Transport communications

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Collaboration the Key to Safer Transport of Dangerous Goods

August 19, 2022 by

Further support to comprehensive safety guidance issued by a collective of organisations late last year has been received through its endorsement by the International Chemical Transport Association (ICTA).

Drawing on the combined expertise and experience in the movement of dangerous goods around the world, several global trade organisations — International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA), International Vessel Owners Dangerous Goods Association (IVODGA), National Cargo Bureau (NCB) and World Shipping Council (WSC) – jointly issued a White Paper entitled, ‘Safety Guidance for Dangerous Goods Storage and Handling Facilities’¹ in December last year.

A number of influential industry stakeholders² have subsequently endorsed the Guidelines and now the International Chemical Transport Association (ICTA) can be added to the list. Richard Steele, CEO of ICHCA welcomed the additional support,

”To make a real difference to the standards of safety in supply chains that feature hazardous materials, it is vital to reach all involved and create a critical mass of like-minded partners. The endorsement of our work by such an authoritative voice as ICTA is therefore decidedly welcome.”

A pivotal element of the White Paper is a Warehouse Checklist. A practical management tool, the Checklist format is a significant addition to the other elements of the White Paper. Broken down into eight key functional areas of operation, its fourteen-pages are designed to be comprehensive yet easily digestible as an everyday device for maintaining safety management vigilance. 

For its part ICTA sees the White Paper and the safety efforts it represents as a step forward in guiding operators to improve their already high standards, “Chemical supply chains rely on an interplay of different actors to deliver dangerous goods safely across the globe,” commented Douglas Leech, Chair of the ICTA Transport & Security Committee. “Chemical distributors cooperate closely with logistical and warehousing companies to make this happen. These guidelines will help them to jointly prevent incidents in their warehouses – keeping workers, neighbors, and the environment safe.”

¹ Both the Dangerous Goods Warehousing White Paper and Checklist are downloadable from here https://ichca.com/warehousing-safety-guidance

² Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), Bureau International des Containers (BIC), Container Owners Association (COA), Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA), Danish Shipping, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association (FIATA), International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I) and Through Transport Mutual Insurance Association Ltd (TT Club).

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.

Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

About ICTA

The International Chemical Trade Association (ICTA) represents the global chemical distribution industry and promotes safe and sustainable chemical supply chains. The chemical distribution industry has an important role in enabling chemistry to make a positive societal impact. Aside from taking responsibility for their own operations, chemical distributors interact with their customers and suppliers to help them to work more safely and securely. Based on their deep knowledge of chemicals and global markets, chemical distributors enable innovative chemical supply chains that deliver low-impact products invaluable for global welfare. For more information visit www.icta-chem.org.

Filed Under: ICHCA

ICHCA joins Container Cleanliness Industry Advisory Group

July 13, 2022 by

World food security and biodiversity is at risk from contaminating pests.  Plant pests and diseases are responsible for the loss of up to 40% of global food crops and trade losses exceeding $22bn annually.

The lead UN body, the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures has created a phytosanitary expert Focus Group to look at potential pest contamination on sea containers.  Recognising the need for supply chain input, they asked industry to form a Container Cleanliness Industry Advisory Group (CCIAG) to provide advice, suggestions and recommendations on:

  • cleanliness of the interior and exterior of intermodal freight containers and their cargoes
  • risks of pest contamination in the international containerized supply chain.

We are pleased to report that our application to join the CCIAG has been accepted. Managing contaminating pests is best approached through collective effort that includes plant protection, industry and other stakeholders. Critically, ICHCA’s role is to work with stakeholder partners to ensure safety is “baked in” to the delivery of practical and sustainable outcomes.

Next steps… a major International  workshop on reducing the introduction of pests through the sea container pathway, London, UK on 19-20 September 2022.

Contact us at secretariat@ichca.com for more information about the conference.

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.


Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

Filed Under: ICHCA

ICHCA Welcomes MSC as New Associate and Board Member

June 22, 2022 by

The global association representing cargo handling companies, ICHCA International (ICHCA) is delighted to welcome Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the world’s largest container shipping line as a new member with representation on its Board of Directors

15 June 2022

As a leading voice in a crucial sector of the global supply chain, ICHCA brings together a wide range of players that perform a vital role in driving the world economy.  The added knowledge and experience that the number one container shipping line brings will be a tremendous asset in carrying out ICHCA’s primary mission of maintaining and improving safety in all aspects of cargo handling.

Dirk Van de Velde is MSC’s Chief EHSQ Officer and will be take up a board position at ICHCA.  “MSC has determined the Environmental, Health, Safety and Security Quality Governance topics (EHSQ) that are most relevant to our business, we have identified our priorities and are building on communication with the maritime stakeholders.  Our membership of ICHCA is a logical step following this assessment and the expansion of our activities,” commented Van de Velde. “In addition, we want to help address the increasing risks and calamities in the maritime supply chain today. In 2010 we created the Cargo Incident Notification System or CINS organization, however since then serious calamities have only increased.  We are joining ICHCA because of its focus on EHSQ and to contribute to its related proactivity.”

With its wealth of online resources, guidance and training programmes as well as an active Technical Panel, which constantly initiates and researches innovations and best practice across safety and operational efficiency issues, ICHCA has attracted corporate and individual members from all sectors of the supply chain where cargo is moved. 

ICHCA’s has privileged NGO status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Labour Organization (ILO) and other key UN agencies which allows it, on behalf of its members to monitor, contribute to, and influence the development of regulations and guidelines that impact cargo handling and movement worldwide.

“We at ICHCA are proud of the role we have in improving industry standards through coalescing the expertise and knowledge of the world class organizations that make up our membership.  The addition of MSC to that number is a significant positive step in exerting our collective influence over that improvement,” commented ICHCA’s CEO Richard Steele.  “To count MSC within our number provides additional evidence of ICHCA’s expanding reach across all aspects of the vast business of moving cargo around the world.”

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.

Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

Filed Under: ICHCA

Proliferation of innovation in supply chain safety encapsulated in Awards Digest

May 31, 2022 by

TT Club and ICHCA’s concerted efforts to encourage improved levels of safety across the supply chain have brought significant results as evidenced by the number and quality of projects entered into the 2021 Innovation in Safety Awards.  The results of the over 30 organisations submitting their initiatives have now been compiled into a Digest to allow their full potential to be realised across the industry.

London, 31st May 2022

Initiated in 2016 and hosted by ICHCA International, the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award has been designed not just to recognise excellence in the field but above all to both encourage further resource to be invested in resolving safety issues, and to allow ground-breaking research and development to be accessed by all those operating the global supply chain.

“It is vital that the phenomenal work being carried out by the organisations that enter these Awards be made available to others who can benefit from the improved safety measures that are on display,” says Richard Steele, ICHCA’s CEO. “Consequently, we have produced this Innovation in Safety Awards Digest, which brings together details of a wide variety of products and procedures that achieve a demonstrable improvement in cargo handling and transport safety.” A copy of the Digest in PDF form is available for download HERE

TT Club, as a prominent freight transport insurer, and ICHCA International, the association representing cargo handlers, have long worked together to identify and promote operational safety in the industry.  They consistently generate safety advice and support innovation to improve safety in cargo operations and logistics.

“Our dedication to improve safety standards in the global transport and logistics industry continually is part of the core mission of TT Club as a mutual insurer specialising in liability and asset covers for freight transport and cargo handling operators and cargo handlers,” explains Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT’s Risk Management Director.  “Founding and continuing to support this Innovation in Safety Award programme is central to who TT is and it has been rewarding to see a record number of submissions in 2021.  VIKING Life-Saving Equipment A/S was announced the winner for its HydroPen system designed to fight onboard container fires. But it is vital that all the innovations that were entered should be profiled in full through this Digest.” 

