Hatch Seal Solution for Chemical and Crude Oil Tankers

Wednesday, 28th May 2025

Beldam Crossley, a global leader in sealing solutions for critical industrial applications, has announced its DNV-certified Pilot® Lidpack® 3801L hatch seal – the only product of its kind is recommended for use with Naphtha in crude oil transportation. This pioneering seal is proven in the marine industry for safety, environmental compliance, and cargo integrity.

With over 40,000 chemical tankers operating worldwide, transporting hazardous cargoes such as crude oil, methanol, and benzene, the need for robust, leak-free sealing has never been greater. Beldam Crossley is the only seal manufacturer globally to manufacture recommended hatch seals for Naphtha, reaffirmed through DNV retesting certification every ten years and which is a game-changer for the industry.

The Lidpack® range, available in 3800 and 3801L, offers an energised rubber core and several proprietary materials, including a chemically inert wrap of PTFE for maximum chemical resistance. Braided PTFE yarn for strength and abrasion resistance and outer layers of PTFE for total impermeability are other key USP’s of the range.

This results in zero leakage from hatch lid operations, which has earned the product certifications from both DNV and the U.S. Coast Guard, and Lloyds registered.

Designed for marine chemical and solvent transportation, Lidpack® sets a new industry benchmark for reliability, environmental stewardship, and onboard safety. In just 18 months, all major shipping companies in Istanbul have converted to Beldam Crossley seals, eliminating the risk of leaking hatches and avoiding fines linked to failed pressure build-up tests.

“Leaks not only endanger marine ecosystems and crew but also lead to significant financial penalties for the captain and the ship itself. A failed pressure test requires either immediate repair or vessels face costly delays and regulatory fines of 10% of the total cargo value which we have seen imposed into the thousands of pounds and leaving port delays, “said Lee O’Connor, Marine sales executive at Beldam Crossley.

In 2024 alone, Beldam Crossley resolved six major hatch leak incidents across six international fleets, reinforcing its commitment to global maritime safety. The company also supports retrofit solutions for vessels worldwide, helping operators remain compliant and efficient.

Additionally, the Lidpack® solution helps prevent the costly sea and rain water ingress into the cargo holds, contaminating shipments. Hatch leakage and ingress are plaguing the sea transport industry. Beldam Crossley Ltd Lidpack is the cure.

Beldam Crossley continues to lead with innovation and responsibility, providing cutting-edge solutions that protect cargo, crew, and the marine environment.

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Beldam Crossley Ltd

Ecocoast offers sustainable mooring solutions

Wednesday, 21st May 2025

With World Biodiversity Day and inspiration from ‘Ocean’ with David Attenborough, it is time to rethink how we anchor our seas?

By Michael Sims, Area Business Developer, Ecocoast

As the world marks World Biodiversity Day, Sir David Attenborough’s new film, Ocean, offers a powerful reminder: “the most vital place on our planet is not on land, but beneath the waves”. The ocean is our planet’s life-support system, home to more than 80% of Earth’s biodiversity, a regulator of climate and a source of food and livelihoods for billions.

Yet, as Attenborough so vividly shows, the ocean is under threat. While overfishing and plastic pollution make headlines, one of the most overlooked dangers to marine ecosystems is the way we anchor our boats and marine infrastructure. Traditional mooring systems – heavy chains and concrete blocks – drag across the seabed, scouring fragile habitats like seagrass meadows and coral reefs. These scars not only destroy biodiversity but also diminish the ocean’s ability to store carbon and buffer the impacts of climate change.

Why does this matter?

Coral reefs, for example, cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support over 25% of all marine species, and in addition, provide billions in economic value through fisheries and tourism. Seagrass meadows are among the planet’s most efficient carbon sinks. When these habitats are damaged, we lose not only biodiversity but also crucial ecosystem services that benefit humanity.

Ocean with David Attenborough is not just a warning – it is a call to action. He shows that the ocean has a remarkable ability to recover if given the chance. In marine reserves where protection is enforced, coral and fish populations have rebounded, demonstrating that effective stewardship can reverse decades of damage.

Innovation for marine protection: Sustainable mooring solutions

One area where innovation is making a real difference is in the development of sustainable mooring systems. Working in collaboration with marine biologist Dr. Aaron Bartholomew of the American University of Sharjah, our team has developed Ecoreef – an eco-engineered mooring block designed from environmentally friendly concrete. Unlike conventional mooring blocks, Ecoreef is engineered to enhance marine ecosystems, providing shelter for coral and juvenile fish and mimicking natural reef structures to encourage the formation of new marine communities.

