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 Member G2 Ocean, latest Safety Bulletin – Failed barriers cause fatality (also available in Portuguese)

The latest edition of G2 Ocean's Safety Bulletin is about a fatality. One of their customers has informed them about this tragic incident. It did not happen on a G2 Ocean vessel, but G2 Ocean operate vessels with this type of hatch covers and want the lessons learned to reach as many stevedores and seafarers as possible. 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 [...]

Japan’s Carbon Neutral Ports (CNP) Initiative Presented at ICHCA AGM

Yusuke Suemune of Japan’s Ports and Harbours Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) today outlined in detail his Government’s plans to achieve carbon net zero by 2050 at all Japanese ports via its Carbon Neutral Ports (CNP) initiative backed by a CNP certification process. The presentation given today in Barcelona as part of the ICHCA AGM contained the announcement of MLIT’s launch in June of its Carbon Neutral Ports (CNP) Certification for container terminals. The Certification process will evaluate each terminal’s decarbonization efforts. Critically this assessment will be on a ‘per-terminal’ rather than a ‘per-port’ basis. The Certification will be multi-faceted. Each element geared toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. As Suemune outlined, the process of decarbonization will involve evaluation of a wide variety of stratagems including low-emission handling equipment and LED lighting on the terminal operation side and efforts concerning carriers, such as zero emission vessel fuels and truck appointment systems. LINK TO FULL PRESS RELEASE LINK TO PRESENTATION

Latest “TT Talk” Articles Available – May 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 articles available below: TT Talk - Storm Warning: another active Atlantic hurricane season predicted Another above-average season for Atlantic hurricanes is expected in 2025, reflecting the increasing volatility of global weather systems due to climate change. The forecast serves as reminder to ports, terminals and warehouses to check the robustness of their storm- preparedness procedures as well as their insurance cover for extreme weather events and other weather- related natural disasters. TT - Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum publishes guidance on fire response The Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum (VCSF) publishes its second industry good practice guidelines entitled 'Fire Response — High Level Guidelines', designed to reduce the risk to the safety of crews, passengers, the environment, the vessel and the cargo.

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

ICHCA Insights – May 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

Safety Alert: Falling twistlocks during operations

Falling twistlocks have the potential kill or severely injure people. This safety alert combines several incidents to focus on this hazard. Figure 1 - injuries sustained as a result of being struck by falling twistlock. See link to “The National Tribune 2024, Falling dislodged auto twistlock struck deckforeman / team leader” in the full safety alert. FULL SAFETY ALERT CLICK HERE The Risk Under typical design conditions, container twistlocks will remain in their corner pockets for the transfer of the container to the quay or stow. However, twistlocks that have become damaged, worn or have not been correctly maintained may fall from corner pockets during lifting operations. Furthermore, correctly functioning twistlocks may still fall out if the corner pockets on the container itself have become sufficiently damaged or deformed. The prime rule that people should never be under a suspended/moving load may not, on its own, provide sufficient protection as falling twistlocks may ricochet off a surface during the fall and travel a considerable horizontal distance. Controls for these hazards are primarily administrative and challenging to enforce in a dynamic operational environment. Failure of twistlocks to provide the expected securing may also increase risk of loss of containers [...]

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

The global cargo handling association ICHCA International (ICHCA) welcomes the recent 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 deck is only permitted if hatches including tween deck hatches are capable of being opened up in an emergency so that effective firefighting through maximum ventilation and boundary cooling can be undertaken. The amendment follows an ICHCA prepared White Paper* on the subject lodged with IMO in 2022, which recommended clarification of the relevant IMDG Clause. “Although not mandatory until 1st January [...]

Safety Alert: Report on fatal fire on Grande Costa D’avorio in port – 2023

The Grande Costa D’Avorio was being loaded with used vehicles at Port Newark on July 5, 2023. Non-running vehicles were pushed onto the vessel by a passenger vehicle which had been retrofitted with a steel front bumper/push bar. During the operation the pusher vehicle transmission fluid overheated, boiled over and ignited on a hot engine surface. Attempts to control the fire with portable extinguishers were unsuccessful. The vessel’s carbon dioxide extinguishing system was deployed. However, the crew were unable to close a large rampway door into the space because the door control panel was located inside the fire protection zone (where the carbon dioxide would be released). The lack of operating controls on the outside of the door prevented the crew from safely closing the door and directly led to the ineffectiveness of the fire extinguishing system, contributing to the fire’s duration and severity. Tragically, two land-based firefighters died while attempting to put out the fire. Six additional emergency responders were injured during the firefighting and rescue operations. Caption: Damage to the pusher vehicle’s front end with attached retrofitted steel front bumper/push bar. (Source: NTSB) The NTSB report identifies the following: Probable cause: overheated transmission fluid of a [...]

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

Shipping charcoal in containers new rules begin from 2025

Today 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 today’s 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 available for use, tighter rules for charcoal shipments are transitioning into place to improve the safety of crew, cargo, vessels and the entire supply chain. Charcoal shipments have caused serious fires on containerships, mainly due to improper handling, non-declaration, and problematic regulation. Change was necessary to keep shipping safe. Key Changes Starting 2025: Mandatory Declaration as Dangerous Goods: Shippers must now declare all charcoal shipments as Dangerous [...]