Submissions to the Award programme have ranged in focus from bulk cargo handling to securing containers and their cargoes; from safety reporting and education to the correct handling of dangerous materials; from environmental monitoring to fire detection and suppression. The Digest demonstrates the energy deployed globally in enhancing safety and the quality of developments.  It is hoped its publication will further encourage the industry’s commitment to safety efforts throughout the supply chain as a whole.

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.

Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

About TT Club

TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. TT Club’s primary objective is to help make the industry safer and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1100 Members, spanning container owners and operators, ports and terminals, and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail, and air. TT Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. It retains more than 97% of its Members with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more. 

www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: ICHCA, TT Club

We must innovate for a safer supply chain

May 25, 2022 by

So say TT Club and ICHCA which, with the support of TOC Europe, are emphasising their message by launching an inaugural Safety Village at the upcoming conference and exhibition in Rotterdam between 14th and 16th of June. The first of its type, the exhibition space will be dedicated to how innovation can lead to a safer supply chain.

Recent widespread disruption to global supply chains and the consequent pressures on freight transport capacity and cargo handling facilities requires a corresponding focus on safety measures throughout the system. As the success of the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award programme, operated by ICHCA International, has proved, there have been numerous ground-breaking innovations with multiple applications aimed at reducing these safety risks. However, the two organisations are keen to raise the awareness of the need for continuous development of the ways that we manage safety.

Featuring a meeting area and presentation facilities, the TT Club Safety Village will be the venue for workshops and panel sessions throughout the three days of the TOC Europe event. It will also provide opportunities for companies to showcase their innovative safety devices, processes and products. All aimed at championing safety in the supply chain and developing new solutions to managing risks.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk Management Director at leading international freight transport insurer, TT Club comments. “It has been TT’s consistent mission to increase the levels of safety across the myriad of operational functions that constitute the global supply chain. We are keen to encourage every type of innovation from securing loads on all modes of transport to the correct handling of dangerous materials, and from safer working practices and equipment in cargo handling facilities to avoidance of vehicle collisions and fire prevention. Providing a focal point for discussion and promotion of such innovations at a leading industry forum such as TOC Europe will be a further benefit to the cause of safety that TT can provide.”

ICHCA International, the representative body for cargo handling operators across the globe, has run TT Club’s Innovation in Safety Award since its inception and is passionate about sharing innovation and learning across the industry. CEO Richard Steele points out, “In the recent past, our efforts together with TT Club have helped promulgate safety innovations including Hapag Lloyd’s Cargo Patrol that detects suspected misdeclared dangerous goods; terminal automation advances from Kunz and Yardeye in cooperation with CSX Terminals; VIKING Life-Saving’s fire suppressant systems, as well as safety devices developed by PSA International and Cargotec. Yet these represent just the tip of the iceberg. We were thrilled to see so many innovative ideas put forward for this Award. A digest of these will be available at the Safety Village and we hope it will help to inspire many other projects in the future.”

Representatives of both TT Club and ICHCA will be present in the Village at TOC Europe and invitations to attend the workshops and presentations will be issued in the near future.

https://www.tocevents-europe.com/en/attend/tt-club-safety-village.html

For information on how to participate in voicing safety concerns at the Safety Village please email:   riskmanagement@ttclub.com

ENDS

About TT Club

TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. TT Club’s primary objective is to help make the industry safer and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1100 Members, spanning container owners and operators, ports and terminals, and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail, and air. TT Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. It retains more than 97% of its Members with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more.

www.ttclub.com

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

Filed Under: ICHCA, TT Club

BIC and FIATA join Cargo Integrity Group

February 24, 2022 by

February 24, 2022 – The original five partners of the Cargo Integrity Group are excited to welcome the Bureau International des Containers (BIC) and the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), strengthening the group in its efforts to improve safety in the global supply chain.

The Cargo Integrity Group brings together international freight transport and cargo handling organisations with different roles in the supply chain and a shared dedication to improving safety, security and environmental performance throughout the logistics supply chain.

BIC and FIATA bring valuable complementary perspectives, resources and networks to the group, further deepening its competence and scope. Both organisations have already worked closely with the Cargo Integrity Group and will directly contribute to faster and more effective progress in reducing incidents, accidents, and biosecurity issues in the international supply chain.

