News

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]

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 [...]

Introduction and IMDG Code Amendment Cycle

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 Introduction and IMDG Code Amendment Cycle Dangerous Goods are successfully handled daily by our industry worldwide. However if something goes wrong, the consequences can be severe. In June 2022 thirteen people died and over 250 were injured in a toxic gas leak at a port. A cable, lifting a tank filled with an estimated 25 tonnes of chlorine, broke. The tank fell and fractured releasing the hazardous gas. Robust safety management of Dangerous Goods is multifaceted and complex. A key component in the toolbox is regulation. Today we start with the [...]

1 Week Left: Enter the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award

Have you developed an idea that makes cargo handling safer? Don’t keep it under wraps — share it with the world through the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award. From groundbreaking technologies to smarter processes and practical risk-reducing solutions, your innovation could become the next industry standard for safety in logistics. Since 2016, ICHCA and TT Club have been honouring the organisations and individuals who lead the way in improving safety across cargo handling and transport. Every year, we’re inspired by the ingenuity, dedication and real-world impact of our entrants. Now it’s your turn to join them — and show how your innovation is protecting people, operations and supply chains worldwide. There is one week to go until entries close — don’t miss your chance! Enter the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award Entries close 14 November 2025, don’t miss out! We look forward to receiving your entry! [...]

Major Amendments to IMDG Code – New SP980 and Updates to SP961 & SP962

At IMO CCC 11 and E&T 43, substantial changes were agreed to the IMDG Code regarding the transport of vehicles, including those powered by traditional fuels, hybrids, and lithium batteries. The newly introduced Special Provision 980 and amendments to SP961 and SP962 aim to enhance safety and clarity in vehicle transport regulations. Highlights include: SP980: Prohibits transport of unsafe vehicles and mandates safety checks by consignors. SP961: Updated exemption criteria for vehicles in designated spaces or with specific fuel/battery configurations. SP962: Applies to vehicles not meeting SP961 conditions, with stricter requirements for fuel levels and battery protection. These changes will be formalized in IMDG Amendment 43-26, with voluntary implementation from January 2027 and mandatory enforcement from January 2028. To read the full summary document CLICK HERE

Put Your Safety Breakthrough on the Global Stage

Have you developed an idea that makes cargo handling safer? Don’t keep it under wraps — share it with the world through the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award. From groundbreaking technologies to smarter processes and practical risk-reducing solutions, your innovation could become the next industry standard for safety in logistics. Since 2016, ICHCA and TT Club have been honouring the organisations and individuals who lead the way in improving safety across cargo handling and transport. Every year, we’re inspired by the ingenuity, dedication and real-world impact of our entrants. Now it’s your turn to join them — and show how your innovation is protecting people, operations and supply chains worldwide. There’s just over a week to go until entries close — don’t miss your chance! Enter the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award Entries close 14 November 2025, don’t miss out! We look forward to receiving your entry! [...]

The Experts Powering Climate Resilience…

TT Club's Loss Prevention team is delighted to invite you to their seminar: resilient ports, terminals & logistics operations in a changing climate with Haskoning & ICHCA. This seminar is for operations personnel, engineering and maintenance, marine operations, finance, risk managers and those with HSE responsibilities. The seminar will take place in-person at The Watermen's Hall, London, on 13 November from 13:30pm and will include a range of speakers, workshops and an evening drinks reception. For the agenda and to sign up for the seminar please click HERE

Current Awareness Bulletin – for IMO themes and news – September 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 - September 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.

Call for Entries – TT Club Innovation in Safety Awards!

Do you or your organisation have an innovation that’s improving safety in cargo handling, logistics, or port operations? Now is your chance to share it with the world. The TT Club Innovation in Safety Award recognises and celebrates creative solutions that make our industry safer. From digital tools and process improvements to training initiatives and engineering advances — we want to hear about your contribution to improving safety in the supply chain. Why Enter? Gain international recognition for your innovation Share your success with the global cargo handling community Inspire others to adopt safer practices Entry deadline: 14 November 2025 Find full details and how to enter here: Enter the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award Let’s continue to work together to make our industry safer, smarter, and stronger. We look forward to receiving your entry! Entries close 14 November 2025, don’t miss out!

New ICHCA Member Strata Worldwide is a Leader in Port Safety

Specialist in the use of smart technologies, including remote sensors and monitoring becomes a part of ICHCA bringing another innovator into the cargo handling community which is dedicated to safety in the port working environment As both ICHCA and Strata understand the complexity of operating in a modern, fast-moving cargo handling environment their aims align when it comes to safeguarding workers in the sector and maintaining productivity.  So the latest membership addition to the association is welcomed by the former and valued by the latter. Speaking on behalf Strata Worldwide, Adam Beauchamp, the  head of the company’s maritime division commented, “Strata’s role is to protect workers involved with the operation of heavy machinery across a number of industry sectors.  Within the global port environment, we  deploy  an artificial intelligence-based machine vision system to provide proactive accident prevention  with early danger detection and warning.  Such dependable monitoring enhances safety and [...]

ICHCA August & September 2025 Press Clippings

We are delighted to share with you the press clippings for August and September 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

Bulk Terminals Marseille 2025 – Responding to the New Age of Chaos

The Annual Conference of the Association of Bulk Terminal Operators  – the only event aimed at the entire bulk terminals industry 29–30 Oct | Radisson Blu, Marseille Vieux Port As an ICHCA member you can use the code: ICHCA25DIS when registering to join the conference at the ABTO Member rate – a £200.00 discount on the full Non-Member rate  → https://bulkterminals.org/events/event-registration To download the brochure, follow the link: https://www.bulkterminals.org/events