Transport communications

Portcare International is the press relations consultancy for the shipping and logistics industry. Formed by transport people for transport people. We can truly claim to understand our clients’ needs and ‘talk the same language’. Portcare provide effective, value for money PR to some of the industry’s best-known names.

“K” LINE to Support Victims of Consecutive Typhoons in the Philippines

From October to November, six typhoons (From typhoon No.20 to No.25) had made landfall in the Philippines one after another, causing significant damage in various regions.  We would like to pray for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and express our deepest sympathy to those affected by the disaster.

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has decided to donate 2 million yen through The Rayomar Outreach Foundation, Inc. (ROFI*), a charitable organization established by the Rayomar Group, our business partner in the Philippines, in order to help everyone affected by the disaster as well as to support disaster recovery efforts in the affected areas. In addition, since a large number of seafarers from the Philippines are on board the vessels operated by “K” LINE, we will consider to provide seafarers and their families with financial support.

We sincerely wish for the earliest recovery of the disaster-stricken areas.

*ROFI: a charitable organization to support a livelihood, medical care and education, as well as to as to collect donation and to support volunteering activities.

HPC Verifies Successful Operation of Georgia’s National Maritime Single Window Post-Launch

A Timely Project Management Success, Boosting Efficiency, Security, and Collaboration in Maritime Operations

Hamburg, 25 November 2024 – HPC Hamburg Port Consulting, in partnership with software provider Prodevelop and local Plisk Consulting, proudly announces a successful post go-live health check of Georgia’s National Maritime Single Window (MSW), a groundbreaking project aimed at transforming the country’s maritime industry. This state-of-the-art digital platform, used by over 400 people in Georgia’s maritime community, successfully passed a thorough process and technical health check, confirming the ultimate achievement: paper-centric processes are now a thing of the past. By fostering transparency and interagency collaboration, it marks a critical step toward the modernization of Georgia’s logistics landscape, positioning the country as a key logistics hub in the Middle Corridor and a gateway to Europe.

The MSW, developed in full compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations and aligned with European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) standards, will significantly improve Georgia’s Logistics Index. This platform enables seamless communication between maritime stakeholders, reduces paperwork, and enhances situational awareness by providing transparent operational data. The MSW positions Georgia as a leader in regional maritime innovation, setting the stage for a future integration with the SafeSeaNet (SSN) system.

A Strategic Asset for Georgia’s Maritime Industry

Bycommissioning the MSW, Georgia is joining an elite group of just 2% of maritime communities worldwide to have fully streamlined and digitalized their processes, this move enhances both security and operational efficiency. The MSW eliminates redundant processes, allowing ship agents, port authorities, and other stakeholders to operate with greater ease and confidence. By digitizing information exchange, the platform reduces administrative burden, facilitating faster, safer maritime operations. This cutting-edge system is set to become a pivotal asset for Georgia’s maritime growth and competitiveness.

Aleksi Akhvlediani, Director of the Maritime Transport Agency (MTA), commented on the project’s significance:

“The National Maritime Single Window represents the first critical step in the digital transformation of Georgia’s maritime sector. This platform will enhance our efficiency, align us with global standards, and improve our competitiveness on the international stage.”

Building Trust and Simplifying Processes

The MSW is designed to simplify the complex maritime landscape, reducing friction points and building trust among stakeholders. As Nuno Nunes, Deputy Vice President Europe and Project Lead at HPC, explained:

“By implementing the Maritime Single Window, we are not just enhancing processes; we are building a foundation of trust among all stakeholders. Too often, digital solutions go live without making significant impact. The MSW health check provides assurances beyond the technical Go Live – it ensures user adoption and confirms that the streamlined workflows offered by the MSW are poised to trigger a profound transformation in Georgia’s maritime industry.”

