News

ICHCA Member G2 Ocean, latest Safety Bulletin – Rough crane handling (also available in Portuguese)

This edition is about unsafe operation of vessel cranes. In it G2 Ocean explains in detail what they mean by "rough" handling and the risks to personnel that may result from it. 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 [...]

New Chair Announced for Cargo Handling Industry Body

International Cargo Handling Association (ICHCA) has a new chair. Australian Scott McKay has been elected, effective 30 September. With members from the port, terminal, shipping and cargo handling community throughout the world, ICHCA remains committed to improve the safe working environment of all those handling cargo throughout the international maritime supply chain. The appointment of McKay, a veteran with nearly forty years experience of supply chain management is seen as reinforcing that mission, particularly regarding the Association’s attempts to disseminate safety performance data and innovations to cargo handlers and the broader industry.  McKay commented, “I see that ICHCA has a fantastic opportunity to further develop gathering, analysing and sharing safety data and best practice to help improve safety decisions and cultural change along and across the cargo supply chain." McKay joined a state chapter of ICHCA Australia seven years ago.  He was appointed Chair and became a member of [...]

“Shipping and Energy Efficiency” Symposium – 24 October 2025, London

As an ICHCA member you are invited to the following event: Date:                  Friday, 24th October 2025 Time:                  1pm – 5pm Venue:               The Little Ship Club, Bell Wharf Lane, Upper Thames Street, London EC4R 3TB Meeting Type:  In person “Shipping & Efficiency Programme” 13:00   Registration 13:30   Opening of Symposium SNAME WES Welcome Remarks Mr Keith Lilley, Chair of SNAME WES/RINA LB 13:40   Energy Saving Devices Mr. Andrew Hurford, Senior Specialist Marine - Maritime Asset and Operational Performance, Lloyds Register 14:05   ALS in Action: Advancing the Adoption of Energy Efficiency Solutions Mr. Piers Strong, Silverstream 14:30   Shipping’s Second Wind: Energy Transition Sprint or Marathon? Mr. Gavin Allwright, Secretary General, International Windship Association 15:00   Break 15:15   How should we be designing intrinsically efficient ships? Mr. Keith W. Hutchinson, Head of Professional Technical and Engineering Services, Safinah 15:40   Electrification of Inland Waterway Transportation in Lagos State Mr David C Okafor, Global Maritime Consultancy 16:05   [...]

ICHCA Insights – October 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

WSC report reveals 11.39% deficiency rate found by government cargo inspection programmes

WSC report reveals 11.39% deficiency rate found by government cargo inspection programmes The World Shipping Council (WSC) has submitted a comprehensive report to the IMO’s CCC11 sub-committee, consolidating container inspection data from seven countries during 2024.  It identifies deficiencies related to dangerous goods or marine pollutants in packaged form on board ships or in port areas.  11.39% of the 77,688 containers inspected showed deficiencies including mis-declared and undeclared dangerous goods, incorrect documentation, and improper packing – all of which can lead to serious safety incidents. Key findings include: Placarding and marking deficiencies in 4,373 units Stowage/securing failures in 4,125 units Documentation issues in 913 units Packaging problems in 804 units Structural deficiencies in 63 units The highest deficiency rate was reported by a single country was 54.97%. These findings highlight ongoing risks in the handling of dangerous goods and the need for improved compliance and oversight. WSC urges more [...]

Your Innovation Could Shape the Future of Safety

We’re delighted to invite applications for the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award — open to anyone in the cargo logistics sector with a proven innovation that improves safety. If you’ve developed a new idea, process, or technology that makes operations safer, now is the time to showcase it to the global community. Since 2016, ICHCA and long-standing sponsor TT Club have celebrated innovations that drive continuous improvement in cargo handling safety. Each year, the award attracts inspiring technologies and bold initiatives that highlight the industry’s strong commitment to protecting people and operations. We invite you to join this growing network of safety leaders. Share your ideas, demonstrate your impact, and add your story to the list of trailblazers who are shaping safer logistics worldwide. Enter the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award Entries close 14 November 2025, don’t miss out!

The case for Dangerous Goods Awareness

Understanding Dangerous Goods is real world safety for ports, terminals and vessels. Misdeclared dangerous goods or lack of awareness of regulation and industry good practice can put lives, cargo, and the environment at risk. ICHCA’s new e-learning course, Overview of the Provisions in the IMDG Code, helps your team to understand the big picture of Dangerous Goods and provides knowledge that can help you to stay compliant and safe. Updated in line with IMDG Code Amendment 42-24. Learn now and stay ahead. Enrol now by e-mailing services@hazcheck.com to enquire about delegate places. Please put Overview of the Provisions in the IMDG Code into the subject line and don’t forget to mention ICHCA if you are a member! For more details on the course content click: HERE

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

Latest “TT Talk” Article Available – September 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: Industry reports shed new light on container losses at sea Freight container losses at sea highlight the need for prevention due to environmental, financial, and reputational impacts.

NEW: ICHCA IMDG Code E-Learning Course – Enrol Today

Your essential introduction to the transport of dangerous goods by sea, now live! We’re excited to announce the launch of ICHCA’s latest e-learning course: ‘Overview of the Provisions in the IMDG Code’ Covering the latest Amendment 42-24, this flexible online training gives you the essential introduction to: the Code’s background, principles, and layout how dangerous goods can be correctly classified the marking, labelling, and placarding requirements best practice in stowage and segregation accurate documentation and reporting Learning your way: Up-to-date content Interactive and practical Learn at your own pace Certificate on completion Enrol now by e-mailing services@hazcheck.com to enquire about delegate places. Please put Overview of the Provisions in the IMDG Code into the subject line and don’t forget to mention ICHCA if you are a member! For more details on the course content click: HERE

ICHCA Member G2 Ocean, latest Safety Bulletin – Cigarette starts fire (also available in Portuguese)

Small Fire: Cardboard ignited in the cargo hold. This edition is about a fire in the cargo hold and perceptions about smoking being a fire risk. 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 [...]