Paired with Ecomoor, a neutrally buoyant mooring line that floats above the seabed, these systems prevent the destruction caused by traditional moorings. Instead of dragging and scouring the ocean floor, they protect sensitive habitats and actively support the recovery of marine life.

Ecocoast – Mooring Comparison Infographic

The impact: Real-world results

These solutions are not theoretical. In the Red Sea – a region renowned for its unique coral reefs – over 60 installations of Ecomoor have already been deployed, protecting nearly 1,700 meters of sensitive habitat. These projects support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including “Life Below Water”, “Climate Action” and “Responsible Consumption and Production”.

A path forward for biodiversity and climate

If we are serious about halting and reversing biodiversity loss, we must address not only the visible threats but also the hidden ones, like outdated mooring practices. Small changes in marine infrastructure can yield outsized benefits for our planet. As Attenborough reminds us, “If we save the sea, we save our world”.

This World Biodiversity Day, I urge policymakers, industry leaders and the boating community to embrace sustainable mooring solutions. By rethinking how we anchor our seas, we can protect biodiversity, enhance ecosystem resilience and ensure that future generations inherit a thriving ocean.

For more information on the sustainable mooring solutions, contact Ecocoast at info@ecocoast.com or visit www.ecocoast.com.

About Ecocoast

Ecocoast is a global leader in innovative solutions for safer, cleaner and more sustainable coastlines and waterways. Since 1998, Ecocoast has been at the forefront of environmental protection, safety and security applications, delivering marine solutions to clients in over 65 countries.

Driven by a commitment to sustainability, Ecocoast’s mission is to design and deliver solutions that monitor, protect and regenerate marine environments, guided by the Ecocoast 4Ds ethos: Design, Develop, Deliver and Drive Change.

Every solution is custom-designed by Ecocoast’s in-house engineering team for optimal performance. With a fully integrated, turnkey approach, Ecocoast champions sustainability and leads industry change by raising awareness about the importance of coastal and waterway regeneration. Working hand-in-hand with stakeholders, Ecocoast creates long-term, positive impacts on the environment and the communities they serve.

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RNLI Ex-Service Boat for Sale

Wednesday, 14th May 2025

RNLI Ex-Service Boat for Sale, all weather Trent Class, £110,000

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Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers accredits new teaching centre

Tuesday, 13th May 2025

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) is proud to announce that its long-standing partner, Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA), has officially been accredited as an International Teaching Centre (ITC).

This recognition follows a comprehensive audit led by Krishnan Subramaniam FICS, Vice Chairman of ICS, and Ali Canani FICS, Chairman of the ICS Middle East Branch. The achievement marks a significant milestone for ADMA, solidifying its role as a hub for professional maritime education in the Middle East region.

“The ADMA team is fully deserving of this recognition,” said Krishnan Subramaniam FICS. “Their dedication to quality education and professional development in the maritime sector has been evident throughout our long-standing partnership. We are excited about the new opportunities this accreditation will unlock across the Middle East maritime network.”

Strengthening Global Maritime Education

ICS supports a global community of students through its extensive branch network, Recognised Partners and International Teaching Centres, spanning key maritime centres around the world. With ADMA’s addition, the UAE now joins this prestigious list of fully-accredited centres, further expanding access to ICS’s globally respected curriculum.

Capt. Muhammad Khurshid Khalid FICS, Director of Logistics & Survey at ADMA, expressed his pride:

“This accreditation represents a significant milestone for me as well as for Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy. It is a testament to our commitment to excellence in training and education and demonstrates our capability to deliver high-calibre education in line with global standards.

“We are excited to continue working with the ICS team to develop and deliver programmes that make a meaningful impact in the field of maritime education. This accreditation will enable us to expand our offerings, enhance our reputation and provide students with valuable opportunities for growth and development.”

Local Impact, Global Standards

The Logistics & Survey Department at ADMA, led by Capt. Khalid FICS, has played a central role in building the relationship with ICS. Over the past five years, the department has regularly delivered ICS-accredited programmes, including the Foundation and Advanced Diplomas.

To date, 63 Emiratis have completed the ICS Foundation Diploma, four have attained the Advanced Diploma and one candidate has achieved full ICS Membership (MICS). Over the past three years, ADMA has consistently delivered outstanding results in the ICS Foundation Diploma examinations.

Ali Canani FICS welcomed ADMA to the global ITC family and emphasised the region’s growing role in international shipping. “The accreditation of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy as an ICS International Teaching Centre marks a strong step forward in reinforcing the Institute’s presence across the Middle East. Their record of student success and high-quality facilities reflects the calibre of partners driving maritime excellence in the region. This development highlights the growing role of professional education in supporting the sector’s long-term progress. As ICS Middle East Branch, we look forward to working closely with ADMA in the years ahead to further strengthen maritime capability across the region.”

