18 March 2009

TT Club has agreed to work with PEMA (Port Equipment Manufacturers Association) to promote best practice in designing safe port operating equipment worldwide.

The move comes after PEMA's recent AGM in Amsterdam, where Laurence Jones, Director of Global Risk Assessment for the TT Club, presented the results of his recent research into causes of equipment accidents and loss in the port and terminal sector. Given its position as a leading insurer globally to the marine terminal market, TT Club has a wealth of insight into the key factors contributing to such accidents. "We are delighted to co-operate with the TT Club in increasing knowledge and awareness of such a vital aspect of the port equipment business," said Ottonel Popesco, PEMA President.

The TT Club's research showed that, although human factors were the major cause of accidents, existing systems and technologies could be included in the design of equipment to help operators avoid accidents. Jones also called for continuing development of new technology to improve the safety of personnel and equipment, citing the example of quay-crane booms colliding with ships - a frequent accident that is easily prevented by the installation of a simple boom anti-collision electronic sensor.

"For about US$10,000 per crane this alone can save millions of dollars in damage as well as injuries and downtime", says Jones. "Due to price sensitivity, crane manufacturers often do not provide boom anti-collision as standard or offer a low-cost mechanism that does not provide adequate protection. My aim is to encourage all terminals to specify electronic boom anti-collision sensors so that crane manufacturers fit them as standard."

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club's Risk Management Director, was pleased with the cooperation agreement with PEMA. He said, "As the leading insurer globally to the marine terminal market, TT Club has a key perspective on the factors contributing to accidents occurring. By combining the Club's experience with PEMA's extensive knowledge of the sector, we will be able to promote the safe design of port equipment intelligently and effectively, and so help to reduce port accidents and loss".

TT Club will be hosting a workshop jointly with PEMA on "Port Equipment Safety and Loss Prevention - Strategies and Technologies to Minimise Risk" at the 34th TOC Europe conference, 16-18 June, Bremen. The workshop, which will be held on the morning of Thursday 18 June, will focus on the major causes of equipment accidents and loss, operational and management strategies to minimise risk, and new technologies to improve safety and reduce loss. The workshop is open to all delegates, exhibitors and visitors attending TOC Europe.

Note to Editors:

The 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 ship 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 world-wide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice. www.ttclub.com

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