RightShip has presented four different case studies to highlight an alarming trend which has emerged from incident and inspection data over the last two years with regards pilot ladders and transfer arrangements. The organization has observed several deficiencies while the ladders are not in use. However, critically, it is when an inspector is not present, and ladders are being rigged or utilised, that those deficiencies with high-risk potential can result in incidents. RightShip notes offer the following cases: Continue reading “Deficiencies and non-conformities involving pilot ladders are on the increase”
Containers
New EMSA CARGOSAFE study investigates risks from cargo fires
Based on a safety risk study on containerized cargo fires, the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has released the CARGOSAFE study, with the goal of identifying cost-effective risk control options for cargo fires. It assesses the dimensions of the problem for both existing ships and newbuilds.
The CARGOSAFE study examines the risks associated with fires on container ships and evaluates measures to control these risks in terms of prevention, detection, firefighting, and containment. CARGOSAFE follows the Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) structure for use in IMO rule-making process. Continue reading “New EMSA CARGOSAFE study investigates risks from cargo fires”
How the movement of containers can cause spread of pests
The World Shipping Council has released an informative video on how containers can facilitate the start and spread of pests to communities around the world, risking agriculture, forestry and natural resources.
The cargo transported in a ship’s hold or in containers can transfer invasive species. Winged insects such as the Flighted Spongy Moth and the Brown Marmorated Stinkbug are seasonal threats, and national regulations mandate treatment by shippers and inspection regimes to prevent their transfer. Being at the frontline of this issue, the industry is actively working with shippers, packers and freight forwarders in establishing and sharing best practice when it comes to prevention, inspection, cleaning and treatment of goods and containers. Continue reading “How the movement of containers can cause spread of pests”
Great care should be taken when containers are loaded on vessels
In a recent communiqué from the American Club, it focuses on container losses in general. This is a phenomenon that is much too common the Club says and needs addressing.
Containers are routinely being lost at sea from container ships, from barges, and from non-cellular vessels carrying containers. There are several causes including incorrect container weight declarations by shippers, improper weight distributions in the stow, cargo misdeclarations, inadequate packing of cargo inside the containers, inadequate stowage plans, and inadequate cargo securing. Continue reading “Great care should be taken when containers are loaded on vessels”
Loss prevention measures for the carriage of electrically powered refrigerated containers in cargo holds
This article has been written by Capt. Jatinder Singh Chada (Jatin) MIIMS as a brief introductory guide to loss prevention, specifically for carriage of electrically powered refrigerated containers inside cargo holds (under deck). With the increase in transportation of refrigerated commodities and containerization, container vessels are being designed to accommodate more and more refrigerated containers under deck, in addition to the customary practice of loading reefer containers on deck, as operators want to cash in the extra freight.
Based on statistics of incidents handled by the author, it has been noted that most of the incidents involving high temperatures (and related malfunctions) on containers loaded Continue reading “Loss prevention measures for the carriage of electrically powered refrigerated containers in cargo holds”
Regulation and improving fire-fighting techniques have proven inadequate to stem the tide of serious incidents on container ships
The freight transport and logistics insurance specialist insurer, TT Club is continuing its battle to convince cargo interests, supply chain professionals and enforcement agencies that the responsibility for mitigating container ship fires is shared by numerous entities involved from end to end of the entire global supply chain. With its estimated sixty-day average occurrence of serious incidents being maintained by the Zim Charleston fire in August and the TSS Pearl in the Red Sea in early October, TT is once more urging a more comprehensive approach to arresting the trend. Continue reading “Regulation and improving fire-fighting techniques have proven inadequate to stem the tide of serious incidents on container ships”
Reefer claims increase sharply over the pandemic is key report finding
A new report by the Swedish Club, called “Container Claims – Refrigerated Containers,” has identified a peak in refrigerated (reefer) container claims during the pandemic as a result of disruptions in the supply chain, with a high number of reefer containers being delayed either in port or during transportation to and from port via road or rail.
Between 2021 and 2022 the Club saw an increase in reefer container claims of 270%, with 4.1% of all container vessels having a reefer claim in 2020 compared with 11.4% in 2021. Reefer containers are the main cause of all container claims with 30% of the Club’s total container claims being due to refrigerated cargo damage over the last five years. Continue reading “Reefer claims increase sharply over the pandemic is key report finding”
Sounding pipes should be clear of debris or cargo
The Swedish Club has provided lessons learned from an incident where water had entered cargo hold 1 of a bulker, causing wet damage. as part of its ongoing series into hatch cover incidents.
A bulk carrier had a full cargo of zinc concentrate on board and was sailing from the west coast to the east coast of South America. When the vessel passed Cape Horn it experienced heavy weather of Beaufort scale 9 with green sea covering the cargo hold covers 1, 2 and 3. This continued for four days as the vessel battled the waves. The vessel had no weather routeing.
When the weather calmed down the Master asked the Chief Officer to inspect the cargo holds. Continue reading “Sounding pipes should be clear of debris or cargo”
The importance of inspecting hatch covers to ensure their weathertight condition highlighted
The Swedish Club has highlighted the importance of securing and inspecting hatch covers and checking that they are in good condition. In presenting a case study, the Club explains how seawater may ingress into cargo holds in bad condition can cause serious damage.
The incident
A bulk carrier had been fully loaded with grains. The vessel had side rolling cargo hatch covers. For six days, the vessel encountered heavy weather at Beaufort scale 9 which caused it to pitch and roll heavily. During the voyage the cargo hatch covers were washed over by seawater.
When the vessel was at anchor and waiting for an available berth the hatch covers were opened. This was to ensure the vessel Continue reading “The importance of inspecting hatch covers to ensure their weathertight condition highlighted”
West P&I has noticed an increase in fire incidents to containers containing charcoal and carbon
The West P&I Club has noted a number of recent container fire incidents related to containers which were declared as miscellaneous items but actually contained charcoal/carbon. This is a commodity liable to spontaneous combustion. These containers were below deck and when fires broke out there was considerable damage caused to the vessel and other cargo by the fire and the water used to extinguish the fire.
The vessels’ CO2 system assisted in putting the fires out. Fire experts have also advised that they are aware of numerous other fires in containers of charcoal tablets in recent months. Continue reading “West P&I has noticed an increase in fire incidents to containers containing charcoal and carbon”
Port of Antwerp and partners to launch cargo temperature monitoring service
The Port of Antwerp is working along with three partners to launch Europe’s first end-to-end cargo LoRaWAN based cargo temperature monitoring service.
The Port of Antwerp, Europe’s second-largest container hub, is collaborating with Foodcareplus, an international logistics provider, Dockflow, a building logistics enablement platform, and TrakAssure,a provider of cargo monitoring solutions. They have announced a service offering cargo temperature condition monitoring for logistics assets and cargo, and providing exception alerting solutions for Continue reading “Port of Antwerp and partners to launch cargo temperature monitoring service”
Refrigerated container cargo claims on the rise warns Britannia Club
In the past two years, the Britannia Club has opened just over 250 claims files for allegedly damaged refrigerated container cargo carried on operators’ vessels, with the number of such claims being on the rise recently.
Cargoes carried in refrigerated containers are many and varied, including meat, vegetables, fruit, live plants, flowers and medicines, all requiring their own bespoke temperature and atmosphere management.
Where there is the loss of the entire contents of a 40’ high cube container, Continue reading “Refrigerated container cargo claims on the rise warns Britannia Club”
