News

ICHCA June 2023 Press Clippings

  We are delighted to share with you the press clippings relating to the recent ICHCA webinar, "How to Innovate for Workplace Safety in Ports and Terminals". 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 clippings    

WWF France and Global One Health Alliance’s new report aims to inform the transport sector about tools available to help combat illegal wildlife trafficking

  “Preventing and detecting wildlife trafficking on maritime, aerial and postal/courier transport chains: An analysis of innovative solutions with the potential to support law enforcement and compliance efforts” (available online) identifies five detection categories: ionising radiation, nuclear material, non-ionising radiation, trace and acoustic. These can be sub-divided into over 60 inspection tools ranging from the extraordinary noses of detection dogs to short-wave infrared imaging. Methods, results and suitability for detecting contraband on people, in luggage, parcels and of particular importance to our stakeholders containerised cargo as well as road and air shipment are explained.  Means of deployment, portable, fixed or hand held as well as efficiency and key aspects such as safety and non-invasive vs invasive are also set out for the reader.  The report also looks at additional tools such as environmental DNA, information sharing tools and training resources. There are case studies for detection dogs, computed tomography, artificial intelligence combined [...]

ICHCA Australia Melbourne Luncheon, 22 August 2023

  Come and hear Andrew Adam, CEO of Oceania at DP World Asia Pacific speak at an industry luncheon event on the 22nd August in Docklands, Melbourne. Sponsorship is still available. For more details please see the flyer below or contact: peter.van-duyn@ichca.com

Member update – IMO Marine Environmental Protection Committee

  IMO’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee (MEPC) met during the week of 3-7 July 2023 in London.  ICHCA was represented by members: James Hookham and Aime Harrison. The main topic was a revised IMO strategy for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships. This strategy will determine the pace at which shipping lines and port terminals need to adapt their operations to the use, storage and handling of low-carbon and zero-carbon marine fuels.  Other items discussed of possible interest to ICHCA interests were:   Amendments to Marpol Annex 1 to adapt the provisions for low flashpoint fuels to include low- and zero-carbon fuels. Technical revisions to the IMO Ship Fuel Oil Consumption Data Collection System, the Guidelines on compliance with the EEXI measure. Changes to, and commissioning of further work on the Ballast Water Management Convention Adoption and consideration of various designated sea areas as ‘Emission Control Areas’ or [...]

UK Pilot Ladder Incidents Survey shows 99.6% of pilot transfers completed safely during 2022

  In the UK Marine Accident investigation Branch 2022 Annual Report, published this month, the headline news for pilot ladder safety is positive, but given that pilot transfer has a high potential consequence in the event of an accident this risk remains a priority for continuous improvement.   MAIB canvassed 105 UK Competent Harbour Authorities for their 2022 pilot transfer statistics.  Almost 700 marine pilots conducted over 96,000 transfers underway using a pilot ladder, during which there were over 400 incidents or accidents.  The most serious of which resulted in the pilot suffering a fractured ankle when they lost their grip on the handhold stanchion and fell 3 metres onto the pilot boat.  Preliminary assessment found that the vessel’s handhold stanchions were not fit for purpose, as their design prevented the pilot gaining a firm grasp as they reached the top of the ladder. ■ 25% were because shackles rather [...]

UK Marine Accident investigation Branch 2022 Annual Report headlines Confined Space Fatality

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch has published its annual report for 2022 with a wealth of valuable insight.  The first and arguably most important of the safety issues highlighted for our industry is the death of three stevedores on board a bulk carrier.   The investigation is still underway, but this incident is “a stark reminder that the industry still has much work to do to mitigate the hazards posed by noxious atmospheres.”  MAIB notes that “The human drive to assist someone in danger is powerful, which is why so often a second person succumbs to the noxious atmosphere before realisation dawns, access is controlled and a properly equipped rescue starts.  On this occasion, three stevedores had entered the space before access control was restored.  This is not the first time in recent years that stevedores have been caught out in this fashion.  We will have more to say [...]

Harbour Masters Add Weight to Group Seeking Action on Crucial Safety Issues

The International Harbour Masters Association (IHMA) has joined in an industry initiative to promulgate a vision for the improved safety and security of global trade by taking advantage of unified information and data sources to bring greater awareness and understanding of concerning issue.   The IHMA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as a result of collaboration with the * Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS); Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP); Container Owners Association (COA); International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) and Ship Message Design Group (SMDG) which inaugurated the MOU in March of this year.  Concentrating on improved safety during the global transport and handling of goods that have the potential to cause injury to the workforce and/or damage to the environment, all the signatories have a commonality of purpose. The chief aim is to create a framework for cooperation that enables each signatory to benefit from [...]

