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Bulk Cargo

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Bulk cargo - whether dry or liquid - presents unique challenges in handling, stowage, and transport. From grain and coal to chemicals and oils, these commodities are vulnerable to contamination, shifting, and structural stress during transit.

TT Club emphasises the importance of proper loading procedures, vessel suitability, and cargo condition monitoring to mitigate risks. This page explores common causes of bulk cargo claims and outlines best practices for safe, compliant operations across modes. With careful planning and adherence to industry standards, operators can reduce loss, protect assets, and ensure the integrity of bulk shipments throughout the supply chain.

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If you would like more information on any of these topics, submit an enquiry to our Loss Prevention team. 

 

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Latest resources

TT Talk: Bulk cargo storage fire risks

02/12/2025

TT Talk: Bulk cargo storage fire risks

Dust explosion risk is real and often underestimated. Effective dust control, certified equipment, monitoring systems, and rigorous housekeeping are essential for safety and operational resilience. 
Three large stacked container ships in a row at dusk. Port cranes and some of the sea is also visible

04/09/2025

TT Talk: Industry reports shed new light on container losses at sea

Freight container losses at sea highlight the need for prevention due to environmental, financial, and reputational impacts.  
TT Talk: Bulk Terminal Automation: Enhancing Safety, Accuracy and Resilience

04/08/2025

TT Talk: Bulk Terminal Automation: Enhancing Safety, Accuracy and Resilience

As the maritime industry continues to respond to global pressures, from climate volatility to labour shortages and rising operational costs, bulk cargo terminals are increasingly turning to automation. While container terminals have long been the focus of digital transformation and automation, are bulk terminals beginning to embrace automation as a strategic imperative?
a yellow crane lifting a huge wind turbine blade onto a white a red ship in a blue sea.

09/06/2025

TT Talk: Project cargo risks for ports

Project cargoes, particularly offshore wind components, are a growing business opportunity for ports around the world. But the typically large size and weight of these unusual loads also expose port operators to unprecedented risks of infrastructure damage, business interruption, third party liabilities and personal injury claims.
TT Talk - Container loss

04/06/2024

TT Talk - Container loss

Understand the circumstances that lead to collapse of stow and container loss overboard incidents to mitigate the risks.
TT Talk - transport of plastic pellets

29/11/2023

Environmental threat of the transport of plastic pellets

With the ever-increasing focus on care for the marine environment greater attention must be afforded to the particular risks associated with the transport of microplastic pellets.
TT Talk - Keep it cool

06/06/2023

TT Talk - Keep it cool

Technological advances in digitalisation of process, telematics and smart containers provide opportunities to mitigate risk for the temperature controlled supply chain. However, much still relies on human intervention – and that is the aspect that TT’s claims experience suggests continues to produce losses.

Grain in focus 2024

Grain is more than just a commodity; it’s a vital resource that feeds nations. However, its journey from farm to market is filled with potential hazards. Moisture, temperature changes, pests, and other factors can all pose significant threats to its quality. Without proper care, stored grain can suffer from mould, infestation, or decay, leading to significant losses.

This guide is designed to help Members understand these risks and provide guidance on how to mitigate them.

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