News

Ship-Port Interface Seminar

Monday 12 September 2016, Holman Fenwick Willan LLP, London ICHCA is running a seminar on the Ship-Port Interface, kindly hosted by Holman Fenwick Willan LLP at their offices in central London on Monday 12 September 2016.   The Seminar will be followed by the 76th meeting of the ISP - ICHCA's Technical Panel, which takes place on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 September 2016. Members of the panel and observers are invited to attend. The ISP meeting will be hosted by TT-Club at their European office in central London. Book now View the programme

SOLAS VGM Seminar Calls for Collaborative Communication

Industry sentiment expressed at the ICHCA Seminar entitled ‘SOLAS VGM One Month Out – Are You Ready?’ held in Antwerp last week, was one of frustration. Less than 15% of the IMO Member States in which VGM regulations will be mandatory have issued guidelines on the manner in which they intend to enforce the regulation. 08.06.2016 - With under a month to go before the amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Lives at Sea (SOLAS), requiring that shippers obtain the verified gross mass (VGM) for each packed container and communicate it to the shipping line before it can be loaded onto a ship representatives of a wide spectrum of the industry gathered to review preparedness. The recent IMO Circular, issued on 23rd May and urging ‘practical and pragmatic’ approach to enforcement of VGM over the first three-month settling-in period, was welcomed. Albeit in the context that further [...]

ICHCA Container Weighing Weekly

ICHCA International produces a weekly news digest to bring members a round-up of all the latest news on the important issue of container weighing. Access the ICHCA Container Weighing Weekly via the Container Weighing page and subscribe to get it sent straight to your inbox.

Exis Technologies launches new e-learning courses for container packing and SOLAS VGM regulations training

As highlighted by insurance company TT Club and the Cargo Incident Notification Service (CINS), poor CTU packing is responsible for an alarmingly high percentage of incidents along the transport chain, leading to damage, loss, injuries and fatalities. There have been two important changes recently that should have a positive impact on the movement of goods around the globe, and improve safety in the supply chain. The first is the updated CTU Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs). The second change is the amendment to SOLAS concerning verification of gross mass for containers, mandatory from 1 July 2016. The CTU Code of Practice provides guidelines and information for all members of the global logistics chain – from shippers, cargo packers, forwarders and logistics companies through to road, rail and sea carriers, ports and terminals, depots, insurers and other cargo handling interests. The Code also addresses issues such as training and the [...]

ICHCA International Chairman retires

21.04.2016 - ICHCA International announces in its April 2016 Newsletter that its Chairman, David Bendall has retired. David,  who successfully runs his own company Maritrade, based in Sydney Australia has served on ICHCA’s board for over 30 years and was its longest standing member. During this period he has served in various capacities including Finance Director and Deputy Chairman culminating in the Chairmanship which he took post the Melbourne Conference when John Strang stood down. David has also been on the board of ICHCA Australia in various capacities for many years. He has also seen a lot of changes in the organisation in that period but none as significant as those that have been realised in the last few years. In his statement to the rest of the board on retirement he stated: “We have passed through a period of intense and rapid change over the past few years which [...]

APMT Buenos Aires wins Innovation in Safety Award

APMT Buenos Aires wins inaugural safety award, sponsored by specialist insurance provider TT Club, for safety logging systems 02.03.2016 - The inaugural ‘ICHCA Innovation in Safety’ Award, sponsored by the TT Club, has been won by APMT Buenos Aires for its mobile port equipment ‘Safety Logging System’. This innovation produced measurable proven results in incident reduction and behavioural responses from the workforce. Entries for the award were numerous and varied, and the judges were pleased also to award a ‘Highly Commended’ prize to Andrew Ryan, as nominated by Asciano in Australia, for the simple concept of the ‘Ryan Key’. This tool enables semi-automatic twist locks that have partially failed or been incorrectly installed to be ‘locked’ open, eliminating the need for operatives to remain in the danger zone to hold them whilst the container is discharged. Both these concepts are simple but effective. The judges were presented with a very [...]

ICHCA and FEPORT join forces at global and European level to raise the profile of the cargo handling industry

The signed agreement with the Federation of European Private Port Operators will provide a framework for knowledge sharing and cooperation on port operations and cargo handling issues   01.03.2016 - ICHCA International, the global cargo handling NGO association, has agreed to work with the Federation of European Private Port Operators (FEPORT) on matters of mutual interest. The two associations signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding on Mar 1 2016 at the ICHCA International 2016 Conference on “Bigger Ships, Greater Challenges”. The conference was attended by the IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim, Ms Desiree Oen, Deputy Head of Cabinet of Transport Commissioner, Ms Violeta Bulc, officials and industry representatives of more than 34 countries. FEPORT President Günther Bonz spoke at the ICHCA Conference, where he expressed the views of the European private port and terminal operator community on the challenges posed by bigger ships and other key operational issues for the [...]