Strategic Partnership for a National Asset

This project has been spearheaded by HPC, in collaboration with software provider Prodevelop and local consultancy Plisk Consulting. Following a competitive tender process, this consortium emerged as the winning team, tasked with defining, designing, developing, and implementing the MSW. The scope of HPC’s involvement includes process definition, requirement engineering, and software implementation support, all in strict adherence to IMO regulations.

Looking Ahead

With the launch of the MSW, Georgia sets a new standard in maritime operations, enhancing its global competitiveness and reinforcing its commitment to secure, efficient, and transparent maritime trade. This initiative is poised to be a catalyst for future digital transformation within the country’s broader logistics landscape.

For more information on IT implementation and community system integration services, please visit the website: www.hamburgportconsulting.com

Contact

Steffi Karsten, HPC Marketing / PR, E-Mail: s.karsten@hpc-hamburg.de

About HPC

HPC Hamburg Port Consulting is a global leader in logistics consulting, driving innovation across ports, terminals, and hinterland logistics. Founded in 1976, the Hamburg-based firm has completed over 1,800 projects in 135 countries, supporting clients throughout the entire port project cycle. HPC specializes in advancing automation, AI-driven operations, and digitalization through solutions like Port Community Systems and Maritime Single Windows. With a team of approximately 100 experts—including terminal operators, data scientists, and logistics specialists—HPC combines deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge technology to optimize operations, unlock efficiencies, and foster sustainable growth. As a subsidiary of the Hamburg Port and Logistics Corporation (HHLA), HPC’s expertise spans container, breakbulk, and multipurpose handling, along with hinterland operations. www.hamburgportconsulting.com

New Report on Global Port Trends: Automation and Digital Innovation Grow Despite Challenges

Munich & Hamburg, Germany, November 21, 2024:  A new report has been released, highlighting the key automation and digitalization trends transforming the global port and terminal logistics sector. Jointly presented by FERNRIDE, passify, and heyport, with support from HHLA Next and HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC), the report provides essential insights for industry professionals facing the challenges of port modernization.

Picture Credit: ©Fernride
Capture:  A new report highlights key trends in port and terminal automation.

The report, based on an extensive survey conducted in October 2024 via the Port Technology International platform, presents findings and insights from 101 industry professionals. Terminal operators, logistics leaders, and other stakeholders will find valuable guidance on navigating the current landscape and future strategies for adopting new technologies.

“As container terminals face rising demands for efficiency, safety, and sustainability, automation and digitalization have become essential to modern operations,“ comments Peter Szelei, Senior Director of Business Development at FERNRIDE. “Our motivation in creating this report with our partners was to provide the industry with actionable insights that help ports and terminals adopt new technologies smoothly and sustainably. This holistic process requires us to collaborate, learn from one another, and share best practices to keep the entire sector competitive and resilient.”

Key findings from the report:

  • Moderate Automation Rising: Over half of respondents report moving from minimal to moderate automation, with larger terminals advancing faster, while smaller ones focus on incremental, affordable upgrades.
  • Phased Digitalization: With 80% of terminals reaching moderate to high digitalization, technologies like digital twins, predictive analytics, AI, and machine learning are becoming essential for data-driven, streamlined operations.
  • Top Motivators: The main drivers for tech adoption include operational efficiency, cost savings, and data-driven insights, reflecting a push toward improved throughput and resource management.
  • Adoption Challenges: Initial costs, integration issues, and workforce adjustments are key barriers, but gradual investment and scalable solutions help mitigate these challenges.

“Implementing automation and digitalization in ports comes with real hurdles— complexities of existing infrastructure, high initial costs, and the need to bring the workforce along on this journey. These are not easy barriers to overcome. But despite the complexity, we’re seeing that the long-term benefits in efficiency and operational resilience are well worth the effort. Every step forward strengthens our industry’s competitiveness and sets a new standard for safety and productivity”, says Marcel Lindemann, Co-Founder of passify.

