The use of standardised containers for much of global trade has become second nature; the range of cargo types utilising such units continues to expand. There is significant reliance placed by the various stakeholders on the overall integrity of the concept, some explicit and some implicit.
TT Club continually seeks to understand the risks faced in the transport and logistics industry, providing relevant and targeted loss prevention advice to operators as appropriate. This article focuses on the findings of recent analysis into the risks faced by container terminals.
The recent reports of container ship fires has once more focussed those in the container supply chain on safety issues related to the incorrect processing of dangerous goods. The nascent Cargo Integrity campaign initiated by the international transport and logistics insurer, TT Club has as a consequence gained renewed impetus.
TT Talk - Fire and explosions in containers
04/09/2018
Sources suggest that container fires may occur on a weekly basis and statistics indicate there is a major container cargo fire at sea roughly every 60 days. Tackling fires and subsequent investigations are complex activities.
TT Talk - Containers: trading risks
05/12/2017
An estimated two million containers are sold annually by container shipping lines and leasing companies. They may be re-purposed for a wide range of applications or carry on their working life in the shipping industry.
Concerns have been raised over recent years that the movement of shipping containers facilitates the spread of pests adversely impacting sensitive environments. Both the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have now given endorsement to joint industry guidelines concerning container cleanliness.
Qatar update
08/06/2017
The recent action against Qatar by a growing number of countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain on 5th June 2017 is likely to affect a number of TT Club Members as they undertake their normal business operations. The situation appears more likely to affect the TT Club's NVOC, Freight Forwarder, Container line operator and logistics company Members, but Ports and Terminal operator Members could also be impacted in respect of affected cargos passing through their facilities. At this stage it is too early to tell.
European Shipping Week will take place in Brussels from 27 February to 2 March and there delegates will focus on the correct packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs) and the safety issues that result from poor work practices.
TT Talk - Unfair Contract Terms in Australia
01/11/2016
The Australian government has passed legislation extending protection against unfair terms in standard form contracts beyond consumers to Australian small businesses.
New 'Guidelines for the Carriage of Calcium Hypochlorite in Containers' are intended to allow the carriage of calcium hypochlorite under controlled circumstances, to ensure that it is properly declared, packaged, packed and carried.
TT Club Sponsor The Loadstar Podcast: VGM
06/06/2016
The Loadstar Podcast May edition focuses on the work being undertaken in the UK with shippers, forwarders and ports, all preparing for the rapidly approaching legislation deadline. A round table discussion with DP World Southampton's commercial director, Aart Hille Riis Lambers, TT Club's Peregrine Storrs-Fox and BIFA policy and compliance manager Robert Windsor.