Corporate Licensed Members

ICHCA’s corporate licensed members represent key interest groups and expertise clusters, all concerned with fostering knowledge and best practice within their own communities and across the broader cargo handling and transport chain.

ICHCA Insights – December 2025

Latest edition of "ICHCA Insights" available For the latest edition of our monthly newsletter “ICHCA Insights” please Click here For previous newsletters click here: https://ichca.com/newsletters

Fumigation Risks On Board Vessels

This year’s ICHCA campaign has been on the handling and transport of Dangerous Goods.  As we approach the end of 2025, we are taking the opportunity to refresh members about the topics we have covered and to remind readers that Amendment 42-24 which has been voluntary, will become the mandated IMDG Code in January 2026.  Today’s topic is: Fumigation Risks On Board Vessels Paper CCC 11/5/6 ‘Fumigation-related casualties’ was submitted to the IMO this summer as a joint document between several competent authorities and IMO recognised non-governmental organisations. It lists 31 incidents, 25 of which involved workplace fatalities. The report notes that “At least 46 seafarers and shore workers have lost their lives after being exposed to hazards associated with the fumigation of cargo holds” since the Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships applicable to the fumigation of cargo holds (MSC.1/Circ.1264) was drafted in 2008. The predominant cause of death in the data is exposure to fumigant. There were also a smaller number of fatalities associated with fumigation related fire or explosion. Fumigant not contained At least ten incidents evidenced a ‘lack of effective physical barriers between fumigated cargo space and accommodation’. Twenty [...]

Managing Lithium-Ion Battery Risks in EV Transport Safety

This year’s ICHCA campaign has been on the handling and transport of Dangerous Goods.  As we approach the end of 2025, we are taking the opportunity to refresh members about the topics we have covered and to remind readers that Amendment 42-24 which has been voluntary, will become the mandated IMDG Code in January 2026.  Today’s topic is: Managing Lithium-Ion Battery Risks in EV Transport Safety In this article on Dangerous Goods we address the information available on Lithium-ion battery fire safety. International and national regulators, insurers, industry bodies and other stakeholders have been developing content around this risk for several years. At ICHCA we have built an infographic showing sources of information on this topic. It is designed to be a single page ‘at a glance’ resource, a living document that will continue to develop as new content becomes available. Click the image below to download the latest version. The Growing Challenge of Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in Transport With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and battery-powered equipment, the global transport and logistics industry faces increasing challenges in managing the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Incidents, such as container fires at the Ports of Montreal and Los [...]

How to Spot Potentially Hidden Hazards in Shipping Documentation

This year’s ICHCA campaign has been on the handling and transport of Dangerous Goods.  As we approach the end of 2025, we are taking the opportunity to refresh members about the topics we have covered and to remind readers that Amendment 42-24 which has been voluntary, will become the mandated IMDG Code in January 2026.  Today’s topic is: How to Spot Potentially Hidden Hazards in Shipping Documentation We will look at the potential for simple phrases used in shipping documentation that through error or omission might mean there are unexpected dangerous goods involved. We have also developed a video on this topic, which we will be resending over the next couple of weeks to further raise awareness of the risks associated with hidden dangerous goods. According to TT Club, millions of tonnes of packaged dangerous goods are safely transported each year. These include everyday items such as fireworks, propane, gasoline, lighters, bleach, solvent-based paint, aerosols, pest control substances, charcoal, and lithium batteries. When properly packed, labelled, and documented, these goods can be transported safely in compliance with international regulations. However, when dangerous goods are misdeclared, improperly packaged, or inadequately documented, the risks to people, cargo, infrastructure, and the environment [...]

