A new book has been launched covering all the essentials of shipping and in a format that is easy to understand for both newcomers and those wanting to refresh their knowledge and understanding of the industry.
Shipping: An Introduction to the Technical, Operational and Commercial Aspects is a comprehensive and well-planned book from Nigel Draffin, who has been involved in shipping for almost 50 years and with the commercial bunker market for over 25 years. Founder member of the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA), he has served several times on its council of management and executive board, and has served as Chairman.
The book, published by Petrospot, covers the essentials of shipping, taking the reader through manning, safety, training, navigation and communications. It covers classification and insurance, international conventions and maritime law, and it looks at ports, workboats, cranes and dry docks, as well as pilots and agents.
Draffin discusses charter parties and contracts of affreightment, shipbroking and vessel vetting, and the main costs, such as manning, maintenance, insurance and bunkering. He covers sale and purchase, new building and scrapping, as well as ownership structures, mortgages, and public and private ownership issues. Not forgotten are the engines and the propellers, speed and efficiency, emissions regulation and pollution.
The book, which includes a foreword by International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Secretary General Peter Hinchliffe, also provides a handy ‘where to go for help’ section, a glossary of abbreviations and shipping terms, as well as informative appendices illustrating vessel type dimensions and what might be found in voyage and time charter contracts.
Mr Hinchliffe writes: ‘All in all this is a very accomplished piece of work which I am certain will be a great asset to anyone embarking on a carrier in international shipping or wanting to know more about different sectors of this great global industry.’
Mr Draffin is Director of the Oxford Bunker Course and the Oxford Bunker Course (Advanced), a member of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, and Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Fuellers. He is Senior Broker and Technical Manager of US-based broking house LQM Petroleum Services.
He has written extensively about bunkering and previous books include the best-selling and well-respected An Introduction to Bunkering, Commercial Practice in Bunkering, and An Introduction to LNG Bunkering , also published by Petrospot.
