often require reduced lighting on the bridge during night hours.
5. Focus: A dark bridge minimizes distractions, ensuring the crew stays focused on navigation and radar readings.