Broad industry coalition offers clarity on new container weighing regulations

Today, the World Shipping Council (WSC), the TT Club, the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA), and the Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) jointly released a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to address issues arising from the new container weighing regulations due to take effect globally on 1 July 2016. The amendments to the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention require packed shipping containers to have a verified gross mass (VGM) before they can be loaded on a ship for export. The amendments were adopted by the IMO (International Maritime Organization) to enhance maritime safety and reduce the dangers to containerships, their crews, and all those involved in container transport throughout the supply chain. The FAQs have been developed by the industry coalition in response to numerous questions from shippers, carriers, forwarders, and terminal operators about the steps they must take to ensure successful implementation of the new regulations. [...]

IMO cracking down on container weights

Misdeclaration of cargo and weight by shippers whether unintentional or otherwise has been part of container shipping since its beginning. And the problem is only growing because containers carry a greater percentage of global trade, ships are getting much bigger, and competitive pressures throughout the system often lead players to turn a blind eye to safety. The two fundamental challenges are ensuring the weight and the description of cargo are accurate. Read more

3rd CTU Packing Roadshow May 2015

Practical education on the new IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for the Packing for Cargo Transport Units (CTUs) Thursday 21 May 2015 | Durban Country Club, Durban, South Africa After three years of development, the new IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs) was officially released in 2014. As the leading NGO for the global cargo handling industry, ICHCA International worked closely with IMO, ILO, UNECE and other key industry bodies to develop the new Code. Our mission now is to educate, inform and raise awareness of the new CTU Packing Code across the global cargo handling chain. As part of our 'Pack It In!' awareness campaign, ICHCA's CTU Packing Roadshows offer practical education and advice on: The contents of the new Code of Practice How it will impact you How to adopt it into your existing operations Why does it matter? Poor CTU packing and securing [...]

ICHCA publishes paper on safe handling and operation of platform flats and flatrack containers

ICHCA International, the NGO association for the global cargo handling industry, has just released a major new addition to its Briefing Pamphlet series.  provides detailed insight into the design of platform flats and flatrack containers, together with advice on best practice for operating these specialist container types. The new publication was written by container design and operations expert Bill Brassington, Deputy Chair of ICHCA’s ISP Technical Panel, which plays a key role in the association’s technical research and advice programme.  ICHCA International, the NGO association for the global cargo handling industry, has just released a major new addition to its Briefing Pamphlet series.  provides detailed insight into the design of platform flats and flatrack containers, together with advice on best practice for operating these specialist container types. The new publication was written by container design and operations expert Bill Brassington, Deputy Chair of ICHCA’s ISP Technical Panel, which plays a key role [...]

Lloyd’s Register, TT Club and Noatum to speak at ICHCA seminar on risk in container operations

ICHCA International, the NGO association for the global cargo handling industry, will be holding a technical seminar in Las Palmas de Gran Canarias, Canary Islands on 11 March. The seminar will take place after ICHCA’s 73rd ISP Technical Panel meeting, also taking place in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from 9 – 11 March. The growing scale and scope of container operations worldwide, not least as the result of larger vessels being introduced both in mature and emerging markets, is accompanied by new and heightened risks both at sea and on land. Following on from recent educational and regulatory efforts on container packing, lashing and securing and weight verification – three key risk areas for maritime supply chains today – ICHCA’s one-day seminar in Las Palmas, ‘Managing Risk in Container Operations,’ will provide updates and best practice examples on mitigating risks to people, cargo and equipment in modern container operations. [...]

ICHCA to hold second educational event on new Code of Practice for CTU Packing

ICHCA International, the NGO association for the global cargo handling industry, will be hosting its 2nd CTU Packing Roadshow on 17 February, hosted by UK port operator ABP at the Port of Hull. Following on from the success of its 1st Roadshow in Harwich last year, ICHCA’s one-day event will provide a practical education on the new IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for the Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs) to industry stakeholders. Developed jointly by the International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the new Code of Practice will be far more comprehensive than the original 1997 packing guidelines from the three influential organisations. Applicable to all types of cargo moving in containers, trailers, swap bodies and railcars, the Code will provide parties along the supply chain with information about their responsibilities, including details of how to pack and secure packages and cargo items. It [...]

