What is carbon footprint? A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases that are generated by our actions. It corresponds to the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) that we produced directly and indirectly with our lifestyle and activities. Carbon footprints are usually measured in tons of CO2, during the period of a year.…

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What is carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases that are generated by our actions. It corresponds to the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) that we produced directly and indirectly with our lifestyle and activities.

Carbon footprints are usually measured in tons of CO2, during the period of a year. The average carbon footprint for a person globally is around 4 tons.  The average global carbon footprint per year needs to drop under 2 tons by 2050. In this way, we can avoid a 2-degree rise in global temperatures.

How much carbon footprint have we created over the years?

According to the world In data, more than 400 billion metric tonnes of carbon have been released into the atmosphere. Since 1800, the consumption of fossil fuels has increased carbon emissions. 

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, emissions were very low. Growth in emissions was still relatively slow until the mid-20th century. In 1950, the world emitted 6 billion tonnes of Carbon. By 1990, this had almost quadrupled to 22 billion tonnes. Emissions have continued to grow rapidly. Currently, we are emitting over 36 billion tonnes each year.

Did our current pandemic slow down carbon emissions?

When the World Health Organization officially declared a pandemic on 11 March 2020.  The planet has already warmed by around 1.2C since pre-industrial times. There was an unprecedented reduction in carbon emissions as a result of shutdowns of the economy. Animals returned to big cities and air pollution declined in cities because of the reduction in traffic.

The reported drops in carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases, while helpful, are insufficient to slow climate change.

Alex Hall, professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences at UCLA

However, a reduction in carbon emissions isn’t enough to significantly curb climate change. The emissions have taken place over the past several decades. To affect ongoing and future climate change, the recent emissions drop would have to be sustained over a much longer period than the likely duration of the coronavirus outbreak.

Emissions would need to drop by more than 25% to see a total drop in the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, and thus slow an annual global rise in temperatures.

Tips on reducing carbon emission by yourself

• 1) Reduce energy usage in your home
• 2) Regularly service your car to keep it more efficient
• 3) Replace to LED lights
• 4) Consider the fabric of your clothes purchase.

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What is SPS? SPSTM is a patented structural composite comprising two metal plates bonded with a solid polyurethane elastomer core. The elastomer core provides support to the plates. It enhances buckling capacity and fatigue life of the structure. How can SPS be applied to offshore steel renewal work? For repair and structural strengthening applications, the…

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What is SPS?

SPS^TM is a patented structural composite comprising two metal plates bonded with a solid polyurethane elastomer core. The elastomer core provides support to the plates. It enhances buckling capacity and fatigue life of the structure.

How can SPS be applied to offshore steel renewal work?

For repair and structural strengthening applications, the existing corroded or worn existing corroded or worn plating as one side of the composite panel to which perimeter bars and top plate are fixed to form a cavity into which the elastomer core is injected. The resulting composite fully restores or enhances the strength of the original structure.

SPS is a permanent structural repair solution that is approved by all major classification societies. SPS has completed 5500+ maritime and offshore projects for a wide range of applications. Examples include tank tops, bulkheads, decks, and ramp strengthening.

What are the 3 ways that SPS is a better solution?

1) It is durable

An SPS repair is designed to last for the lifetime of a vessel or structure which has been proven with over 20 years’ experience in the market and thousands of hours of testing.

SPS fully restores and strengthens to build strength with greatly improved impact resistance and fatigued life.

2) It uses lesser steel and lower cos

The top plate required ranges from 4-8mm. Depending on the repair design, the elastomer core thickness is between 20mm–50mm. With continuous elastomer core support, SPS panels remain flat with no local buckling.

Reduced steel requirements mean that SPS reduces the cost of repair in comparison with conventional crop and renewal.

3) It is faster

SPS is a non-disruptive repair, completed in a fraction of the time crop and renewal as SPS uses the existing worn-steelwork to form one side of the composite panel formed by a new top plate and elastomer core.

“Using SPS rather than conventional crop and replace methods reduced our repair schedule by 40%.”

Atle Paulsen Superintendent V.Ships

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The History of Seafaring and Who Created the First Maritime Trading Culture? Our ancestors migrated out of Africa 60,000 to 70,0000 by boats. One of the main reasons that our ancestors ventured out of the land may be due to the lack of food or to search for raw materials. The Phoenician civilization was the…

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The History of Seafaring and Who Created the First Maritime Trading Culture?

Our ancestors migrated out of Africa 60,000 to 70,0000 by boats. One of the main reasons that our ancestors ventured out of the land may be due to the lack of food or to search for raw materials.

