Transport communications

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TRUE Sports chooses GEODIS for European Warehousing & Distribution

December 10, 2019 by

The US based high-end sports equipment company TRUE Sports has chosen GEODIS Netherlands as its European logistics partner. The companies already have a multi-year partnership in the United States, reinforcing their global collaboration with this new contract.

TRUE Sports, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and innovator of high performance sporting goods and equipment in the golf, hockey, lacrosse, and baseball categories. The company produces a wide variety of products under the TRUE Temper, Project X, Grafalloy, ACCRA, Aura and TRUE brands in countries throughout the world. More than 1,000 individuals in 10 facilities proudly represent TRUE Sports across the United States, Europe, Japan, China and Australia.  Early 2019, TRUE Sports started the search for a new warehouse partner for its European operations, supporting its ambitious growth plans and market penetration throughout the EU.

GEODIS Netherlands will start providing warehousing and distribution services out of their Rotterdam warehouse for the TRUE Hockey brand. TRUE Sports chose the Netherlands for its strategic location with an excellent infrastructure supporting the European rollout. GEODIS implemented a customized racking layout enabling an optimal and efficient storage of the TRUE hockey sticks.

“We are proud to add yet another premium brand to our customer portfolio” – says Mark van den Assem, Managing Director GEODIS Netherlands. “GEODIS is eager to support TRUE Sports in their European expansion.”

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its passion and commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #4 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2018, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS

American Club presents buoyant Annual Market Review

December 9, 2019 by
  • Recent trends and future outlook extensively reviewed.
  • Recent balance sheet strengthening normalizes key financial indicators.
  • No standardized, or general, increase for 2020, but properly calibrated risk pricing mandated for renewal.
  • Eagle Ocean Marine fixed premium facility maintains steady growth and profitability.
  • American Hellenic Hull see excellent outlook as market provides strong impetus on pricing.
  • Recent augmentation of Managers’ professional resources enhances service capabilities.
  • Marine insurance sector at large suggested to be at secular inflection point.
  • Club sees outstanding prospects across all lines as industry evolves favorably for quality insurance providers.

NEW YORK, LONDON AND ATHENS, THURSDAY DECEMBER 5, 2019:  The American Club recently made market presentations to its considerable constituencies of Members, brokers and other friends and supporters in both London and Athens.  Its gathering in London on December 3 was hosted at Trinity House, while its reception in Athens on December 5 took place at the Yacht Club of Greece in Piraeus.

The presentations provided a full spectrum of up-to-date information concerning the Club’s mutual and fixed premium business.  They also included a report on recent developments at American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company, Ltd., a Cyprus-based subsidiary of the Club and a leading hull and war risks underwriter with a growing portfolio of high-quality international clients.

Those present at both events heard how the Club’s recent decisions in regard to supplementary calls were aimed at balance sheet strengthening and the normalization of key financial indicators.  For the 2020 renewal, although no standardized, or general, increase was being sought by the Club, its Board expected to see a year-on-year increase in the pricing of risk for 2020 of a magnitude reflecting future exposure.  This policy was intended to embrace not only the need for cash rises but also, as individual cases might dictate, changes in deductibles and/or other terms of entry.

Eagle Ocean Marine, the American Club’s fixed premium product aimed at the operators of smaller vessels in local and regional trades, continued to exhibit both solid growth and respectable profitability.  Against a background of upheaval in recent times among other insurers in this space, Eagle Ocean Marine was now widely regarded as a haven of acknowledged quality to those seeking a gold standard of coverage and service.

In explaining the background to recent developments at American Hull Insurance Company, Ltd., its CEO, Mr. Ilias Tsakiris, pointed to the steady development of its business plan which continued to see an expanding client base and rising premium rates.  The hardening of the market over the past twelve months had given further impetus to American Hellenic Hull’s financial development and, most importantly, growing profitability during the second half of the year.  This was an encouraging sign both for the hull underwriter itself and for the contribution it made to the American Club’s business.  There was every reason to expect continuing success into 2020 and beyond.

In addition to Mr. Tsakiris, Mr. Vince Solarino, President and Chief Operating Officer of SCB, Inc., the Managers of the American Club, and Ms. Dorothea Ioannou, SCB’s Chief Commercial Officer, also described recent operational changes which had been made within the Managers’ offices across the world.  Specifically, they referred to the augmentation of the Managers’ capabilities through the reorganization of their existing resources, the recruitment of new professional talent, both at headquarters and overseas, and other initiatives aimed at securing further success over the years ahead.