“FIATA has long supported the work of the Cargo Integrity Group and has already collaborated with its stakeholders to promote the CTU code through the activities of its Working Group (WG) Sea headed by FIATA Senior Vice-President, Jens Roemer. By joining the group, FIATA reaffirms its commitment to improving the safety and security of sea freight in the best interest of its customers. FIATA is a key component in reaching out to the end customer and making a difference in the implementation of the CIG’s work, while bringing strong safety and security expertise through the
collaboration of its WG Sea and Advisory Body Safety Security,” comments the FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber.

“With safety and sustainability at the very core of BIC’s mission, topics like cargo safety, proper declarations and the avoidance of pest contamination are clearly of high interest to us. We’ve been supporting the promotion of the CTU code in communications both with our members and externally since it was first published, and most recently sponsored one of the CTU Quick Guide translations. We’re pleased to take this next step by joining the group, and look forward to working more closely with our partner organizations in helping increase safety in our industry,” says Douglas Owen, Secretary General of Bureau International des Containers (BIC).

Dedicated to improving the safety, security and environmental performance throughout the logistics supply chain, the Cargo Integrity Group will continue its efforts in is chosen focus areas:

• Collaborating with other industry and governmental stakeholders in promoting awareness and better understanding of safe cargo packing and handling practices such as the CTU Code
• Working to improve regulatory requirements such as the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, and
• Working for strengthened cargo screening processes and more effective container inspection regimes.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About the Cargo Integrity Group
The Cargo Integrity Group brings together international freight transport and cargo handling organisations with different roles in the supply chain and a shared dedication to improving safety, security and environmental performance throughout the logistics supply chain. The Bureau International des Containers, the Container Owners Association, the Global Shippers Forum, the International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association, FIATA, the TT Club and the World Shipping Council are co-operating on a range of activities to further the adoption and implementation of crucial safety practices and regulations.

About Bureau International des Containers (BIC)
The Bureau International des Containers (BIC) was founded under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce in 1933 as a neutral, non-profit, international organization. BIC seeks to promote efficiency, safety, security, standardization and sustainability in the container supply chain and today has over 2600 container owning and operating members in 125 countries. Publisher of the BIC Code Register since 1970, BIC also operates the BoxTech Global Container Database (bic-boxtech.org), providing API-accessible equipment details to help improve efficiency and safety in the supply chain, the BIC Facility Code Database, providing harmonized codes to identify over 17,000 container facilities in 160 countries, and the Global ACEP Database. BIC holds official observer status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the World Customs Organization (WCO), and the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT). www.bic-code.org

About FIATA
FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations is a nongovernmental, membership-based organization representing freight forwarders in some 150 countries. FIATA’s membership is composed of 109 Associations Members and more than 5,500 Individual Members, overall representing an industry of 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms worldwide. Based in Geneva, FIATA is ‘the global voice of freight logistics’. www.fiata.org

Cargo Integrity Group Media Contacts

Bureau International des Containers (BIC)
Douglas Owen, Secretary General, douglas.owen@bic-code.org

Container Owners Association (COA)
Patrick Hicks, Secretary, secretary@containerownersassociation.org

Global Shippers Forum (GSF)
James Hookham, Secretary General, jhookham@globalshippersforum.com

International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association (ICHCA International)
Maria Udy, Media contact, Portcare International, maria@portcare.com

FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations)
Stéphane Graber, Director General, communications@fiata.org

TT Club
Peter Owen, Media contact, Portcare International, info@portcare.com

World Shipping Council (WSC)
Anna Larsson, Communications Director, alarsson@worldshipping.org

Filed Under: ICHCA, TT Club

Virtual Presentation Ceremony Celebrates the Winners of TT Club Innovation in Safety Award

February 22, 2022 by

From a record number of over thirty entries VIKING Life-Saving Equipment A/S was announced the winner for its innovative HydroPen system designed to fight onboard container fires.  Both PSA International and Cargotec Sweden AB were highly commended.