Crucial amendment to IMDG Code on Ammonium Nitrate sanctioned by the IMO

This year’s ICHCA campaign has been on the handling and transport of Dangerous Goods.  As we approach the end of 2025, we are taking the opportunity to refresh members about the topics we have covered and to remind readers that Amendment 42-24 which has been voluntary, will become the mandated IMDG Code in January 2026.  Today’s topic is: Crucial amendment to IMDG Code on Ammonium Nitrate sanctioned by the IMO ICHCA welcomes the IMO decision to amend a key aspect of the IMDG Code governing ammonium nitrate shipments to significantly improve their safe transportation by sea and highlights its importance as part of the association’s Dangerous Goods Awareness campaign. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved changes to its maritime safety regulations in the form of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code to improve the safety of ammonium nitrate transport by sea. ICHCA is drawing attention to the move, as well as other changes to the IMDG Code designed to improve safety when shipping handling and carrying dangerous goods via its awareness campaign throughout 2025. This particular change affects Clause 7.6.2.8.4 and reinforces that carriage of UN 1942 Ammonium Nitrate and UN 2067 Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizer under [...]

Shipping charcoal in containers new rules begin from 2025

This year’s ICHCA campaign has been on the handling and transport of Dangerous Goods.  As we approach the end of 2025, we are taking the opportunity to refresh members about the topics we have covered and to remind readers that Amendment 42-24 which has been voluntary, will become the mandated IMDG Code in January 2026.  Today’s topic is: Shipping charcoal in containers new rules begin from 2025 Here we spotlight the changes to the IMDG Code relating to Charcoal. Thanks to CINS, International Group of P&I Clubs, TT Club and World Shipping Council for sharing much of this content and leading by example. “… at least 68 fire incidents on board ships during the period between January 2015 and December 2022… exclusively involved consignments of Charcoal that were produced to be a used as a fuel intended for burning. Most of these incidents also arose from consignments that had been misdeclared and therefore the carrier was not aware of the hazards presented.” ‘Guidelines for the Safe Carriage of Charcoal in Containers’ CINS in conjunction with the International Group of P& I Clubs and the TT Club Sept 2024 From the start of 2025 with IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 becoming [...]

ICHCA’s introductory guide to the IMDG Code now updated for Amendment 42-24

This year’s ICHCA campaign has been on the handling and transport of Dangerous Goods. As we approach the end of 2025, we are taking the opportunity to refresh members about the topics we have covered and to remind readers that Amendment 42-24 which has been voluntary, will become the mandated IMDG Code in January 2026. Today’s topic is: ICHCA’s introductory guide to the IMDG Code now updated for Amendment 42-24 New Guidance Released: Overview of the IMDG Code (BP3) – Amendment 42-24 As part of ICHCA’s Dangerous Goods work, we are pleased to announce the release of an updated version of our essential guidance document: "Overview of the Provisions in the IMDG Code – Amendment 42-24." This update reflects the latest changes introduced in Amendment 42-24 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, ensuring our members stay fully informed and compliant with evolving regulations. Keeping up to date with these amendments is critical for safety, compliance, and operational efficiency in the global cargo supply chain. Why This Update Matters The IMDG Code is revised every two years, incorporating important regulatory and safety developments. This latest amendment, which becomes mandatory from January 2026, introduces updates across several key areas, [...]

Current Awareness Bulletin – for IMO themes and news – October 2025

The latest edition of the Current Awareness Bulletin is attached. The Bulletin provides a monthly digest of news and publications focusing on subjects and themes related to the work of IMO with each edition presenting headlines from the previous month. Links to complete articles or abstracts on publishers' sites are included, although access may require payment or subscription. The Bulletin itself is free to download and to redistribute. CLICK HERE FOR THE CURRENT AWARENESS BULLETIN - October 2025 This edition along with the back catalogue is available at:https://www.imo.org/en/KnowledgeCentre/Pages/CurrentAwarenessBulletin-Default.aspx The Current Awareness Bulletin is compiled by the IMO Maritime Knowledge Centre but is not an official IMO publication. Inclusion does not imply any endorsement by IMO.