FERNRIDE, passify, and heyport bring together expertise in autonomous and digital solutions for the logistics industry. Supported by HHLA Next and HPC, the report embodies a shared commitment to advancing technological innovation in port logistics. For more information and a full report, please visit: https://www.fernride.com/report-on-automation-and-digital-innovation

“This report represents a practical roadmap for sustainable technology adoption, helping ports and terminals make informed, gradual transformations within their capabilities and budget, always according to their vision. Offering strategic guidance on phased automation, interoperability, data infrastructure, and workforce training, the report promotes a resilient and competitive future,” said Danai Antonopoulou, automation expert at HPC.

About FERNRIDE

FERNRIDE offers scalable automation solutions for yard trucking that increase productivity, promote sustainability, and improve worker safety. The company employs a human-assisted autonomy approach, which allows for remote takeovers of trucks when necessary. This ensures seamless integration and reliable operations for logistics operators. With over a decade of research and high-profile customers, including Volkswagen, HHLA, and DB Schenker, FERNRIDE uses cutting-edge technology to address major industry challenges, such as driver shortages and the negative environmental impact of logistics operations. The company was founded by Hendrik Kramer, Maximilian Fisser, and Jean-Michael Georg, and currently has over 150 employees. www.fernride.com

About passify

Passify is a Hamburg-based logistics start-up which digitises and automates truck handling through a self-service app that enables drivers to book slots, check-in digitally and identify

themselves securely via two-factor authentication. Designed to enhance both security and efficiency, passify is already deployed at three major container terminals operated by Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) in Hamburg.

www.passifyapp.de

About heyport

heyport is a digital planning platform fostering smart and sustainable port operations through innovative, real-time collaboration and communication – as a scalable solution across ports worldwide. For terminals, vessel operators, and port communities who lack reliable planning information, heyport is the all-in-one platform that offers out-of-the-box integrations and streamlines communications to plan port calls well ahead of time. heyport is made for all kinds of terminals and cargo, proven by more than 5,000 port calls on the platform from container, ro-ro, and bulk terminals so far. Users achieve 14% CO2 emission savings through just-in-time arrivals, 90% less manual communication, and 180 min savings on planning—per port call.

www.heyport.io

About HHLA Next

HHLA Next is the innovation and investment unit of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), focused on transforming maritime logistics through innovation. At HHLA Next, ideas are turned into successful products and business models, either in the form of in-house developments (BUILD), in cooperation with partners (PARTNER) or through investments in innovative companies (INVEST).

www.hhla-next.de

About HPC

HPC Hamburg Port Consulting is a global leader in logistics consulting, driving innovation across ports, terminals, and hinterland logistics. Founded in 1976, the Hamburg-based firm has completed over 1,800 projects in 135 countries, guiding clients through every stage of the port project cycle.HPC focuses on automation, AI-driven operations, and digitalization, offering solutions like Port Community Systems and Maritime Single Windows. Alongside these core areas, HPC provides a broad portfolio of consulting services that support sound investment decisions, efficient operations, and seamless facility optimization.  With a team of approximately 100 experts—including terminal operators, data scientists, and logistics specialists—HPC combines deep industry knowledge with advanced technology to help clients optimize operations, unlock efficiencies, and achieve sustainable growth. HPC’s roots and expertise span container, breakbulk, and multipurpose handling, as well as hinterland operations.

www.hamburgportconsulting.com

“K” Line : LNG bunkering vessel “Kaguya” achieves 100th ship-to-ship LNG bunker supply

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), along with JERA Co., Inc. (JERA), Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), and other partners, collaboratively operates an LNG bunkering business for LNG-fueled vessels in the Chubu region through joint venture companies*1.

On November 5, 2024, approximately four years after the launch of business operation in October 2020, the LNG bunkering vessel “Kaguya”*2 owned by the joint venture achieved its 100th ship-to-ship *3 LNG bunkering operation *4 in Mikawa Bay.