The ICHCA International (ICHCA) and TT Club collaboration once more recognised the crucial role played by organisations across the world in constantly searching for better solutions to the challenges of improved safety in the cargo handing industry.  While the three short-listed entries, and particularly the eventual winner VIKING, were to be congratulated, the efforts of all the organisations that provided details of their innovations are to be admired.  Their striving for improved safety underlines the need for increased vigilance in the cargo handling and freight transport sector to reduce the loss of life and damage to property while facilitating global trade.

The ceremony, held virtually at TT Club’s offices in London was aired this afternoon and addressed by Heike Deggim, Director of Maritime Safety Division, International Maritime Organization (IMO), which has been a consistent supporter of the Awards both currently, and in the past.  The ceremony also gave an opportunity for each of the three short-listed companies to give a presentation of their successful safety innovations.  A recording of the whole event will be available shortly on ICHCA and TT’s websites.

Hosting the presentation on behalf of ICHCA was Richard Steele, the association’s CEO.  “The list of innovations from our award entrants is truly exciting,” he said.  “Innovation doesn’t just happen by itself.  All the participants have put in hard work, drive and ambition and I am sure there are many entries not short-listed today that will inspire others in the industry and achieve practical success in reducing accidents.  To that end we will be providing a digest of all the entries in the coming months.” Steele also thanked the panel of judges, made up of professionals from across the industry including representation from the International Transport Worker’s Federation (ITF) for their dedicated conscientious work.

The winner, VIKING’s HydroPen helps address the increasing incidence of fire in containers while onboard ships at sea.  The complexity of the cargoes carried and the frequent challenge of accessing the containers makes fighting fires most difficult for the first responders, the ships crew.  HydroPen enables such fires to be attended from a safe distance and the judges were particularly impressed by the specific online training that is provided with each unit.

PSA International’s highly commended Video Analytics solution helps with preventing in-terminal collisions of the heavy cargo handling equipment that can be so damaging to both life and cargo, while Cargotec’s innovation deals with the tricky task of container inspections from below; safely identifying any damage to the under-side of containers and ensuring they are clean and free of any invasive pests.

TT Club was delighted with the industry response this, the fourth, Innovation in Safety Award  Mike Yarwood is the international insurer of cargo handler’s Managing Director, Loss Prevention.  “It is hugely encouraging to have so many entrants seeking to solve a host of challenges from the provision of geo-spatial data and predictive maintenance software to technology that measures local climatic conditions.  The last two years have been incredibly busy and difficult for all concerned and safety issues have arguably increased significantly.  It is good to see that despite these conditions the industry’s commitment to be resilient and increase safety is undiminished.”

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT’s Risk Management Director commented, “This Award was inaugurated to celebrate solutions that have proven to make the industry workplace safer. We find that sharing such ideas openly is core to the Club’s mission to make the industry safer and more secure.”

Bill Brassington, Chair of the ICHCA Technical Panel was keen to emphasise the partners in organising the Award’s consistent efforts to improve safety.  “In recent years the shipping industry has suffered a number of severe fires originating in containers and the TT Club and ICHCA have been campaigning consistently to reduce these life-threatening events,” he highlighted.  “Frequent webinars and publications have been dedicated to creating a greater awareness of the difficulties in containing fires both below and on deck especially where the container is high in the stack.  It is therefore heartening to congratulate VIKING Life-Saving Equipment and their innovative HydroPen System.   I would also like to congratulate all of the entrants to the TT Club Innovation in Safety Awards; I am sure that the diverse and fascinating subjects that they covered taxed the judges deeply.”

About TT Club

TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. TT Club’s primary objective is to help make the industry safer and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1100 Members, spanning container owners and operators, ports and terminals, and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail, and air. TT Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. It retains more than 93% of its Members with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more.  

www.ttclub.com

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.


Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

Filed Under: ICHCA, TT Club

ICHCA Announces Record Number of Entries for the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award

January 20, 2022 by

Over 30 organisations from around the world have submitted entries for the 2021 TT Club Innovation in Safety Award.  Covering products and procedures that achieve a demonstrable improvement in cargo handling and transport safety, the submissions range in focus from bulk cargo handling to containerised cargoes; safety reporting and education to environmental monitoring and fire- fighting.   

