News

Fri, 11 Mar 2011

Lawyer Speaks at Annual Marine Propulsion Conference

Myton Law’s Iain Butterworth spoke yesterday at a major international shipping conference in London on March 9.

Iain was invited to the Annual Marine Propulsion Conference, held in association with Rolls-Royce, to address the conference on the increasing incidence of engine failure from a legal perspective.

The two day conference addressed the marine engineering operational challenges facing ship owners. It was attended by owners, ship builders, regulators, consultants, academics and designers from all over the world, including high profile names like P&O Ferries. CMA UK and Maersk Line.

Iain was the only UK lawyer to speak at the event. “Incidents of main engine failures appear to be on the increase,” Iain said. “ My presentation drew on my experience of being instructed in engine-failure related legal cases, to explain that, though the consequences of failure are obvious, the causes are sometimes less so and the true cause is often only be established by thorough and detailed investigation.”

Other topics covered during the event had some relevance to Iain’s conclusion that vessel main engine failure incidents were on the increase. “The rapid advance in engine development is just one of the key factors influencing the increase in failure. The advance has been brought about by the implementation of legislation to deal with levels of emissions from engines. The rate of technological advancement appears to be increasing to meet the deadlines imposed by the legislation so I anticipate that the increase in failure of engines will follow – time will tell”.