Maritime Labour Convention : 20 years of advancing social dialogue and decent work at sea

 

23 February 2026

 
 
Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson (centre) acted as spokesman for the seafarers' group in his role as ITF seafarers' section vice chair during the MLC amendment negotiations in Geneva in April 2025. Image: ILO

Joint statement from the International Labour Organization, the International Chamber of Shipping, and International Transport Workers' Federation on the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention 

On the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, we jointly reaffirm our commitment to the principles and protections it embodies and recognise the profound impact it has had on seafarers and on global shipping.  

The MLC consolidated and modernised around 70 maritime labour instruments into a single, comprehensive international framework. In doing so, it established enforceable minimum standards for wages, hours of

Seguir leyendo

Reefer Engineer Essentials: System Operation Tips

marine public

Refrigeration cycles, equipment tricks and troubleshooting tactics


QUICK ANSWER: REEFER REFRIGERATION ESSENTIALS

The Four-Stage Refrigeration Cycle:
• Compression – raises vapor pressure from low to high, enabling heat rejection
• Condensation – converts high-pressure vapor to liquid by removing heat
• Expansion – drops liquid pressure to enable evaporation at low temperature
• Evaporation – absorbs heat from cargo space as liquid becomes vapor

Critical System Components:
► Compressor: Reciprocating (most common) or screw type for vapor compression
► Condenser: Shell-and-tube water-cooled or air-cooled with fans for heat rejection
► Expansion Valve: Thermostatic type maintains 5°C superheat at evaporator outlet
► Evaporator: Tube coil absorbs cargo space heat through refrigerant evaporation
► Receiver: Stores liquid refrigerant between condenser and expansion valve

Superheat and Sub-Cooling Basics:
• Superheat ensures only vapor enters compressor (prevents liquid damage)
• Normal superheat range: 5°C to 10°C at evaporator outlet
• Sub-cooling ensures 100% liquid flow to expansion valve (prevents vapor formation)
• Occurs in condenser and liquid line before expansion

Seguir leyendo

OOW Cargo Watch Duties on Bulk Carriers Explained

Essential supervision tasks for safe cargo operations and hold management

 

QUICK ANSWER: OOW MAIN DUTIES DURING BULK CARRIER CARGO OPERATIONS

Hold Preparation and Inspection:
• Inspect all cargo spaces for cleanliness and readiness before loading
• Test bilge pump suctions ensuring proper function
• Check hold lighting throughout all compartments
• Verify dunnage correctly laid if required for cargo type
• Examine spar ceiling and limber boards condition
• Confirm ventilation systems operational
• Check drainage and scupper systems clear

Hatch Cover Operations:
► Open hatch covers when weather permits following safe procedures
► Secure covers in correct stowed position with locking devices
► Ensure stowage bay clear before opening operations
► Monitor eccentric wheels, locking pins and securing arrangements
► Close and secure hatches at end of operations
► Lock all hatch access points after completion

Cargo Monitoring and Supervision:
• Regular checking holds loaded or discharged correctly
• Note cargo parcels being loaded for

Seguir leyendo

Buque Escuela "Christian Radich"

 

Buque escuela de la Marina Cvil de Noruega

History

 

Christian Radich was built by Framnæs Mech. Yard in 1937. She was built as a sail training ship: the orlops (dormitories) had capacity for berthing 80-90 students (maximum 80 today after renovation), a large galley for learning to cook, carpentry training, and earlier there was also a machine shop on board (where the galley is now) for the training of engineers. The purpose of the training ship was to train sailors. Sailing-ships were the usual vessels around the turn of the century and that is why the sailing ships continued as a school ship later on.

Christian Radich

 

Even though the initiator to build Christian Radich is often referred to as “Captain”, his profession was general manager

Seguir leyendo

What Are Freight Rates?

 

 

 

Freight Rates

What Are Freight Rates?

Freight rates are the agreed costs charged by carriers for transporting goods between an origin and a destination. In maritime container logistics, freight rates typically refer to ocean freight rates, which cover the movement of containers by sea and may include a variety of surcharges, local fees, and terminal handling charges.

Freight shipping rates vary by route, container type, cargo characteristics, contract terms, and market conditions. While a general freight rate provides a baseline for shipping costs, most logistics professionals rely on freight rate calculators and digital systems to determine the actual cost per shipment.

Key Takeaways

  • Freight rates represent the cost of transporting cargo from point A to point B, a core component of landed cost.
  • They

    Seguir leyendo