The joint venture is striving to expand its bunkering service to meet increasing demand of LNG as marine fuel in the Chubu region, arising from ever-growing global fleet of LNG-fueled vessels including “K”LINE’s “CENTURY HIGHWAY GREEN”*5, an LNG-fueled car carrier. By promoting the use of LNG as marine fuel through this project, “K” LINE contribute to reducing environmental load to the society.

In “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 -Blue Seas for the Future-*6, “K” LINE has set the 2030 interim target of improving CO2 emissions efficiency by 50% compared with 2008, surpassing the IMO target of a 40% improvement. Furthermore, “K” LINE sets its new target for 2050 as “The Challenge of Achieving Net-Zero GHG Emissions.” As an action plan, “K” LINE will continue to support the low-/decarbonization  of ourselves and society.

(*1)       Central LNG Shipping Japan Corporation and Central LNG Marine Fuel Japan Corporation
https://central-lng.com/en/

(*2)       Kaguya
This is the first LNG bunkering vessel operating in Japan, having commenced operation in October 2020. The name of the vessel is inspired from the “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” considered the oldest story in Japan. It also reflect the aspiration for the LNG bunkering market to grow as tall and endure like bamboo.

(*3)       Ship-to-Ship Bunkering
A method of supplying LNG fuel in which an LNG bunkering vessel comes alongside an LNG-fueled vessel to supply LNG while it is moored at a quay or pier or anchored at designated location.

(*4)       Characteristics of LNG as marine fuel
Compared to heavy fuel oil, it is expected to cut sulfur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions by about 100%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 80%, and carbon dioxide (CO2) by about 30%. It is held to be a promising marine fuel that can replace heavy fuel oil in response to tightened international ship emission regulations.

(*5)       CENTURY HIGHWAY GREEN
A next-generation eco-friendly car carrier delivered on March 12, 2021. It continues to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by using LNG as fuel.
https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/car/car-20210312.html

(*6)       “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future
The revision in November 2021 sets CO2 reduction milestones for 2030, in excess of the IMO target, and includes “introduction of LNG-fueled vessels” and “commercialization of LNG bunkering” in the action plan.
https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/management.htm

[Related Press Release]

September 18, 2020: Naming Ceremony Held for Japan’s First LNG Bunkering Vessel

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/Liquefied_gas/Liquefied_gas-20200918.html

March 16, 2021:Ship-to-ship Bunkering to the LNG-fueled Vessel CENTURY HIGHWAY GREEN

https://www.kline.co.jp/ja/news/Liquefied_gas/Liquefied_gas-20210316.html

“K” LINE held FY2024 Dry Bulk Global Meeting

November 15, 2024

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) held a global meeting for the dry bulk business at the company’s head office over a two-day period from November 7 to 8. The meeting gathered not only the members of the dry bulk team at the head office but also 26 national staff and representatives from 11 major overseas offices, with about 100 people engaging in lively discussions in either operation or sales sessions.

At the meeting, Masatoshi Taguchi, Managing Executive Officer (responsible for the Dry Bulk Carriers Unit) explained the role of the dry bulk business in “K” LINE’s portfolio, how to manage reasonable exposure to market risks, and the importance of initiatives to motivate customers to keep choosing “K” Line, including the polishing of “earning power” through vessel assignment optimization, after which everyone affirmed that they will work in unison to continue making efforts to further grow the dry bulk business and increase corporate value.

This year’s theme was “Evaluation of activities since last year’s meeting and future action plans!”

The KPIs identified in the previous fiscal year, such as safety/efficiency in navigation, profitability,  low-carbon/decarbonization efforts for CO2 emissions reduction, were analyzed and reflected on during the operation sessions, with frank discussions taking place about increasing safety and profitability in navigation and cargo operations as well as environment and DX challenges.

At the sales sessions, the participants analyzed and planned initiatives for achieving sales targets this year and expanding the revenue base in the future as well as were updated on challenges and progress related to the environment, both at “K” LINE

and with customers. Moreover, they checked the business structure for maintaining high-quality services and otherwise debated ways to enhance “K” LINE’s strengths through the concerted efforts of the Tokyo head office and overseas locations.