Mr. Joe Hughes, Chairman and CEO of SCB, Inc., noted that 2020 would mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the implementation, in 1995, of the American Club’s strategy of growth and diversification, then entitled Vision 2000.  Over the intervening years, and through several business cycles, the Club had been successful in building a market presence and range of proficiencies exponentially greater than those it possessed when that strategy began.  This augured very well for the future.

In reviewing trends affecting not only P&I but the market at large, Mr. Hughes said that the “great claims moderation of recent years” had ended.  Premium erosion continued to challenge operating results while the solid investment returns for 2019 – at least as experienced by the American Club – would be challenged by a cloudy outlook for 2020.

Mr. Hughes continued: “An urgent need has arisen for the proper calibration of risk pricing to exposure.  With the landscape at Lloyd’s and elsewhere undergoing transformational change, it appears that the marine insurance sector has reached a secular inflection point.  Indeed, the market upheavals of the last twelve months have left much of the industry in a state of flux.  But, however this might be characterized, there can be no doubt that recent turmoil foreshadows extraordinary potential for the future.

“The American Club, across all its business lines, has achieved much in recent years and great opportunity lies ahead.  The Club, Eagle Ocean Marine and American Hellenic Hull are poised to exploit a newly emerging business landscape, Eagle Ocean Marine as a haven of acknowledged quality within its sector and American Hellenic Hull fortified by its increasing profitability and excellent outlook.  Above all, service to Members, insureds, brokers and the many other stakeholders in our business will be of paramount importance.  Staying ahead of this curve of expectation will remain a critical imperative.

“Despite recent challenges, and those which the future will inevitably bring, the Club, Eagle Ocean Marine and American Hellenic Hull can justifiably look forward to excellent prospects of unsurpassed potential across all business lines as the industry evolves over the years ahead.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors – The American Club

American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the American Club) was established in New York in 1917. It is the only mutual Protection and Indemnity Club domiciled in the entire Americas and its headquarters are in New York, USA.

The American Club has been successful in recent years in building on its US heritage to create a truly international insurer with a global reach second-to-none in the industry. Day to day management of the American Club is provided by Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc. also headquartered in New York.

The Club is able to provide local service for its members across all time zones, communicating in eleven languages, and has subsidiary offices located in London, Piraeus, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Houston, plus a worldwide network of correspondents.

The Club is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs, a collective of thirteen mutuals which together provide Protection and Indemnity insurance for some 90% of all world shipping. For more information, please visit the Club’s website http://www.american-club.com/

P&I Insurance

Protection and Indemnity insurance (commonly referred to as “P&I”) provides cover to shipowners and charterers against third-party liabilities encountered in their commercial operations; typical exposures include damage to cargo, pollution, death/injury or illness of passengers or crew or damage to docks and other installations.

Running in parallel with a ship’s hull and machinery cover, traditional P&I cover distinguishes itself from usual forms of marine insurance by being based on the not-for-profit principle of mutuality where Members of the Club are both the insurers and the assureds.

Filed Under: The American Club

GEODIS, Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Provider, plays the role of Santa in the US by shipping 23 Million Units in the U.S.

December 9, 2019 by

Next to countless teams of jolly elves, GEODIS is the latest addition to the legendary list of Santa’s helpers. The Third-Party Logistics (3PL) provider shipped 23 million units in the U.S., to set a new shipping volume record between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday.

The record-breaking increase is driven largely by the continued and growing trend of online holiday shopping. GEODIS is among the industry leaders in fulfilment and distribution in the e-commerce sector.

“The holiday season is the most critical time for our customers whose businesses hinge on GEODIS getting their products to consumers on-time for every single order,” says Randy Tucker, President and CEO, GEODIS Americas. “As volume increases, we are constantly seeking ways to strengthen our productivity. We do this through innovation in our warehouses, while also providing our talented workforce with the most robust environment and technologies so that we can be as successful as possible.”

Along with technology and automation, the GEODIS workforce will grow by more than 7,000 during the 2019 holiday season to accommodate the increased volume.

“The holiday season is when GEODIS teammates really shine,” says Mike Honious, Chief Operating Officer, GEODIS Americas.  “Our teammates take great pride in doing their part to help Santa spread joy across the world. We are grateful for our teammates, and we’re thrilled to help our clients close out 2019 on such a strong performance.”