Newark press statement from fire responders

The investigation and parallel salvage operation following the fire on board the Grande Costa D'Avorio - in which two first responders tragically lost their lives - has now commenced according to Capt. Zeita Merchant, the captain of the port of New York and New Jersey and federal on-scene coordinator.   The press release confirmed that that the cargo on the vehicle decks was previously owned vehicles destined for West Africa and that there were no new electric vehicles on the manifest. There were approximately 1200 vehicles across 9 decks on board. For more information here is a link to the official press conference.  Port Newark ship fire extinguished - YouTube   [U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Mikaela McGee.]

Port Newark fire extinguished almost a week later

ICHCA member Port Technology International has reported that the fire on board the vessel Grande Costa D’Avorio at Port Newark has been declared extinguished more than 5 days after it started.   PTI reports that the fire involved multiple vehicles and spread over several decks.  Reports concerning fire hose compatibility, firefighter familiarity with tackling ship fires as well as the propulsion types and condition of vehicles being carried will, we expect, be considered as part of the investigation. Tragically two firefighters lost their lives and five others were injured whilst heroically fighting the fire.  It is vital that we have the opportunity to learn from this event, but at this time our thoughts remain with all those who have been affected by this terrible incident. Full news report: https://www.porttechnology.org/news/port-newark-fire-extinguished-almost-a-week-later/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=port-newark-fire-extinguished-almost-a-week-later

UNCTAD Transport and Trade Facilitation Newsletter N°98

The UNCTAD Transport and Trade Facilitation Newsletter is a quarterly bulletin on current topics and projects in trade facilitation and international transport. We provide a copy to members for their convenience. If you wish to register for your own copy, you can find the link at: https://unctad.org/topic/transport-and-trade-logistics/transport-newsletter   Click here for the newsletter: UNCTAD Transport and Trade Facilitation Newsletter N°98 - Second Quarter 2023

Open hatch ship operator G2 Ocean joins ICHCA as part of its commitment to safety

Global cargo handling association announces a new member from the key ship owning community.  Gearbulk and Grieg Maritime joint venture, G2 Ocean is seeking to share with, and learn from ICHCA’s extensive network to improve safety for those in both the shore-side and sea-going workforce.   In pursuing its primary mission to improve the safe working environment of all those handling cargo throughout the international maritime supply chain ICHCA encourages all infrastructure owners and operators to engage in constructive dialogue.  As such the news of a new member of the statue of G2 Ocean, controlling as it does one of the largest fleets of open hatch ships in the world, is of considerable significance to the advancement of safety standards at the ship-shore interface. “Once more the addition of a member to ICHCA which has an avowed commitment to safety and is proactively investigating the mechanics of day-to-day improvements is [...]

A UK Joint Meeting: with WISTA on “Building Your Brand” 10 July 2023 at 18:15 BST

WISTA will present a meeting on "Building Your Brand" at Quadrant Chambers, Quadrant House, 10 Fleet Street, EC4Y 1AU On Monday 10 July at 18:15 Learn how to use social media to build your own personal brand from Sarah Longden and Sue Terpilowski from WISTA UK The event will be held in person only, please register here  

Technology can drive port safety but staff training and buy-in are critical to safe working practices

Advances in technology, such as in drivers’ cabs has improved port worker safety substantially according to speakers on the port safety webinar jointly hosted by the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) and Port Technology International.   The webinar, entitled How to Innovate for Workplace Safety in Ports and Terminals discussed key issues around workforce safety. The industry figures speaking where in agreement that technological innovation must be accompanied with buy-in from all port users and stakeholders is critical to keep all users safe. ICHCA CEO Richard Steele told attendees that there had been 354 shore-based fatalities, including 349 port workers and 20 truckers globally since the year 2000. This made it essential for the cargo industry to keep on proactively searching for ways to improve health and safety; building on what has worked and looking for new ways to address risks. Steele commented: “The key thing that industry can [...]

Last chance to secure your spot for tomorrow’s FREE webinar!

  Join us tomorrow for a free webinar on How to Innovate for Workplace Safety in Ports and Terminals Join us tomorrow for a free webinar on How to Innovate for Workplace Safety in Ports and Terminals There are new approaches to safety using both high and low technology being employed by the cargo supply chain today, this roundtable webinar will look at what is available now, what is approaching and how you can innovate to succeed. Hear from terminal operators and workplace safety innovation providers on how to improve your safety performance through innovation. REGISTER HERE Wednesday, 28 June 2023 at 14:00 (BST) Explore with us the range and types of safety innovation available to make your organisation more sustainable and help your people go home from work in the same condition that they arrived. If you're unable to attend live you can still register and watch the webinar back in [...]

ICHCA Radar: Lashing system not sufficient for weather conditions

    We find or are sent a wide range of industry related learning and informative content that is not necessarily part of an immediate project but which we think will be of interest to members. Where these appear on our radar, we will share a summary of points of interest and provide links for members to find out more.   In this ICHCA Radar:  Dutch Safety Board: 5 April 2021, cargo vessel Eemslift Hendrika ran into difficulties in a storm. During the voyage, several azimuth thrusters (hold cargo) shifted, puncturing an anti-heeling tank and ballast water tanks. Water flowed from the ballast tanks into the cargo hold. A list developed. The crew were evacuated. The vessel continued on automatic pilot until propulsion cut out. A boat (deck cargo) was lost, taking a deck crane jib with it. The jib became stuck under the waterline, damaging the hull. The vessel [...]

