The British International Freight Association (BIFA) used the latest episode in its 2024 webinar series to provide crucial advice on safety in container shipping.
The keynote speaker, Mike Yarwood, managing director of loss prevention at TT Club—a global leader in insurance and risk management services for the international transport and logistics industry—was joined by Robert Windsor, BIFA’s member policy & compliance director.
Windsor provides advice and information on maritime, road, and dangerous goods, BIFA Standard Trading Conditions (STC), and legal and insurance matters.
Drawing on their extensive expertise, Yarwood and Windsor guided attendees through essential safety practices in the maritime containerised supply chain. The webinar focused on three key areas: proper packing, transport, and unpacking of cargo transport units (CTUs).
“There have been several widely reported container fires aboard ships, where containerised cargoes may have been the cause of, or contributed to such fires. BIFA believes that consistent, widespread and diligent adherence to the CTU Code by all parties within global CTU supply chains would significantly reduce these types of incidents, some of which have resulted in fatalities and serious injuries amongst ships’ crews and shore-side staff,” stated Windsor.
Attendees gained insights into best practices for ensuring the safe handling of freight containers, an aspect often overlooked in maritime transport compared to air freight.
The webinar also addressed the management of hazardous cargoes, highlighting the risks of non-declared and mis-declared hazardous materials. Attendees learned about initial document checks, methods for identifying non-compliant freight, and steps for regularising cargoes.
Additionally, the importance of accurately weighing cargo to establish the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) of containers was discussed, emphasizing its significance for safe and compliant shipping practices.
BIFA underscored the importance of incorporating its Standard Trading Conditions (STC) into contracts to maximize their protective benefits.
Yarwood further added, “Raising awareness of the myriad risks that permeate the global supply chain, via webinars such as this, is fundamental in influencing the adoption of better practices that will increase the safety, security and sustainability performance of operators. TT Club is grateful to BIFA for providing the platform and access to an engaged audience.”
