TT Talk - Perishable cargo operations
23/07/2013
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.
TT Talk - Keeping people safe in port areas
03/07/2013
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.
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.
TT Talk - Taking care of bulk weight issues
03/07/2013
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.
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.
International research has demonstrated that there is little awareness of the international guidelines for packing cargo. The TT Club's claims statistics demonstrate that there is poor awareness of what good practice is in relation to packing cargo. As various UN Organizations seek to tackle this, the TT Club is hosting a Round Table at the forthcoming TOC Europe Conference to broadcast the debate.
Almost 15 years after revision of its transport legislation, Germany has modernised its law carriage by sea. Here is a review by the TT Club of the principle changes and the potential impact to trade and litigation.
The current marine environmental legislation in relation to 'garbage' came into force in January 2013. The ability to comply adequately with these revisions, including its impact on land-based waste management, was reviewed by the relevant IMO sub-committee 13-17 May.
TT Talk - Can you trust Safety Data Sheets?
02/05/2013
Abuse of Safety Data Sheets for cargo bookings is uncomfortably frequent. A recent TT Club claim relating to a fire onboard a ship highlighted a number of issues.
TT Talk - Treat authorities with respect
11/04/2013
Customs authorities the world over have a vital role to play in international trade. In different jurisdictions there will be concentration variously on imports and exports, and the responsibilities will represent a balance - amongst other things - between trade facilitation, controls and protections, and revenue collection. Constructive dialogue with authorities is generally a responsible approach.