London, 20 January 2022

Designed to both encourage safety innovation at a time of increased operational demands on the global cargo handling infrastructure, and to celebrate the practical success of such initiatives, this will be the fourth time that the Award has been presented. TT Club, as a prominent freight transport insurer, and the association representing cargo handlers, ICHCA International, have long worked together to identify and promote operational safety in the industry.  They consistently produce safety advice and support innovation to improve safety in cargo operations and logistics.

“With over 50% more submissions than in any previous year, I am thrilled to see a record year for entries to the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award,” said ICHCA CEO, Richard Steele.  “The judges had an abundance of creative, innovative and thought-provoking content to consider.  This level of response emphasises that there are lots of smart, dedicated people who are working throughout the cargo handling world to improve safety and we are proud to be part of that endeavour.”

As the leading specialist insurer of cargo handling risk worldwide, TT is a mutual organisation dedicated to reducing risk and advising on loss prevention through improved safety regimes.  TT Risk Management Director, Peregrine Storrs-Fox comments “We consider our founding of, and continuing support for the Innovation in Safety award as entirely appropriate to the Club’s core mission.  TT remains dedicated to safety through the industry and is proud to have celebrated past winners such as Hapag Lloyd’s Cargo Patrol, as well as terminal automation experts, Kunz and Yardeye for their work with CSX Intermodal Terminals, in addition to all the other worthy entrants, for their innovations, each of which can be seen to improve safety standards significantly in the global transport and logistics industry.”

The Award, open to any individual, team or company that is part of the cargo supply chain, is presented to the entry that has been judged as the best product, idea, solution, process, scheme or other innovation delivering improvement in operational safety.  The Award event, a virtual ceremony to be held on 22nd February, 2022, https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5371375306422039564 will profile a limited number of shortlisted entries, culminating in the Award being made.

Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, Bill Brassington, Chair of the ICHCA Technical Panel, “It was exciting to read all of the excellent submissions covering such a wide variety of safety related innovations.  The quality and quantity of submissions demonstrates the importance of the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award, and it was hard to differentiate their value to the cargo handling world,” he commented.  “Out of this strong field, there were only a few marks between many of the entries. While the Award will inevitably recognise one entry, we will, as previously, publish a digest of all entries to give profile to all of the really valuable innovative work that is being done.  In that context, we would congratulate all for their work and dedication to improving safety in cargo handling.”

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.

Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

About TT Club

TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. TT Club’s primary objective is to help make the industry safer and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1100 Members, spanning container owners and operators, ports and terminals, and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail, and air. TT Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. It retains more than 93% of its Members with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more.  

www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: ICHCA, TT Club

Comprehensive Safety Guidance Issued for Dangerous Goods Storage and Handling Facilities

December 14, 2021 by

The tragic incidents in Tianjin and Beirut have marked a decade of increased concern over the safety of dangerous goods stored in ports, terminals and other warehousing facilities. Four industry groups have collaborated to address the issue and produce best practice guidelines in the form of a White Paper and Warehouse Checklist.

In the face of increased volumes of dangerous goods transported in sea containers, and the occurrence of major incidents as well as a plethora of lesser accidents, there is a clear need for guidance on safe storage and handling of dangerous goods in warehouses, including port and terminal facilities. Building on their combined expertise and experience, International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA), International Vessel Owners Dangerous Goods Association (IVODGA), National Cargo Bureau (NCB) and World Shipping Council (WSC) have responded to this critical requirement by developing a Dangerous Goods Warehousing White Paper.

In introducing the White Paper, Uffe V Ernst-Frederiksen and Ken Rohlmann both of IVODGA highlight: “The temporary or long-term storage of dangerous goods in a facility, necessitates careful planning, supervision and continued due diligence. While the major disasters in Beirut and Tianjin have been widely reported, there are many other incidents around the globe that do not garner the same attention, but which have the potential to escalate. There are existing international, national and local regulations for dangerous goods in transit for various modes of transport but there is no direct equivalent for warehouses.”

