Asbestos On Ships – The Facts

Lucion Group

11th January, 2021

Webinar on the management of asbestos in a post IHM environment

It is now widely accepted that a larger than expected number of the ships inspected have asbestos on board in various forms - wall panelling, insulation, paint and gaskets among others. The question for ship owners and technical managers is how best to deal with it keeping the crew safe and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, Class, Flag, charterer, financier and ultimately, the recycler.

Shipmanagement International in association with Lucion Marine invites you to join our 1-hour webinar to help you keep your fleet fully compliant by answering your questions about asbestos onboard, offering factual guidance for owners on practical and pragmatic remedies, using real-life examples and a panel of experts.

The webinar will take place on 26th January at 09:30 GMT and is free to attend. Use this link to register online.

Who is leading the discussion?

The webinar will feature key maritime leaders representing a prominent ship manager, the world’s second-largest flag administration, maritime lawyers specialised in both ship recycling regulations and the insurance chain and our own accomplished maritime asbestos management expert.

The webinar panel includes:

Vikas Goel, Senior Marine Superintendent, Anglo-Eastern
Thomas Klenum, Senior Vice President, Maritime Operations, For the Deputy Commissioner of Maritime Affairs, Republic of Liberia
Jonathan Bruce, Partner, HFW
Stephen Drury, Partner, HFW
Kevan O’Neill, Marine Services Director, Lucion Marine

The conversation will be moderated by Sean Moloney, Publisher, Ship Management International who brings thorough understanding, enthusiasm and objectivity to the topic.

Why is this webinar needed now?

Many of the ships falling under the scope of the EU SRR are now in possession of an IHM, either certified by an RO or in the process of certification. It is now widely accepted that a larger than expected number of the ships inspected have asbestos on board in various forms - wall panelling, insulation, paint and gaskets among others.

The question for ship owners and technical managers is how best to deal with it, keeping the crew safe and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, class, flag, charterer, financier and ultimately, the workers tasked with dismantling the vessel during recycling.

Asbestos on board is a real and topical issue for shipowners. John Stawpert, Manager (Environment and Trade) at the International Chamber of Shipping recently commented:

The dangers of asbestos are well known, and shipowners generally are experienced in managing it safely. The recommended removal of asbestos that contravenes SOLAS within three years of identification can present challenges both in terms of safety and cost, and this, therefore, requires pragmatism on behalf of all those involved, particularly the flag and shoreside authorities.

"Principles for the sound management of asbestos are well established, and amply covered by MSC/Circ.1045, and these should be followed where the material is identified.

Similarly, the development of Inventories of Hazardous Materials in accordance with the Hong Kong Convention and industry guidance facilitates the identification and subsequent sound management of asbestos where it is found on board, and this can strengthen safety for crews and other personnel working onboard ships where asbestos is present."

Shipmanagement International is hosting this webinar in association with Lucion Marine where there will be online discussion to help owners and managers understand what John Stawpert refers to above as ‘sound management’ of asbestos onboard, offering practical guidance and pragmatic remedies, using real-life examples and a panel of experts.

Who is the webinar for?

Shipowners and ship managers, fleet directors, technical superintendents who have identified the presence of asbestos during the IHM process.
Representatives from Class, Flag, shipping associations and regulators.