What is on the agenda for the free webinar on Workplace Safety in Ports and Terminals?

  Do you know what is on the agenda for the FREE webinar on How to Innovate for Workplace Safety in Ports and Terminals?   This webinar will be a 60-minute webinar with a roundtable, presentation and Q&A session. Hear from terminal operators and workplace safety innovation providers on how to improve your safety performance through innovation.   What's on the agenda? Introduction - Mike Yarwood (Webinar Moderator) Why safety innovation matters The Terminal perspective on safety innovation How to make a successful safety innovation product and get it into the workplace Safety innovation round table Q&A - using polls to make it more interactive Summary and close   REGISTER HERE  Wednesday, 28 June 2023 at 14:00 (BST) We hope you can join us for this free educational webinar as to help get people home from work in the same condition that they arrived. Please feel free to share this [...]

Current Awareness Bulletin – for IMO themes and news – April 2023

  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 APRIL 2023   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.

ICHCA Members National Cargo Bureau and Exis Technologies unify as NCB

  In a significant move to strengthen their commitment to safety and compliance in cargo transportation, National Cargo Bureau (NCB) and Exis Technologies have unified under the brand, NCB. This newly combined global organisation aims to leverage more than a century of collective expertise, experience, and technological innovation to enhance safety of life and cargo at sea.   The decision to rebrand globally represents a strategic alignment of the not-for-profit organization, National Cargo Bureau, with Exis Technologies, a leading provider of software solutions for dangerous goods management. The unified organisation signifies a shared commitment to innovation and technological advancement. By consolidating their strengths, NCB is better positioned to offer industry wide solutions and achieve its mission of promoting safety and compliance in cargo transportation on a global scale. Ian Lennard, President of NCB said: “This is an exciting time for the organisation, NCB is the perfect combination of expertise and [...]

See you there! … Safety Village at TOC Europe 13-15 June 2023

  Join us at TOC Europe 2023 for a range of workshops and discussions focused on safety issues in ports and terminals. We are once again teaming up with TT Club and TOC to bring you the Safety Village at TOC Europe this June. Last year, we asked you to let us know what safety issues kept you awake at night, and we're excited to launch our full programme of workshops dedicated to what you told us!   Day 1 13th June Session 1 (10:00-12:00) Reducing single-person incidents in ports & terminals Session 2 (14:00-16:00) Mitigating the risk of fires: containers, RoRo and batteries   Day 2 14th June Session 1 (10:00-12:00) Preventing machine pedestrian collisions Session 2 (14:00-16:00) Safe lifting, handling and stacking of cargo   Day 3 15th June Session 1 (10:00-12:00) Managing confined spaces and working at height This is your place to submit your greatest safety [...]

Speaking on Innovate for Workplace Safety in Ports and Terminals

  Introducing the speakers for the FREE webinar on How to Innovate for Workplace Safety in Ports and Terminals.   Hear from terminal operators and workplace safety innovation providers on how to improve your safety performance through innovation. REGISTER HERE Wednesday, 28 June 2023 at 14:00 (BST) We hope you can join us for this free educational webinar as to help get people home from work in the same condition that they arrived. Please feel free to share this with any colleagues you feel would benefit from attending this webinar.

Review of Videos from the TT Club Innovation in Safety Awards 2022

    It is our pleasure to bring you a recap of all of the videos from the 2022 Innovation in Safety Awards! Please select the links below to watch!   Keynote speech by Mr Morten Engelstoft. Introduction to the Award by Richard Steele. The TT Club and the Innovation in Safety Awards by Peregrine Storrs-Fox Panel 1: Managing personal injury and machine/pedestrian interface risks with: DP World, Rombit and ICHCA. Panel 2: Reducing damage in carriage of cargos and containers with: Safetytech Accelerator, ConexBird and TT Club. FINALIST - Existec Hazcheck Detect FINALIST - Intermodal Telematics Ltd’s Temperature Alert System WINNER!  - APMT Vessel Inspection Tool APMT accepting the award    

Safety Innovator Interview: Arnaud Garcia, Adveez

  At TOC Europe next week, we’ll be doing just that. Welcoming the industry’s innovative solution providers to present and discuss the safety and security concerns that are keeping our industry awake at night. One innovative solution provider, and entrant to this year’s TT Club Innovation in Safety Award is Adveez, which has developed software to monitor and manage the fleet of vehicles during operation. Here, Arnaud Garcia, Business Development Manager at Adveez, talks about their fleet management tool and the industry’s approach to innovation. “[We] ensure that each vehicle acting on the terminal and working on the terminal is driven by the right person - because we have an access control technology embedded – and it's driven the right way. We try to avoid incidents, so we display a lot of data on driving behavior. These kind of celebrations and events are really important to promote such a positive [...]