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

EODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its passion and commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #4 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2018, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS

GEODIS: Albertine Hanin named EVP Group Legal & Insurance

December 2, 2019 by
  • Albertine Hanin, EVP Group & Legal insurance, GEODIS

Albertine Hanin has been appointed EVP Group & Legal Insurance at GEODIS. She becomes a member of the Group’s Management Board, directly reports to Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS.   

Albertine holds a Master’s degree in International Law and a Certificate of Professional Proficiency in Law. After an initial experience as a business lawyer, she joined a GEODIS subsidiary in 1998 as Deputy Legal Director. In 2002, she moved to the GEODIS Group’s Corporate Legal Department as Legal Manager. Specialized in business law relating to the fields of transport, logistics and real estate, her functions have developed over the years. Since 2008, she has been in charge of legal affairs for distribution and logistics activities in France and more recently in the Western Europe, Middle East and Africa regions.

In her new role, Albertine Hanin will supervise the Corporate Legal Affairs and the Insurance Departments. She will also provide legal support for GEODIS Group activities with legal affairs managers working in the Regions and the Lines of Business.

“Albertine Hanin combines all the necessary qualities and skills to succeed in her new function. Her wide business experience and knowledge of GEODIS are assets for supporting the Group’s activities,” said Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS.

ENDS

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its passion and commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #4 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2018, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS

Dachser and terre des hommes step up their collaboration

November 28, 2019 by
Albert Recknagel and Bernhard Simon

In their joint grassroots projects, it is patience, perseverance, and establishing local and cultural roots that prove to be the recipe for success

Kempten, November 28, 2019. Dachser and the international children’s aid organization terre des hommes are expanding their long-standing partnership and commitment to social responsibility in the regions of South Asia, Southern Africa, and Latin America.

Based on the idea of “helping people to help themselves,” the grassroots projects focus on the fight against human rights violations—in particular all forms of violence against children and women—as well as on commitment to providing a healthy, clean environment, and on the education of young people—especially girls and young women—and supporting them on their way to finding gainful employment. Given that developing and emerging countries play a critical role in the fight against climate change, the partnership supports projects that center on climate protection and provision of the appropriate infrastructure. For each of the three project regions—South Asia, Southern Africa, and Latin America—Dachser is providing annual funding to the tune of EUR 200,000 for the next five years.

“For the development partnership to make a real difference, you need staying power and to make sure social responsibility is firmly rooted in the local communities,” says Bernhard Simon, CEO of Dachser. “That way, the issues that really need attention are the ones that get addressed. terre des hommes and its local partners ensure that youth and women’s groups have the opportunity to articulate their concerns and, with our support, take action to support the ongoing social and ecological development of their local community.”  

New projects in India and Nepal

Dachser and terre des hommes have been working together in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh since 2005, where they have achieved a great deal so far: almost 32,000 children have now been informed about their rights to live a life free of violence, child labor, and sexual exploitation. More than 18,000 children have been given support in preparation for regular school attendance, and 5,400 young people, mainly girls, have learned simple handicraft skills such as tailoring, sewing, or weaving in order to earn their own money and support their families financially. Some 5,000 young people got involved in street theater or other activities to raise awareness of social problems, such as alcoholism or violence against children and women, among their communities. And more than 4,000 young people have taken part in environmental protection workshops and planted almost 50,000 trees as part of reforestation campaigns.

Dachser and terre des hommes will continue to support two districts of Uttar Pradesh and two urban slums in New Delhi, and will be adding the following regions to their outreach projects for the 2020–2025 period:

  • In the northern Indian state of Bihar, one in three people lives below the poverty line, i.e., without access to clean drinking water, sanitation, housing, education, or work. Violence, particularly against women and girls, is widespread: trafficking and abduction of girls for forced marriages are an everyday occurrence. In the districts of Katihar and Munger, where the problem is especially acute, Dachser will support two local organizations over the next five years to provide girls there with better protection.
  • On the western edge of Nepal, the Bajura district is suffering increasingly from drought and food shortages; the people scrape by the best they can on subsistence agriculture. Access to education and career opportunities are virtually non-existent, often forcing young people to migrate to India to find work in the cities there. In a project set to run through 2025, Dachser will support a local organization in improving the education and living conditions of 600 families in the region.