ICHCA Member G2 Ocean, latest Safety Bulletin – No drugs, no alcohol (also available in Portuguese)

The latest edition of G2 Ocean's Safety Bulletin about the hazards of working under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be found on the links below: 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 on a specific safety topic. There are no obligations on the receiver, but we encourage you to [...]

Latest “TT Talk” Articles Available – April 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 articles available below: TT Talk - How to avoid catastrophic losses from warehouse fires Effective fire risk assessment and loss prevention plans are crucial to reduce these risks and ensure the safety and continuity of operations. This article looks at various ways to mitigate the risk of warehouse fires. TT Talk - Why automated warehouses are safer places to work Effective fire risk assessment and loss prevention plans are crucial to reduce these risks and ensure the safety and continuity of operations. This article looks at various ways to mitigate the risk of warehouse fires.

Day 4 – 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, including: ✔ Classification and labelling of dangerous goods ✔ Packaging, marking, and documentation requirements ✔ Stowage and segregation rules for safe transport ✔ Limited quantity exemptions and regulatory compliance Our latest guidance document provides a concise, practical overview of the code, helping members understand their obligations and implement best practices. Part of Your ICHCA Membership Benefits At ICHCA International, we are committed to supporting our members with the most up-to-date [...]

Day 3 – 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. Today we 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”) Part 2: Classification UN 3555 has been added to the list of liquid desensitized explosives. One amendment and three new additions to the organic peroxide table. Sodium ion batteries have been added to Class 9, along with new vehicle entries and a new life-saving appliances entry. Updates to paragraph 2.10.2.7 and the introduction of Special Provision SP375 clarify exemptions and permit UN 3077 and UN 3082 [...]

Member Benefit: GreenTech for Ports and Terminals Conference, Gothenburg, Sweden, 29 – 30 April 2025

As the world accelerates its journey toward net-zero emissions, the maritime industry is stepping up its efforts with an innovative approach to sustainability. The upcoming GreenTech for Ports and Terminals conference stands as a guiding light on the road to net zero. The third edition of this conference will take place on 29 – 30 April 2025 at Scandic Göteborg Central, Gothenburg, Sweden. Across two days, attendees will hear from experts within the field as they speak on the latest regulations, trends and best practices for approaching zero emission strategies and operations, along with showcasing new emission-cutting equipment and solutions. The conference agenda is filled with C-level keynotes and panel discussions focusing on decarbonisation and environmental harm, as well as encouraging collaboration to ensure the industry’s sustainability goals are met. The speaker line-up of influential industry figures will provide evidence and understanding for ports and terminals as they build a business case when investing in new sustainable technologies and practices. It will also present current case studies addressing key themes for ports and terminals, including sustainable port infrastructure, the emergence of green shipping corridors, future fuels, electrified equipment, AI applications, digitalisation and decarbonisation. The expert line-up will consist of [...]

Day 2 – 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 is Carriage of Cargo and Containers (CCC). A meeting of CCC will typically field over 100 papers of varying length and topic. On top of those, delegates will encounter many additional working papers. Documents containing more than 6 pages of text are considered ‘bulky documents’ and have to be submitted at least 13 weeks before the start of the meeting. Non-bulky documents have to be received no later than [...]

Member Event: Intermodal Container Terminal Conference (ICTC), Düsseldorf, Germany on 23 – 24 April 2025

Join the intermodal community at the inaugural Intermodal Container Terminal Conference (ICTC) taking place at the Hilton Düsseldorf, Germany on 23 – 24 April 2025. This brand-new event has been curated specifically for Intermodal Terminals, offering two days of dedicated content and networking. ICTC is the first event of its kind to explore the unique challenges and opportunities facing Inland Ports and Terminals – while showcasing the emerging technologies helping terminals manage increasing volumes. Across the two-day programme, expect keynote addresses and panel discussions confronting the sector’s most pressing topics: resilient supply chains, digitalisation, the importance of collaboration, advantages of emerging technologies, and much more. Hear from leading voices in the industry, including: Kevin Gründer, Head of Terminal & Intermodal Strategy, duisport - Duisburger Hafen AG Frank Schneider, Operations Manager, Hutchison Ports Duisburg GmbH Ben Beirnaert, General Manager, Combinant nv Peter Schreyer, Managing Director, TriCon Terminal Chad Van Derrick, VP of Software Product Management, Tideworks Technology Jürgen Albersmann, CEO, Contargo Dejan Nikolic, Director, MBOX Terminals Chris Cavanagh, Terminal Systems Manager, Freightliner Group And many more! Beyond the agenda, Intermodal Terminal Operators can meet and connect at the conference’s Welcome Drinks and aboard an exclusive Duisport Boat Tour. Network over [...]

Day 1 – Introduction and IMDG Code Amendment Cycle

Welcome to the first day this week on Dangerous Goods Cargo. 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 International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code which is produced by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and is on the front line of safe transport of dangerous goods worldwide. The IMDG Code was developed as an international code for the maritime transport of packaged dangerous goods to enhance and harmonize their safe carriage and prevent pollution. The Code details the requirements for individual substances, materials or articles, including packing, stowage and segregation. The IMDG Code is mandatory under the umbrella of the SOLAS Convention[1]. According to TT Club many millions of tonnes of packaged dangerous goods are safely transported each year. Most are [...]

ICHCA Insights – April 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