Member Benefit: Complimentary Delegate Places at Caspian Ports & Logistics, 9 – 11 December 2025, Kazakhstan 

We would like to announce the latest member benefit in partnership with Transport Events: Caspian Ports & Logistics 2025. We have secured an exclusive opportunity for five complimentary ICHCA Member delegate places, each valued at €1,995, for this prestigious event. If you would like to attend, please email secretariat@ichca.com to secure your spot. We need your confirmation by 24 November 2025, subject to availability, so don’t miss out! The annual Caspian Ports and Logistics 2025 Exhibition and Conference is set to take place from Tuesday, 9 December to Thursday, 11 December 2025 at the luxurious 5-Star Rixos Water World Aktau, Kazakhstan. The event is proudly hosted by the Port of Aktau and held in strategic partnership with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), aiming to strengthen international trade and investment throughout the Middle Corridor. Kazakhstan’s logistics industry is critical to regional connectivity, serving as a key transit corridor linking Europe and Central Asia through its extensive sea, rail, and road networks. Ports such as the Port of Aktau on the Caspian Sea play a pivotal role in facilitating trade with neighbouring Caspian and Black Sea countries. With ongoing infrastructure development and strategic initiatives like TITR, Kazakhstan continues to consolidate [...]

IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 summary of main changes

This year’s ICHCA campaign has been on the handling and transport of Dangerous Goods.  As we approach the end of 2025, we are taking the opportunity to refresh members about the topics we have covered and to remind readers that Amendment 42-24 which has been voluntary, will become the mandated IMDG Code in January 2026.  Today’s topic is: IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 summary of main changes Particular thanks to ICHCA member NCB HAZCHECK for their analysis of changes in Amendment 42-24. We will look at what has changed in the new edition of the IMDG Code. The following content tries to summarise those changes. It gets into the detail and assumes a degree of knowledge of the 950 plus pages of the Code. This is not a full list of all the changes being introduced. Full details and applicable provisions are in the new text of Amendment 42-24. Summary of Key Changes: Part 1: General Provisions – Definitions Updated definition for recycled plastics material (now mentions IBCs) (1.2). A new definition for “degree of filling” has been added (1.2). Data loggers etc. used in transport are now called “Devices containing dangerous goods” (1.1.1.10) (previously they were “DG in equipment”) [...]

Latest “TT Talk” Article Available – November 2025

The TT Club regularly provides informative, timely material on critical health, safety, security and environmental matters designed to help industry continually improve its performance. We are delighted to share the latest from TT Club in the TT Talk series. New TT Talk article available below: TT Talk - TT Club launches new quarterly Port Authority Bulletin Our new quarterly bulletin shares insights and practical guidance on all aspects of port authority risk. It draws on TT Club's extensive claims experience and industry data to provide a clear view of the risks confronting port authorities worldwide.

How the International Maritime Organisation’s amendment cycle continuously updates the IMDG Code

This year’s ICHCA campaign has been on the handling and transport of Dangerous Goods. As we approach the end of 2025, we are taking the opportunity to refresh members about the topics we have covered and to remind readers that Amendment 42-24 which has been voluntary, will become the mandated IMDG Code in January 2025. Today’s topic is: How the International Maritime Organisation’s amendment cycle continuously updates the IMDG Code The IMO brings together 176 member states, 66 intergovernmental organisations and 89 non-governmental organisations, addressing 50 conventions and protocols. These include but are not limited to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea[1] (SOLAS), The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. IMDG and IMSBC are continually being updated and IMO has a standing programme alternating priority; one year for IMDG and the next for IMSBC. The work is governed through the rules of the IMO and the work of its Maritime Safety Committee and IMO Council. There are several sub-committees addressing different safety and environmental matters with some overlapping work. But for IMDG the lead [...]