The company will also continue with and expand its existing projects with terre des hommes in Southern Africa and Latin America.

More information about the commitment of Dachser and terre des hommes to social responsibility is available on the website: https://www.dachser.com/campaigns/terredeshommes/en/index.html.

ENDS

About Dachser:

A family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, Dachser offers transport logistics, warehousing, and customer-specific services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 30,600 employees at 399 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 5.6 billion in 2018. That same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 83.7 million shipments weighing 41.3 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 44 countries.

For more information about Dachser, please visit www.dachser.com

Filed Under: Dachser UK

“K” Line : Installation of Alcohol Detector Linked to Smartphone Onboard our Fleet Vessels

November 28, 2019 by

We have been endeavoring to achieve safe navigation through strict alcohol management onboard. As a further step, we have started to install alcohol detector linked to smartphone, developed by the system development company “Pai-R Co., Ltd.,” to vessels under the management of “K” LINE group company in order to further strengthen management in our efforts to successfully achieve promotion of safe navigation.

An alcohol detector is connected to the smartphone to launch the dedicated application, then one blows into the detector. The face photo of subject being tested is automatically taken and sent to the cloud on shore via satellite communication along with the test result. This detection data is saved and managed by the shore server and can be accessed and confirmed by management on the vessel as well as in the shore office. In case alcohol is detected, an alert e-mail will be sent to the registered e-mail address that will enable monitoring the alcohol test onboard the vessel in real time.

With introduction of this system, we expect to have the advantage in further enhancement of  alcohol management and reduction in workload that will contribute to Work Style Reform　onboard our vessels compared to previous alcohol test methods such as using simple alcohol detectors and managing the record of test results by ship’s crew.

We will continue installing them from November 2019 with the target of having them installed in all our managed vessels during first half of year 2020.

“K” LINE is aiming to introduce new technology, improve our high-value-added transportation services and obtain the best possible satisfaction and reliability from our esteemed customers. We are dedicated to continuing to seek the best as well as the safest services through strong cooperation and alliances with multiple business partners across various and different fields.

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K”LINE/FueLNG conclude ship management agreement for Singapore’s 1st LNG-Bunker vessel

November 28, 2019 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K”LINE) and FueLNG Pte Ltd.(*) (FueLNG) have concluded a ship management agreement for the 7,500CBM LNG-Bunkering Vessel (LBV) that FueLNG will own, operate and carry out all commercial operations.

The partnership will combine “K”LINE’s extensive ship management and LNG transportation experience with FueLNG’s LNG bunkering expertise, which includes more than 160 truck-to-ship LNG bunkering operations conducted to-date. This will provide a reliable, expedient and seamless bunkering process for FueLNG’s customers.

The LBV is expected to commence LNG-bunkering service in Singapore, one of world’s largest bunkering ports, in 2H2020 after delivery from Keppel Offshore & Marine’s shipyard where it is being built. This will be the first LNG Bunker Vessel providing ship-to-ship bunkering in Singapore.

In order for shipping companies to achieve increasingly stringent global regulations on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ships, LNG as marine fuel is considered one of the primary alternative fuels to replace conventional heavy fuel oil for its characteristics to emit less GHG and other air pollutants.

“K” LINE Group will promote its effort to reduce GHG emissions in accordance with the “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050, providing logistics services that are more environmentally low-loaded and highly efficient.

*FueLNG is a joint venture between Keppel Offshore & Marine and Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd and works to build a world-class LNG bunkering network and encourage the adoption of LNG as a marine fuel.

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line – Construction of Next-Generation Environmental-Friendly Car Carrier Fuelled by LNG

November 28, 2019 by

In December 2018, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) placed an order for a car carrier vessel fuelled by LNG (liquefied natural gas) with Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. as a next-generation car carrier vessel with reduced environmental load. Construction has been started and expected completion will be in the fall of 2020. The outline of the vessel is as follows:

Length Overall: about 199.9 meters

Width: about 37.2 meters

Maximum number of vehicles loadable: About 7,020

Gross Ton: about 73,800 tons

Country of Registry: Japan

Due to ever-increasing high environmental awareness, our study of LNG fuelled vessel has been accelerating. With the support of the “Model Project for Maximize Reduction of CO2 Emissions from LNG fueled Vessels” a joint project between the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, came to materialization this year when our company marked the 100th Anniversary of its foundation.

