Safedor, a new European research project, is set to revolutionise the world of ship design by advocating a holistic and risk-based approach to maritime safety. By making safety a design objective rather than the present prescriptive approach that simply satisfies rules, Safedor believes its ideas will lead to greater innovation from the outset and offer a cost efficient way to enhance safety. 

Next year cement unloading at the Korean port of Pyongtak-Danjing will be smoothed by a Siwertell mechanical screw-type shipunloader from MacGregor. It will ensure an efficient, reliable and environment-friendly operation.

Iridium Satellite announced that it has certified the EMA Group’s BlueTraker Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) ship terminal to provide LRIT services over the Iridium satellite network.
All vessels of 300 gross tonnage and above on international voyage need to comply with LRIT regulations. The Iridium certification parallels the flag state approvals currently underway, ensuring that the EMA BlueTraker system adheres to IMO rules.

Cunard Line’s decision to apply the underwater hull of its transatlantic ocean liner QUEEN MARY 2 with International Paint’s fluoropolymer foul release coating Intersleek 900 has resulted in lower fuel bills and fewer emissions.
The advanced fluoropolymer technology is outperforming silicone-based self-polishing copolymers offering a “significant improvement” over the older system.

Described as ‘a state-of-the-art’ engine factory, Qingdao Qiyao Wartsila MHI Linshan Marine Diesel Co. (QMD) - the realisation of a joint venture between Wärtsilä, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries - has opened in Qingdao.
With a very healthy orderbook worth some $260 million, engines on order are mainly of the Wärtsilä RT-flex50, RT-flex60C and RT-flex82C, and Mitsubishi UEC50 engine types. These are all destined for Chinese shipyards.

During April Wärtsilä strengthened its network in The Netherlands by opening a larger service centre in Ijmuiden and introducing the Wärtsilä Land & Sea Academy to the country with a new training facility located in Waalwijk.
The company now has nine facilities throughout The Netherlands, while there are now 10 Wärtsilä Land & Sea Academies globally.

Lloyd’s Register has appointed former liner shipping director Tom Boardley to head up its global marine activities. His role is to oversee worldwide business development, the production of products portfolio and the definition of commercial, technical and marketing policy, giving direction for global capability and performance.