About the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is the only internationally recognised professional body in the commercial maritime arena representing shipbrokers, ship managers, agents, and all members of the shipping industry worldwide. Founded in 1911 and awarded a Royal Charter in 1920, it boasts 27 branches in key locations worldwide with over 3,000 individual Fellows and Members. The Institute sets and examines the syllabus for membership, providing the shipping industry with a constant stream of highly qualified professionals. Members of the Institute are committed to maintaining the highest professional standards across the shipping industry and, as part of a professional body, and enjoy the benefits of an enhanced career in the shipping industry.

65/66 Queen Street, London, EC4R 1EB +44 (0) 20 7357 9722, education@ics.org.uk | https://www.ics.org.uk/

About Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA)

Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA) is a premier initiative by Abu Dhabi Ports Group (ADPG) for the advancement of maritime industry in the United Arab Emirates. Under the dynamic leadership of its President, Dr. Yasser Al Wahedi, ADMA provides world-class maritime education and training for the next generation of maritime industry leaders in the UAE and the region. ADMA is the region’s first one-stop shop for all types of supply chain training, academics, consultancy, research, and development. It is a one-of-a-kind center of excellence dedicated to developing world-class national, regional, and international cadres. The faculty and support staff, with internationally recognized qualifications, certifications, experience, and competencies bring their extensive industry experience and technical expertise to the classrooms, workshops, and the simulator areas.

Dedicated to excellence, Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy places emphasis on maritime knowledge dissemination by delivering academic programmes, training programmes and quality courses of the highest standard which are accredited locally and internationally. The training programmes offered by Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy (ADMA) are accredited locally with the Ministry of Education (MoE) UAE, the local Classification Society Tasneef-RINA & the Federal Maritime Authority (FMA) UAE. ADMA courses are also internationally accredited with the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) U.K, Lloyds Register (LR), the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) U.K, the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) International U.K, and the Maritime Training Academy (MTA) U.K. These courses attract school leavers and professionals into the maritime sectors that are pivotal to Abu Dhabi Ports Cluster’s plan to position Abu Dhabi as a global maritime hub.

https://www.admacademy.ae/

DLM Expands Machine Shop

Thursday, 8th May 2025

Dynamic Load Monitoring (UK) Ltd. (DLM) has expanded its machine shop in Vancouver Wharf, Southampton and increased staff numbers, to meet demand for load pins.

A state-of-the-art suite of machining and milling equipment already gave DLM full control of its manufacturing processes, reducing lead times, but a newly installed Doosan Puma 3100LY computer numerical control (CNC) lathe will further boost capacity. It joins an existing lathe and a mill, in addition to a band saw and other CNC equipment shared with a sister business. DLM now employs three machinists, two operating lathes and another working with the mill. A technical manager and technical director oversee operations.

DLM has supplied load cells plus load monitoring and cable working equipment to the lifting, rigging, wind energy, and wider renewables sector for a decade. Previously, DLM would source the raw material — typically 17-4PH stainless steel — and outsource to a machinist that would machine the load cell billet according to drawings produced by the in-house design team. DLM would then complete strain gauging, assembly, proof load testing, and calibration.

Martin Halford, managing director at DLM, said: “A lot has happened in the year since we moved into the new [machine] shop. We had planned future expansion to gain more capacity and to be able to increase the size of the load pins we can manufacture, but the opportunity came up to purchase this machine ahead of time. We have seen an upturn in the number of custom load pins we have been manufacturing and expanded CNC capacity will empower us even further.”

DLM’s load pins are typically custom designed to meet clients’ specific physical size requirements. The new lathe enables DLM to machine larger pins, both in length and diameter; the product also has a Y-axis, enabling the machining of more detail, which wasn’t possible with the other lathe. The addition effectively doubles machining capacity.

Halford added: “While our [load] pin orders come from a myriad of sectors, we are seeing an ongoing uptick in demand from offshore industries. Speed is critical when dealing with the offshore market, as increased time often means huge increases in costs when a ship is not able to operate. Larger capacity gives us more scope to better handle bigger batches in-house and gives us full control over our supply chain as we approach the point where we are a fully vertically integrated operation.”

The machine shop expansion chimes with the company joining the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register (JOSCAR), which means it is approved to work on aerospace, defence, and security contracts, such as those overseen by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) and its supply chain partners. It is also a member of Make UK Defence, which champions the UK’s innovative and diverse defence and security manufacturers, along with the world-class supply chain that underpins them.

DLM’s Halford also confirmed plans for investment in testing capability at its calibration workshop.

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Month: May 2025

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