It is inevitable that everything that is transported by sea starts and ends on land. As a result, the TT Club lobbied for training of shore side personnel in the requirements of the IMDG Code. While the United Nations continues to seek harmonisation across the different modes, it is necessary to be competent in handling dangerous goods throughout the anticipated transport chain. Good tools and training options are available, but is more required to ensure safety?
The following information is aimed at all Members against whom bodily injury claims might be brought in England and Wales. If you fall into this category please read the following briefing.
In a speech to be given at the TOC Container Supply Chain: Middle East Conference on 9th December, Andrew Kemp, Regional Director EMEA of the freight transport insurance specialist TT Club will warn of the additional liability that freight forwarders and other logistics operators are open to as a consequence of dynamic changes in global trade.
Whilst technological advances undoubtedly provide greater operational efficiencies and opportunities for carriers and operators to mitigate their exposure to theft and fraud, unfortunately they equally benefit organised criminal organisations. As invasive cyber-technology becomes more widely available, the TT Club suggests that what has been observed in recent months could be a significant emerging risk to legitimate trade, exposing the operators in the supply chain to economic and commercial damage.
The European Commission estimated that the value of cargo stolen in transit was around EUR8.2 billion per annum. The TT Club has seen an increase in the role fraud is playing in such losses. There is a marked trend in organised crime posing as legitimate operators or using internet cargo clearing sites to facilitate the theft of high value cargo. Perhaps most worrying is that this is global.
Congratulations to Julien Horn, Senior Underwriter at TT Club who has been selected by the Chartered Institute of Insurance (CII) as a representative on their New Generation Programme.
TT Club's Sydney team was a finalist in 2 categories at the 18th Australian Shipping & Maritime Awards, earning a 'Highly Commended Award' in Maritime Services.
Despite significant political, legislative and judicial developments in the two months since Hassan Rouhani was elected President of Iran, the current EU and US sanctions against Iran remain by far the most onerous sanctions. Where sanctions in general are complex and require close attention, any business engaging in any trade which has any connection with Iran has to pay particular attention to the onerous restrictions and recognise the significant 'teeth' behind the political positioning.
Freedom in international trade in the 21st century remains littered with obstacles and barriers, most of which will be accommodated in the normal course of business. The political and volatile subject of sanctions presents an extremely important hurdle that every company involved in handling and transporting cargo internationally needs to approach with diligence.