Going forward, “K” LINE will regularly hold global meetings and share KPIs globally, thereby improving customer-oriented service quality while also creating a sense of unity among our employees and strengthening teamwork. Our dry bulk business will realize sustainable profitability growth while at the same time growing and expanding the business together with customers, further developing its business network on a foundation of global diversity and adding environmental reaction to the advanced transportation knowhow accumulated over many years.

Dedicated safety advocate celebrates 40-year career

London, 14th November 2024

TT Club’s celebrated advocate to the cause of risk mitigation and safety in the freight industry, Peregrine Storrs-Fox has stepped down as the mutual’s Risk Management Director and now takes on a consultancy role to further offer his expertise to TT’s membership and the industry at large.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox

After 40 years with the international insurance provider during which he started as a Claims Handler and worked up to global Claims Director, Storrs-Fox spent the last 22 years developing and enhancing TT’s now much heralded loss prevention function.  Valued by those insured by TT as a service proven to assist in ongoing operational risk, the loss prevention work initiated and overseen by Peregrine has significantly improved the safety and security of global freight supply chains.

Congratulating Peregrine on his achievements over his long career, TT Club CEO, Kevin King, said “It is impossible to overstate the significant loss prevention initiatives in which Peregrine has taken a leading role. His risk management knowledge is unique, his research meticulous and his communication skills renowned.  Peregrine has been particularly effective in bringing disparate interest groups together to present a united front.”

Tackling the causes of container fires has been one of Peregrine’s more persistent missions; helping all those engaged in the global supply chain to understand and uphold their responsibilities to declare, pack and handle not just hazardous cargoes but also to recognise the potential damage that may be caused by less obviously dangerous materials.

His influential work on VGM (verified gross mass) in the process leading to IMO regulation, and background analysis of required amendments to IMDG and CTU Codes have been critical in advancing safety in the transport industry.  In this Peregrine has demonstrated his ability to combine the efforts of many organisations and companies across the industry to achieve common safety and security goals. 

The success of the Club’s Innovation in Safety Award and its associated promotional programme is a great example of how his commitment has made a real difference in inspiring new technologies and enhanced procedures to improve the safety of crew, shore workers, cargo, infrastructure and the environment.  

“Peregrine will continue to provide his expertise and experience to the industry by fulfilling the role of consultant to TT,” said Mike Yarwood, TT’s MD Loss Prevention in adding his voice to praise Peregrine’s contributions over a long career, “He has dedicated most of his career to TT’s mission to make the global transport and logistics industry safer, more secure, and more sustainable.  I’m delighted that Peregrine is continuing to support our growing loss prevention function.”

His consultancy role began as of 1st October.

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, more secure, and more sustainable. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1500 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

“K” LINE Releases Video Update on Medium-Term Management Plan and 2Q FY2024 Results

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has posted to its official website a video that explains progress in the implementation of the medium-term management plan and the results in the second quarter of FY2024. The video is also posted on “K” Line With, a video communication site for “K” LINE Group’s employees.

A video explaining progress in implementing the medium-term management plan and results for the the second quarter of FY2024

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/corporate/kline_with.html

“K” LINE provides quarterly updates on the progress of its medium-term management plan through “K” Line With. Based on the FY2024 theme, “Steady Steps Toward Further Growth,” in addition to the video outlining the latest performance forecasts, it also focuses on three key aspects of the management plan: business strategy, functional strategy and capital policy. It offers detailed insights into the company’s initiatives and progress of the management plan, aiming to share this information with both internal and external stakeholders.

The new video features the progress of the business strategy and capital policy under the Medium-Term Management Plan. Regarding the capital policy, the progress of cash allocation from the time of the announcement of the Medium-Term Management Plan up to the present and the thinking behind the cash allocation are illustrated. It shows that “K” LINE has been accumulating the “trust” it needs to realize its corporate principle and vision by consistently working to improve its corporate value, from the “Objective of the “K” LINE Group” to its latest efforts under the Medium-Term Management Plan.