The Dangerous Goods Warehousing White Paper, and its accompanying Checklist, detail the risks involved in storing and handling dangerous goods and, importantly the measures to be taken in containing them. Topics covered include: competency and training of workforces; property construction; fire protection; security equipment and protocols and emergency response procedures. It is intended as a practical guide to systematic and documentable processes for those managing and operating storage facilities to ensure on-going safety but also that incidents are containable if and when they arise.

“A pivotal element of our guidance is a Warehouse Checklist,” states Richard Steele of ICHCA. “Given our aim to provide a practical management tool, we believe the Checklist format is a significant addition to the other elements of the White Paper. Broken down into eight key functional areas of operation, this comprehensive 14-page Checklist is designed as both a planning guideline and a review tool, as well as an everyday device for maintaining safety management vigilance.”

The Dangerous Goods Warehousing White Paper has been endorsed by influential industry stakeholders including Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), Bureau International des Containers (BIC), Container Owners Association (COA), Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA), Danish Shipping, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association (FIATA), International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I) and Through Transport Mutual Insurance Association Ltd (TT Club). “We have shared our work with the relevant maritime regulators and the International Maritime Organization (IMO),” states Steele, “And we welcome every opportunity to work with them on developing and refining appropriate warehousing safety instruments, codes and circulars.”

Both the Dangerous Goods Warehousing White Paper and Checklist are downloadable from here https://ichca.com/warehousing-safety-guidance

*The organisations are: 

International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA)

ICHCA – The International Cargo Handling Coordination Association

Media Contact:  Maria Udy, maria@portcare.com

International Vessel Owners Dangerous Goods Association (IVODGA)

https://www.ivodga.com/index.php

Media Contact:  mail@ivodga.com

National Cargo Bureau (NCB)

https://www.natcargo.org

Media Contact: ncbnyc@natcargo.org

World Shipping Council (WSC)

https://www.worldshipping.org

Media Contact: Anna Larsson, alarsson@worldshipping.org

Filed Under: ICHCA

Industry Bodies Joint Initiative to Tackle Safety of Dangerous Goods Storage & Transport

September 13, 2021 by

Container ship fires and explosions in port storage facilities continue to be the result of poorly packed and misdeclared hazardous materials as they move through the global supply chain. A MOU recently signed by two influential industry bodies, ICHCA International and IVODGA adds impetus to disseminating effective guidance on the correct safety procedures that need to be employed.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by ICHCA International, representative of global cargo handling operators, including many of the leading cargo and container terminal groups, and the International Vessel Operators Dangerous Goods Association (IVODGA), whose membership consists of the world’s ocean carriers.

The collaboration of these two expert bodies, whose influence spans the globe will be significant in producing clearly defined guidelines to best practice based on years of practical experience in handling dangerous goods. They will work closely on joint projects to improve standards across numerous common safety issues affecting the transport of dangerous goods.

Richard Steele, CEO of ICHCA International notes, “The extraordinary disaster in Beirut last August was an all too unwelcome wake-up call to everyone involved in the transport, storage and distribution of dangerous materials. However, similar incidents, smaller in proportion, yet damaging to life and limb as well as property happen across the supply chain on a frequent basis.  The mutual cooperation of IVODGA and ICHCA will be aimed at the universal understanding and application of measures for the safe handling and storage of a range of goods with potential to cause explosions, fires and noxious gas emissions etc.”

Uffe V. Ernst Frederiksen, A.P. Moller – Maersk A/S, Vice Chair of IVODGA and Special Adviser to ICHCA International, comments, “The mutual goals and the shared respect of our two organisations will quickly result in a positive contribution to a clear and efficient communication between not just our respective members but crucially across all stakeholders in the supply chain whose interests touch any and all hazardous materials.”

ENDS

About ICHCA International – International Cargo Handling Coordination Association

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.


Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

Filed Under: ICHCA
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