The Phoenician civilization was the first to create the first maritime trading culture. They formed a network of colonies and trade centers across the ancient Mediterranean between the period of 1200 BC t0 900Bc. They act as middlemen traders to transport goods such as papyrus, textiles, metals, and spices between the many civilizations with whom they had contact.

When Did Maritime Law First Start and How Is It Benefiting for Seamen?

Maritime Law was first documented at the time of Ancient Egypt. For trade to flourish, ships needed to be able to travel from port to port with a reasonable expectation of safety and fair trade. Ancient Egyptian maritime forces were commanded by trained and experienced marine professionals.

The European Laws of Oleron is created around 1150, which is the oldest regulating medieval shipping in north-western Europe. It is known to has one of the best-known sea laws. One of the laws stated that shipowners are responsible for the living expenses and medical care of seamen.

Due to the nature of the working environment, seamen will be prone to fall ill or be injured in the course of their duties. This law of “maintenance and cure” is still included in current U.S. maritime law.

The Importance of Seafarers in Our Changing World and How Can Maritime Law Help Protect Them?

Seafarers have been the anonymous heroes in our current pandemic. The world relies on them to transport more than 80% of traded goods by volume. Goods such as vital food, medical goods, energy, raw materials, and manufactured goods are moved across the globe with their help. 

At the same time, seafarers have also been collateral victims of the crisis. Due to travel restrictions, it has left tens of thousands of them stranded on ships, or unable to join ships. This has prone IMO to establishing a Seafarer Crisis Action Team. The team is set up to check developments, coordinate efforts, and communicate with all relevant stakeholders.  They provide targeted support in individual cases and particularly urgent situations as well.

Final Takeaway

• 1) Our ancestors ventured out of Africa to search for more food and raw materials.
• 2) The Phoenician civilization was the first to create the first maritime trading culture.
• 3) Maritime Law was first documented at the time of Ancient Egypt.
• 4) The European Laws of Oleron stated that shipowners are responsible for the medical care of seamen.
• 5) IMO set up a Seafarer Crisis Action Team to assist stranded seafarers on ships due to pandemic

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History of the International Labour Organization for the Shipping Industry Shipping has a long history of multinational crewing. One hundred years ago, maritime unions, shipowners, and government representatives sat down to discuss the first moves to regulate this globalized workforce.  They recognize that seafarers would be most effectively protected by a uniform law. After the…

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History of the International Labour Organization for the Shipping Industry

Shipping has a long history of multinational crewing. One hundred years ago, maritime unions, shipowners, and government representatives sat down to discuss the first moves to regulate this globalized workforce.  They recognize that seafarers would be most effectively protected by a uniform law.

After the first World War, there was a strong desire to build a better world. The International Labour Organization (ILO) was formed as part of the Versailles peace treaty. The ILO sought to set global standards for working conditions.

However, there was a recognition that the shipping industry was a special case deserving of special treatment. The ILO decided to devote the whole of its second conference in the following year to maritime matters. The most notable questions about the implementation at sea were the eight-hour day and 48-hour week. It has been adopted as the standard for industry ashore.

The commission’s final draft reached broad agreement on:

• – 48-hour weeks for all except for masters, supervising officers, wireless operators, and cattlemen (the draft had foreseen 56-hour weeks at sea and 48 hours in port)
• – A three-watch system for vessels over 2,000 tons (draft 2,500 tons)
• – Maximum overtime of 14 hours per week or 60 hours per month to be compensated in pay or time off
• – 45-hour weeks for ratings in port, with Saturday limited to five hours

All of these conventions ultimately found their way into the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of 2006. MLC 2006 united the provisions of 36 ILO conventions and one protocol adopted between 1920 and 1996.

What Is the Maritime Labour Convention and How Did It Benefit Our Seafarers?

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) entered into force on 20^th August 2013. It aims to achieve decent work for seafarers and to secure economic interests through fair competition for quality ship owners.

The convention consists of the sixteen articles containing general provisions as well as the Code. The Code consists of five Titles in which specific provisions are grouped by standard (or in Title 5: mode of enforcement):

• – Title 1: Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship
• – Title 2: Conditions of employment
• – Title 3: Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering
• – Title 4: Health protection, medical care, welfare, and social security protection
• – Title 5: Compliance and enforcement

The Maritime Labour Convention provides a comprehensive set of basic maritime labour principles. This ensures all seafarers secure their basic employment rights. The working environment and living conditions have largely improved. They are able to make their opinions known to the shipowner. At the same time, the shipowner has a clear identification of his/her overall responsibility.

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