“K” LINE has posted the video on its official website in addition to “K” Line With to make outside stakeholders more aware of the Company’s activities. “K” LINE also aims to deepen understanding of the medium-term management plan among business sites on land and sea within the Group, globally promote internal communication and information sharing, encourage a sense of solidarity as a source of the Group’s strength, and reinforce the foundation of its business operations.

A news release related to “K” Line With

November 17, 2023: Sharing Information within the Group Using Video Communication Site for Employees “K” Line With

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/other/other-20231117.html

“K” Line : Financial Highlights for 2nd Quarter FY2024

5 November 2024

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

Please be advised that “K” Line Tokyo Head Office made the following press release today, please refer to the attached PDF documents.

It is also available on the Website both in English and Japanese.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/

Financial Highlights for 2nd Quarter FY2024

Notification of Stock Repurchase and Share Buyback through Off-Auction Own Share Repurchase Trading (ToSTNeT-3)

Notice on Revision to Dividend and Dividend Forecast for the Fiscal Year Ending March 2025

“K” Line Wind Service and Japan Marine United Sign Agreement for Phase 2 of NEDO’s Green Innovation Fund Project

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

“K” Line Wind Service, Ltd.

“K” Line Wind Service, LTD. (“K” Line Wind), a joint venture between Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. and Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., has signed an agreement with Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) for a commissioned study on efficient mooring construction methods as part of its participation in the Development of the Southern Akita Floating Offshore Wind Demonstration Project Aimed at Overseas Expansion via Cost Reductions, (the Project). The project is a part of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO)’s Green Innovation Fund Project*¹/Cost Reductions for Offshore Wind Power Generation/Floating Offshore Wind Power Demonstration Project  (Phase 2).

JMU received formal notification of the approval of the NEDO grant for the Project. The Project is being conducted by a consortium led by Marubeni Offshore Wind Development Corporation, with the participation of JMU, Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc., Akita Floating Offshore Wind Corporation, TOA CORPORATION, TOKYO SEIKO ROPE MFG. CO., LTD., Kanden Plant Corporation, JFE Engineering Corporation, and NAKANIHON AIR Co., Ltd. The main objectives of the Project are to install two 15 MW-class wind turbines in the southern offshore region of Akita Prefecture, to address technical challenges related to the mass-production method of floating foundations and to reduce the cost of installation.

Image of the multi-functional floating offshore windfarm support vessel (MFSV) *³, expected to be used in mooring installation

“K” Line Wind has been involved in phase 1 of the Green Innovation Fund Project/Cost Reductions for Offshore Wind Power Generation/ Floating Foundation/Low-Cost Installation Technology Development Project (2021–2023) and conducted intensive research for efficient mooring methods for large-scale Floating Offshore Wind farms.*² As a result of these efforts, in February 2024, “K” Line Wind, JMU, and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. have announced the  approval in principle (AiP) for the design concept of the multi-functional floating offshore windfarm support vessel. *³ Additionally, in September 2024, the company published the Guidelines for the Towing and Mooring Installation of Floating Offshore Wind Power Equipment in collaboration with the Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK).*⁴ The work commissioned in phase 2 builds on the mooring installation technologies developed in phase 1, advancing them for their practical application in commercial-scale projects.

To efficiently install large-scale floating wind turbines, specialized vessels suitable for Japan’s unique maritime and weather conditions must be used. “K” Line Wind, in collaboration with JMU, is dedicated to the research and development of efficient mooring installation techniques, with the aim of reducing costs and improving the construction efficiency of floating offshore wind farms. “K” Line Wind will continue to be committed to contributing to the development and implementation of floating offshore wind power technologies through its research and development efforts. The company aims to promote the large-scale deployment of floating offshore wind power generation systems and the reduction of their cost while also contributing to the realization of a low-carbon and decarbonized society.