In 2015, we formulated a long-term environmental management vision called the “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 “Securing the Blue Seas for Tomorrow,” with the aim of minimizing all environmental impacts generated by our business activities. In February 2016, we launched an environmental-friendly flagship called “Drive Green Highway,” a car carrier vessel with the next-generation environmental technologies such as state-of-the-art energy-saving technologies and SOx scrubbers (sulfur oxide purification equipment). In the Environmental Vision 2050, we have set the goal of “Reducing CO2 emissions by half” and “Replacing majority of energy currently consumed with new energy sources,” and this LNG-fuelled ship will be a next-generation environmental-friendly car carrier vessel for achieving these goals.

By building LNG-fuelled car carrier vessels, we are actively responding to a wide variety of transportation needs from customers both domestic and overseas, while responding to the growing need for environmental friendliness, and contribute to a sustainable society through high-quality transportation.

(Note) LNG fuel reduces CO2 emissions by about 25 to 30%, sulfur oxides by 100%, nitrogen oxides by about 80 to 90%, respectively, compared with conventional fuel oil. It is attracting attention as a potential alternative fuel with less environmental load.

  • “K” line Group is promoting activities that contribute to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), and this project is a part of its ongoing activities.
Filed Under: "K" Line

Cargo Handling Industry Experts move to prevent Port & Terminal collisions

November 27, 2019 by

To minimize risk and improve port safety, three of the cargo handling industry’s leading bodies have produced an information paper Collision Prevention At Ports & Terminals.  Experts from international freight transport insurers, TT Club, together with cargo handling industry experts ICHCA and PEMA share the latest technologies to detect and prevent collisions to promote safety.

London 27 November 2019

In an attempt to improve safety, reduce injuries and loss of life, equipment damage and minimize costly business disruption at ports and terminals worldwide, PEMA, TT Club, and ICHCA International have pooled resources to make available information to promote collision prevention. All relevant stakeholders have been involved in the development of this project. PEMA represents container crane and technology manufacturers, and TT Club and ICHCA International represent container terminals.

There is a growing number of non-contact, state-of-the- art technologies for collision prevention that can dramatically improve equipment safety and reduce risk associated with container handling. However, many of these are not currently included in national or international standards. This paper suggests that such technologies should be installed on new and existing equipment, and  covers major features and types of non-contact technologies for collision prevention at ports and terminals. Collision Prevention At Ports & Terminals is now available free from the websites of TT Club, PEMA and ICHCA.

This information paper does not carry any binding obligations, and is independent of the various local, national and international regulatory regimes on the safe design, manufacture, specification and operation of the various equipment types, which must also be satisfied. Adoption of equipment technologies to enhance risk reduction and safety, which is the primary focus of this document, must also go together with the development of robust operational safety processes.

Container terminals are inherently associated with potential safety risk, with vehicles and heavy equipment operating in close proximity. However, given that terminal plant is broadly similar and typically performs similar tasks, it is possible to model different types of collisions and place them in a matrix. To determine what may occur in each part of a terminal, this paper specifies the equipment and personnel likely to be involved in each area; and for each combination of machinery and personnel, the document analyses possible collision types and shares latest technologies to help prevent collisions.

ENDS

Link to PDF of Information Paper:  https://www.ttclub.com/loss-prevention/publications/collision-prevention-at-ports-and-terminals/

ABOUT TT CLUB

TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services. Established in 1968, the Club’s membership comprises vessel operators, ports and terminals, road, rail and airfreight operators, logistics companies and container lessors.

As a mutual insurer, the Club exists to provide its policyholders with benefits, which include specialist underwriting expertise, a worldwide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice.

www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: TT Club

Quay Cranes Minimum Safety Features Updated

November 20, 2019 by

Three industry bodies have produced Revision 1 of their Recommended Minimum Safety Features for Quay Container Cranes.  Experts from international freight transport insurers, TT Club, together with cargo handling industry experts ICHCA and PEMA recommend minimum standard safety features to promote safety.

London 20 November 2019

The ‘Recommended Minimum Safety Features for Quay Container Cranes’ document has been updated and Revision 1 now available. Published jointly by property, equipment and liability insurance provider TT Club, the Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA) and ICHCA International, the recommendations update the original document published in 2011.  Born out of TT Club’s claims experience, the research has drawn together a formidable group of operational and engineering experience from around the globe to recommend solutions to common safety issues.

