International trade in perishable cargo is a growth area for container carriers, now accounting for over 90% of world maritime reefer transport capacity and making inroads to airfreight as well. As ever, reward can be countered by risk.
It is now approaching two years since safety alerts were raised in connection with reefer containers designed for use with R134a refrigerant which were re-gassed with counterfeit refrigerant. Happily, the TT Club is not aware of more explosions or injuries. There is no reason, however, to be complacent.
Speaking this week at the industry forum, ASEAN Ports and Shipping in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, TT Club's Regional Director for Asia Pacific, Phillip Emmanuel, showed evidence that a very high percentage of the insurer's claims were due to some kind of operational error. The vast majority could have been avoided through good management practice. Emmanuel highlighted the main areas of concentrated risk and presented effective recommendations to minimise these incidents.
International transport insurance provider, TT Club, has sponsored the FIATA Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year Award since its beginnings in 1999. It continues to support the programme and it aims to identify, recognise and encourage young talent throughout the industry.
In a move designed to further enhance its service to its Members TT Club, the specialist insurer for the international transport and logistics industry, has appointed a network partner in India. Pandi Correspondents (Mumbai) Pvt Limited, which has offices in Chennai, Kolkata and Goa in addition to Mumbai will be integrated into TT Club's claims IT system and has been delegated claims handling authority.
Flexitanks have been around for decades, but their use has expanded rapidly. The industry has sought to enhance standards over the recent years and currently is developing a standard for manufacturing and testing of single-use flexitanks. Take the opportunity to comment.
People and equipment are not always a safe mix, particularly where procedures to manage the interface are unknown and unenforced. There are a number of issues to be considered carefully by port facilities to mitigate the risks of injury and consequent litigation.
Some bulk terminals have contracts which specify a tolerance for the weight of material entering and leaving the terminal. This can result in costly claims for bulk weight discrepancies. It can be best to avoid this - as many terminals do.
Specialist liability insurer for the international transport and logistics industry, TT Club is keen to focus industry attention on the risks associated with the incorrect packing and securing of cargo in containers and the debate over the accurate weighing of containers.
'Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller' was named today at a ceremony in South Korea. This is the first of Maersk Line's Triple E-Ships which is due for delivery in 14 days.
There is general consensus that the inaccuracy of weight declaration in the unit load industry compromises safety and efficiency. There is rather less agreement on how to implement changes that are appropriate and proportionate.