ICHCA October 2025 Press Clippings

We are delighted to share with you the press clippings for October 2025. By working with the media we can be the voice of our sector, raising awareness and sharing learning with industry and other stakeholders. The press clippings have been collated by Portcare International. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PRESS CLIPPINGS

ICHCA Member G2 Ocean, latest Safety Bulletin – Safe distance (also available in Portuguese)

A seasoned stevedore foreman once said that “the only soft objects in a port are the humans”. This edition is about danger zones and moving objects and considers a fatal incident and high potential near miss involving falling cargo during operations in the hold. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SAFETY BULLETIN IN ENGLISH CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SAFETY BULLETIN IN PORTUGESE Message from G2 Ocean: "We in G2 Ocean work with stevedores all over the world. By sharing lessons learned on safety between companies and ports, we believe we can reduce the number of incidents and personal injuries in our industry. It is part of G2 Ocean’s desired safety culture to always seek and share insights on safety. We thank all stevedore companies who have signed up for our monthly Safety Bulletin! All our vessels receive a copy. The crew work closely together with the stevedores in port, and the topics are relevant also for them. The bulletin is also sent to the G2 Ocean Port Captains. They are exposed to the same hazards as stevedores and can make a difference where it really matters; at the “sharp end” during cargo operations. Each bulletin is a 2-pager focusing [...]

A Joint Meeting: “Learning From Accidents, Rather Than Blaming Seafarers” – 26 November 2026 – London

The Nautical Institute London Branch would like to invite you to an Evening Seminar taking place on: Wednesday 26 November 2025 17:30 for 18:15 Thomas Miller, 90 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4ST Seminar Title: “Learning From Accidents, Rather Than Blaming Seafarers” Chaired by: Steven Cameron, Chairman, NI London Branch Speakers: Capt. Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General, InterManager Stuart Edmonston, Safety & Risk Management Director, UK P&I Club Dimitri Bourqui, ABC Maritime AG This expert panel will explore: Why so many accident investigations focus on human behaviour Why accountability is rarely carried higher up the command chain Why systematic, long-term solutions are often missing The lack of focus on fatigue in accident investigations Why time and financial pressures are so seldom addressed, despite clear relevance A Q&A session will follow — we encourage you to join the discussion in person. Register here (in-person only event): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/do-accident-investigations-go-far-enough-to-address-root-causes-tickets-1813477673539?aff=oddtdtcreator

Final hours to enter the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award

This is it — the final hours to enter the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award. If you have developed a safety innovation for cargo handling, warehousing, ports, terminals or transport, today is your last opportunity to submit it. ✅ No lengthy submission process ✅ Independently judged by an expert panel ✅ Winners announced at our glittering February awards ceremony Entries close today – 14 November 2025 Enter here: https://ichca.com/entering-the-tt-club-innovation-in-safety-award Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. If you need assistance, please contact us as soon as possible: secretariat@ichca.com

ICHCA Insights – November 2025

Latest edition of "ICHCA Insights" available For the latest edition of our monthly newsletter “ICHCA Insights” please Click here For previous newsletters click here: https://ichca.com/newsletters

Member Event: MIS Shipping Summit 10 – 12 February 2026, Athens, Greece

MIS Shipping Summit - Navigating the Future of Shipping Date: 10 – 12 February 2026 Location: Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens | Greece Sign up today and benefit from a 10% discount with code ICHCA10, and remember, shipping company representatives attend for free! The Maritime Information Services: Shipping Summit 2026, held from 10 - 12 February 2026 at the Radisson Blu Park Hotel in Athens, is set to be the premier gathering addressing the most urgent and transformative issues in global shipping. Bringing together 150+ senior maritime professionals, including shipowners, operators, technology innovators, policymakers, and finance leaders. The summit offers an intimate, content-rich programme focused on decarbonisation, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and operational resilience. Attendees will benefit from high-level keynotes, TED-style talks, interactive panels, and unparalleled networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and drive practical solutions for the future of maritime. Don’t miss your chance to be part of shaping the industry’s path forward in 2026 — register today, save 10% with code ICHCA10, or attend for free if you represent a shipping company! Maritime Information Services: Shipping Summit