London International Shipping Week takes place between 11th and 15th September, during which an event at the IMO will focus on the correct packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs) and the safety issues that result from poor packing and securing practices.

'Safety in the Intermodal Supply Chain' will promote the awareness, understanding and implementation of the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code)[1]. The event will take place on Tuesday 12 September at 17:30 in the IMO Building, London and will be followed by a networking reception.

The hosts are the same alliance of industry organisations that are committed to promoting safety in the CTU supply chain and successfully supported global compliance efforts in relation to the verified gross mass (VGM) requirements for packed containers. This alliance, Global Shippers Forum (GSF), ICHCA International, TT Club and World Shipping Council (WSC), launched its campaign to address the dangers posed by incorrectly packed and secured cargo in all types of cargo transport units at the European Shipping Week in Brussels in February and is pleased to have the support once more of the IMO.

Held at the IMO during the fourth meeting of its Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC 4), this event will be followed by a networking reception, during which the winner of the 2017 BIC Award[2] will be announced. Each year the BIC Award honours an organisation or individual for a significant contribution to the advancement of safety, security or sustainability in container transportation.

Speakers from the four host organisations will present during the event and facilitate discussion on key current topics in which the delegates attending will be encouraged to participate. Lars Kjaer of the WSC explains, "The event will include a presentation of the current status of our campaign and an opportunity to debate how knowledge and application of the Code can be promoted."

In highlighting the key timing of the event, Peregrine Storrs-Fox from TT Club states, "The occasion provides a unique opportunity for senior shipping executives to engage with key safety messages and network with the representatives of national governments from around the globe who determine the development and implementation of maritime regulation - all in the setting of the only UN agency based in London."

"It is now almost three years since the three UN bodies that sponsored the CTU Code approved its content," comments ICHCA's Captain Richard Brough OBE. "While a non-mandatory Code of Practice, it is now thoroughly referenced in the IMDG Code. The entire freight industry must recognise that this detailed guidance may now be seen as representing industry best practice."

The importance of awareness across the entire supply chain of these dangers is a point emphasised by Chris Welsh MBE of the GSF, "The responsibilities of all those working in the supply chain, shippers, packers, forwarders, warehouse operators and transport providers for all modes and in all countries are clearly set out in the Code. The fundamental responsibilities for the safety of cargo packing and those handling CTUs are determined at the outset, but do not cease when the doors of the trailer or container are closed", he concludes.

Register your attendance

here