An estimated two million containers are sold annually by container shipping lines and leasing companies. They may be re-purposed for a wide range of applications or carry on their working life in the shipping industry.
Concerns have been raised over recent years that the movement of shipping containers facilitates the spread of pests adversely impacting sensitive environments. Both the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have now given endorsement to joint industry guidelines concerning container cleanliness.
The recent action against Qatar by a growing number of countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain on 5th June 2017 is likely to affect a number of TT Club Members as they undertake their normal business operations. The situation appears more likely to affect the TT Club's NVOC, Freight Forwarder, Container line operator and logistics company Members, but Ports and Terminal operator Members could also be impacted in respect of affected cargos passing through their facilities. At this stage it is too early to tell.
European Shipping Week will take place in Brussels from 27 February to 2 March and there delegates will focus on the correct packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs) and the safety issues that result from poor work practices.
The Australian government has passed legislation extending protection against unfair terms in standard form contracts beyond consumers to Australian small businesses.
New 'Guidelines for the Carriage of Calcium Hypochlorite in Containers' are intended to allow the carriage of calcium hypochlorite under controlled circumstances, to ensure that it is properly declared, packaged, packed and carried.
The Loadstar Podcast May edition focuses on the work being undertaken in the UK with shippers, forwarders and ports, all preparing for the rapidly approaching legislation deadline. A round table discussion with DP World Southampton's commercial director, Aart Hille Riis Lambers, TT Club's Peregrine Storrs-Fox and BIFA policy and compliance manager Robert Windsor.
The IMO has issued a Circular to all Member States and the transport industry this week in order to assist the implementation of the VGM amendment to SOLAS, which comes into effect on 1 July. TT Club welcomes the move, noting that governments have also been urged to engage with the industry in their jurisdictions to assist with compliance and to share best practice with other national authorities.
When the requirement for verified gross mass (VGM) was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in November 2014, preparations should have started through the containerised supply chain to reach compliance. Now less than two months to enforcement, what final steps need to be in place?