New report from TT Club and Haskoning warns urgent action needed to safeguard ports, waterways and global supply chains from climate threats

The global supply chain will suffer as ports face ever-mounting threats from sea-level rise, extreme weather and shifting regulations, with billions of dollars in trade and infrastructure already at risk each year, according to a new report. Developed by leading global transport and logistics insurer TT Club, in collaboration with international engineering consultancy Haskoning and supported by ICHCA International, the Urgent Guidance for Ports, Waterways and Logistics Operations report takes a deep dive into the potential consequences of climate change on ports, and includes a practical roadmap to strengthen climate resilience in maritime operations. It sets out immediate measures and long-term solutions to safeguard infrastructure, maintain operational continuity and ensure economic stability in the face of climate change. FULL PRESS RELEASE CLICK HERE

TT Club Innovation in Safety Award – Enter Today

We warmly invite you to submit your application. The award is open to anyone involved in cargo logistics who can demonstrate a clear improvement in safety. If you’ve introduced an innovation that makes our industry safer, this is your chance to showcase it. With a track record of encouraging continuous in safety throughout the cargo handling sector, ICHCA and long-standing sponsor TT Club are proud to announce that entries are open for this year’s Innovation in Safety Awards. The inspiring technologies and bold initiatives in operational management that have typified the growing number of entries to this award over the last ten years are testimony to the industry’s commitment to safety. Those wishing to join the ranks of these innovators are invited to share their ideas, successes and safety developments and enter here Entering the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award – ICHCA International. Where the full judging criteria [...]

Are you ready for the IMDG Code Amendment 42-24?

Prepare your team for the 2026 compliance deadline The IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 takes effect in 2026. That means now is the time to ensure your team is trained and ready. Next week, ICHCA will launch its brand-new e-learning course: Overview of the Provisions in the IMDG Code. Who should take this course? Cargo handlers and port operators Shippers and freight forwarders Maritime and logistics professionals Regulatory and compliance personnel Keep an eye out for your enrolment link next week. Be ready. Be compliant. Stay safe.

Video: The Hidden Risks of Sling Damage and Misuse

Textile slings are widely used in cargo handling, but even small amounts of damage or incorrect use can significantly reduce their strength in the worst case - by more than 70%. ICHCA member Checkmate, and Prodragon both working in Association with G2Ocean have produced a 6-minute video showing real testbed results of sling failures under different conditions. The video highlights how poor inspection routines or improper use can leave defective slings in service, exposing workers and operations to serious risks. What the video shows Through controlled tests, slings with different types of damage and misuse were pull-tested to destruction. All slings were identical: polyester webbing, 50mm wide, 2.5m long, eye-to-eye simplex construction. The results are striking: Test Damage/misuse Failure below rated capacity 1 10% edge cut failed 35% below rated capacity 2 20% edge cut failed 56% below rated capacity 3 10% centre cut failed 30% below rated capacity [...]

Member Benefit: Complimentary Delegate Places at Transport Borneo International Maritime Week 2025, 28 – 30 October

We would like to announce the latest member benefit in partnership with Transport Events: Borneo International Maritime Week 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 emailsecretariat@ichca.com to secure your spot. We need your confirmation by 14 October 2025, subject to availability, so don’t miss out! Borneo International Maritime Week 2025 is the largest ports and logistics maritime event in the region. This market leading event aims to foster collaboration and growth opportunities within Borneo and the ASEAN regions. This event is fully supported by the Ministry of Transport Sarawak, Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak, Business Event Sarawak and The BIMP-EAGA Transport Private Sector Meeting (BETPSM) from Tuesday 28 October to Thursday 30 October 2025 hosted by Bintulu Port Authority in collaboration with our Strategic Partner [...]

ICHCA Insights – September 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

Leading supplier of crane cabins joins ICHCA

Metagro, a leading designer and manufacturer of high quality crane cabins and operating chairs has joined the ranks of the International Cargo Handling Organisation (ICHCA), which is committed to improve the safe working environment of all those handling cargo throughout the international maritime supply chain Metagro and ICHCA share a very clear vision to practice all aspects of global cargo handling in a safe, efficient, productive and environmentally responsible way. High-quality precision equipment and best operating practices are key to achieving and maintaining this vision. ICHCA is therefore delighted to announce the crane cabin and operating chair manufacturer as a new Member. CLICK HERE FOR FULL PRESS RELEASE

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

Coming Soon: New IMDG Code E-Learning Course

Stay ahead of the latest IMDG Code changes Are you ready for the upcoming changes to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code? ICHCA is preparing to launch a new Overview of the Provisions in the IMDG Code e-learning course, updated in line with Amendment 42-24. This flexible online course will help port operators, shippers, freight forwarders and maritime professionals stay compliant with international regulations. Launching soon...

Fumigation Risks On Board Vessels

Paper CCC 11/5/6 ‘Fumigation-related casualties’ was submitted to the IMO this month 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 five seafarers died when fumigant entered their accomodation during the voyage; with thirteen [...]

IMO Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 11) – Outcomes & Highlights

Did you miss the recent IMO Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III 11) meeting? Catch up on the key outcomes and highlights in the comprehensive meeting summary! Discover updates on: Procedures for Port State Control updated for 2025; Approved lessons learned from marine safety investigation analysis; Consolidated Casualty Analysis Process finalized; And much more. Read the full report to get the insights you need on the "Read More" tab: Read More