The publication calls for a new approach to the crane procurement process in order to recognise safety as an integral part of operational decisions that will minimise exposure to injury, damage and disruption costs over the life cycle of the equipment.

The recommended minimum safety features directly address the causes of accidents and failures identified by TT Club from its claims records. Some of these include:

  • Damage caused by high winds
    TT Club’s publication ‘WindStorm II – Practical risk management guidance for marine & inland terminals’, emphasises that design features play an important part in minimising exposure.  Non-technical people would be surprised at the ‘sail effect’ inherent in the ‘Meccano-like’ structures. There are innumerable instances of cranes being blown along the rails, colliding with neighbouring cranes, or being dislodged from the rails, often  leading to structural collapse. While extreme conditions cannot be entirely avoided, the recommended baseline requirements include details for driven braking system and anemometer design and operational controls with an appropriate shutdown function.  Further losses can be prevented through the installation of storm pins on both waterside and landside, as well as crane tie-downs on each corner of the crane – with appropriately positioned and engineered anchor points in the terminal apron.
  • Damage caused by collision
    Accident statistics clearly demonstrate that collisions are a surprisingly recurrent problem. Most commonly, it is the boom of the crane that impacts a ship’s superstructure, resulting in substantial repair costs and consequent downtime. TT Club has for a number of years recommended the installation of radar or laser electronic sensors. This proven technology, integrated appropriately into the operational systems, allows the crane to come to a ‘normal’ stop prior to impact.
  • Risk of fire
    The incidence of fires in quay gantry cranes is low, certainly compared with mobile terminal equipment. However, the position of control machinery high up on the crane structure presents a considerable challenge to most port fire response services. Thus, it is important to install temperature and smoke detection systems and provide alarms for all relevant operational staff. Fully automatic fire suppression is also recommended.

The intention of the ‘Recommendations’ is to urge suppliers to include as standard, not optional, the baseline safety features on this list in all their quotations for container quay cranes. Terminals and buyers are also recommended to incorporate such requirements in their tender specifications. In many instances the safety features identified can be retrofitted to existing equipment. This publication aims to contribute to protecting the substantial asset investment and minimising costs and injuries associated with any type of accident.

The ‘Recommended Minimum Safety Features for Quay Container Cranes’ document Revision 1 now available free from the websites of TT Club, PEMA and ICHCA.

https://www.ttclub.com/news-events/press-releases/quay-cranes-minimum-safety-features-updated-150863/

ENDS

ABOUT TT CLUB

TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services. Established in 1968, the Club’s membership comprises vessel operators, ports and terminals, road, rail and airfreight operators, logistics companies and container lessors.

As a mutual insurer, the Club exists to provide its policyholders with benefits, which include specialist underwriting expertise, a worldwide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice.

www.ttclub.com

ABOUT PEMA

The Port Equipment Manufacturers Association (PEMA) was established in 2004 to provide a forum and public voice for the global port equipment and technology sectors, reflecting their critical role in enabling safe, secure, sustainable and productive ports, and thereby supporting world maritime trade.

Chief among the aims of the Association is to foster good relations within the world port equipment and technology community, by providing a forum for the exchange of views on trends in design, manufacture and operation of port equipment and technology.

PEMA also promotes and supports the global role of port equipment and technology by raising awareness with customers, the media and other stakeholders; forging relations with other port industry associations and bodies; and contributing to best practice initiatives and information.

PEMA’s growing membership represents a cross-section of port equipment OEMs, suppliers of components including brakes, cable reels, controls, drive systems, tyres and more, providers of software, systems and other advanced technologies, and expert consultants in the field of port equipment and technology.

www.pema.org

ABOUT ICHCA INTERNATIONAL

ICHCA International is the only global association dedicated to the promotion of safety and efficiency in the handling and movement of goods by all modes and throughout the supply chain.

Originally established in 1952 and incorporated in 2002, the Association operates through a series of Local, National and Regional Chapters, Panels, Working Groups and Correspondence Groups and represents the cargo handling world at various international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

ICHCA International members include ports, terminals, transport companies and other groups associated with cargo handling and coordination. Members of its Panels represent a substantial cross-section of senior experts and professionals from all sectors of the cargo transport industry globally.

Members benefit from consulting services and informative publications dealing with technical matters, best practice advice and cargo handling news.

www.ichca.com

Filed Under: TT Club
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