(*1) The Green Innovation Fund Projects

To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, a fund established under NEDO provides continuous support for R&D projects, demonstrations, and social implementation projects for up to 10 years to companies that commit to ambitious goals.

(*2) January 21, 2022: Joint project on “Mass-production and Cost Reduction of Floating Offshore Wind Installation” adopted as Green Innovation Fund

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral/carbon-neutral-20220121.html

(*3) February 28, 2024: NEDO Green Innovation Fund Project: Approval in Principle (AiP) from Japanese Classification Society Class NK for the design concept of the Multi-functional Floating offshore windfarm Support Vessel

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral/carbon-neutral-20240228.html

(*4) September 24, 2024: the Guidelines for the Towing and Mooring Installation of Floating Offshore Wind Power Equipment Related to the NEDO Green Innovation Fund Project “Technology Development Project for Basic Manufacturing and Installation Cost Reduction for Floating Wind Turbines.”
https://klinewind.jp/pdf/press_release_20240924.pdf

TT Club & COA : Guidelines to Flexitank Safety Issued

Steady growth in flexitank usage around the world prompts container owners and specialist insurer to offer safety guidelines to assist shippers, forwarders, carriers and terminals to handle cargo carried in these units with minimal risk. 

Global freight insurance provider, TT Club has issued the latest in its series of Stop Loss publications together with the Container Owners Association (COA).  Focusing on the increasingly popular flexitank unit to ship bulk liquid cargoes, Flexitanks in the supply chain – defining safe operations seeks to identify the applicable risks, highlight good practice and provide practical risk mitigation guidance for those in the supply chain who procure, fit, pack, unpack and handle cargoes being shipped in flexitanks.

It is intended to be consulted and used in conjunction with the IMO/ILO/ UNECE Code of Practice for Packing Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code¹) and the Container Owners Association’s (COA) Flexitank Code of Practice².

In recommending the Stop Loss document, Mike Yarwood TT’s MD Loss Prevention said, “An increasing number of shippers recognise the benefits of shipping their bulk liquid cargoes in flexitanks. The demand continues to grow globally and both TT and the COA consider our publishing of these guidelines timely in order to maintain the safety of the process.”

As in essence a large single use bladder with valves that fits inside a general purpose freight container, the flexitank operates as part of a system which includes the container, its fittings and restraining equipment. While there are advantages to their use in transporting liquids the context of the system as a whole does require additional considerations and risks at various stages of the supply chain. These include cargo compatibility and transit circumstances. 

Various liquids are commonly carried from fruit juices to molasses and from edible oils to pharmaceutical products.  Each commodity has considerations for the material from which the flexitank is made, the nature of valves and pipework, and serious reflection on the potential damage caused should leaks occur.  Multi-modal transits, enabled by the use of containers bring concerns over intermodal terminal awareness of and expertise in flexitank operation as well as the consequences of variable movement and temperature conditions.

The involvement of the COA in the preparation of the Stop Loss has been invaluable in bringing the vast experience of members in the safe operation of these units and the implementation of best practice throughout the supply chain to which both TT and the COA are dedicated.  This Stop Loss is aimed at advancing the cause of improved safety.

Flexitanks in the supply chain – defining safe operations can be downloaded HERE

¹IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code) | UNECE

²COA Flexitank Code of Practice V6-O Operators 07.2019

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, more secure, and more sustainable. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1500 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 COA

The Container Owners Association (COA) is an international organization representing the common interests of all owners of freight containers. Its principle aims are to develop standards in order to enhance industry efficiency, to disseminate information through conferences, training and education, to promote the safe of operation of containers and to strengthen environmental awareness. Full Members of the Association include container shipping lines, leasing companies and intermodal operators, while Associate Membership is open to suppliers of a wide range of container equipment, systems and services.

www.containerownersassociation.com