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ICHCA publishes papers on Container Marking Codes and new IMDG Code

ICHCA publishes papers on Container Marking Codes and new IMDG Code[/fusion_title] ICHCA International, the NGO association for the global cargo handling industry, has just released the updated editions of two papers in its ‘Briefing Pamphlets’ series: BP #25, ‘An Illustrated Guide to Container Marking Codes,’ and BP #3 on The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. Written by Michael T. Bohlman, President of Knows Maritime LLC, BP #25 details various container size and type codes found in the latest edition of ISO Standard 6346, ‘Series 1 Containers – Coding, Identification and Marking,’ published in 1995. Mr. Bohlman estimates that 99.9% of the world’s 17 million shipping containers fall under the definitions given in ISO Series 1. The briefing pamphlet thus provides important, practical advice on how cargo handling operations can comply with the mandatory coding. The release of ICHCA’s latest edition of BP #3 comes at a crucial time, with [...]

ICHCA concludes 72nd Technical Panel meeting in Liverpool

London, 25.11.14 – The International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association (ICHCA) held the 72nd meeting of its ISP Technical Panel at the Port of Liverpool from 10-12 November 2014. Hosted by Peel Ports at Liverpool’s Maritime Centre, the meeting brought together experts and key players from across the cargo handling industry. ISP addressed technical and safety developments affecting ports and terminal operators. Presentations were given throughout the two-day event by speakers from DP World Southampton, ETS Consulting,Conductix-Wampfler, Noatum Ports, Exis Technologies, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MILT) and ICHCA. Peter Terry, Safety and Security Manager of DP World Southampton, updated members on the use of a stability alarm monitoring system using data from the straddle carrier’s PLC. By alerting drivers to stability issues, this has led to a large reduction in straddles toppling over and resulted in significant safety improvements. Jorge Martín Díaz de Espada, Health, Safety, Security [...]

ICHCA concludes 72nd Technical Panel meeting in Liverpool

The International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association (ICHCA) held the 72nd meeting of its ISP Technical Panel at the Port of Liverpool from 10-12 November 2014. Hosted by Peel Ports at Liverpool’s Maritime Centre, the meeting brought together experts and key players from across the cargo handling industry. ISP addressed technical and safety developments affecting ports and terminal operators. Presentations were given throughout the two-day event by speakers from DP World Southampton, ETS Consulting,Conductix-Wampfler, Noatum Ports, Exis Technologies, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MILT) and ICHCA. Peter Terry, Safety and Security Manager of DP World Southampton, updated members on the use of a stability alarm monitoring system using data from the straddle carrier’s PLC. By alerting drivers to stability issues, this has led to a large reduction in straddles toppling over and resulted in significant safety improvements. Jorge Martín Díaz de Espada, Health, Safety, Security & Procurement Manager [...]

Lloyd’s Register, Bromma and German Lashing Robert Böck join debate at ICHCA Container Lashing & Securing Seminar

Major classification society and equipment manufacturers confirmed to join other industry experts at first ICHCA seminar on container lashing and securing. David Tozer, Global Manager of Container Ships at Lloyd's Register, Lars Meurling, Vice President of Marketing and Product Business Development at Bromma Conquip, and Markus Theuerholz, Sales Manager atGerman Lashing Robert Böck will be providing separate addresses at ICHCA’s Container Lashing & Securing Seminar, taking place at ECT’s Delta Terminal, Rotterdam on 10 December. Mr. Tozer’s address will explore the increased importance of voyage and season dependent container lashing and securing, as larger container vessels, such as Maersk’s “Triple-E” Class, increase the forces exerted on cargo at sea. Mr Tozer will also discuss LR’s “21st Century” lashing force calculation method and the “Boxmax (V, W)” special notation. In addition, he will discuss the re-emergence of “external” as opposed to “internal” cross lashing. Touching on crew and stevedore safety, he [...]

ICHCA to host seminar on container lashing and securing

                London, 27.10.14 – ICHCA International, the NGO association for the global cargo handling industry will hold a one-day seminar on “Container Lashing and Securing” in Rotterdam on 10 December. The event will explore what the industry as a whole can do to reduce the risks and inefficiencies associated with current container lashing and securing practices, both at sea and the ship-to-shore interface. Despite the introduction of advanced vessel and cargo handling technology, the job of container lashing and securing remains a largely manual and hazardous operation. Recent vessel casualties have also drawn attention to the forces faced by large ships at sea, and the problem of containers damaged or lost overboard when lashings fail, as outlined in the 2009 Lashing@Sea report from MARIN (the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands), which pinpoints failing twistlocks and deck fittings, along with poor stowage and inaccurate container weights, [...]