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In an increasingly automated container handlingenvironment, port risk management technologies are becoming essential components of terminal resilience planning. An important port equipment safety risk is the snagging of containers while they are being lifted by ship-to-shore (STS) quay cranes.  

Traditional mooring lines and bollards have been used to secure ships in ports for thousands of years. But when they fail, the consequences can be catastrophic.In the five policy years leading up to 2021, the International Group of P&I Clubs members were notified of 858 injuries and 31 fatalities that occurred during mooring operations.   With the advent of larger ships and more extreme weather due to climate change, higher mooring loads means such failures are likely to increase. Fortunately, a range of new automated mooring systems could provide port operators with the answer to making their infrastructure safer and more resilient. 

Josh Finch, Logistics Risk Manager at TT Club talks with Mike Dawber, Police Constable with an industry-funded arm of the Police Service, the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service or NaVCIS.

Driver shortages, rising operational costs and the need forincreased safety mean that automated trucking operations offer a compelling solution for the transport and logistics industry. Big advances have already been made with automated coupling, loading and driving systems, pavingthe way for fully autonomous trucks and huge productivity gains. However, such smart vehicles also bring new and different risks and liabilities for freight forwarders, warehouse operators and trucking companies. There is a need therefore to undertake due diligence to ensure certainty under contractual agreements with technology providers.

Another above-average season for Atlantic hurricanes isexpected 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. 

Whether rights are assigned or not, courts are reluctant to interfere with existing law on collateral benefits - we look at a recent case concerning a cargo of yellow soybeans partially damaged while being shipper from USA to Egypt. 

Josh Finch, Logistics Risk Manager for TT Club is joined by Chris Kipper, Senior Director of Customer Solutions at Voxel AI, to discuss how the innovative technology provider is revolutionising safety across the transport and logistics industry. Voxel AI enhances safety and operational efficiency for ports and terminal by using AI-powered site intelligence to proactively identify and mitigate risks, such as high-speed collisions and employee injuries.

The seventh annual TT Club Innovation in Safety Awards were presented at Informa's London headquarters on 26 February 2025. They again highlighted a wide range of innovative products, services and processes for improving cargo handling safety. Artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring systems, automated pipe spreaders, container lashing tools, smart bollards, a safety app and an emergency flash card deck for workers were among the submissions duly recognised this year.

Warehouse automation increases efficiency, reduces costs, raises productivity and – most importantly – improves worker safety. This article focuses on the various safety benefits of warehouse automation, including enhanced safety measures, real-time hazard detection, improved training and compliance, and reduced exposure to hazardous conditions.

Warehouse fires are a significant risk to transport andlogistics businesses, potentially causing catastrophic damage to people, property and the environment and significant disruption to the wider supply chain. 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. 

In a landmark judgment, the UK Supreme Court has provided crucial clarity on the applicability of the Hague-Visby Rules to claims for cargo misdelivery after discharge. The decision, which upheld the rulings of the lower courts, has significant implications for the interpretation of time bars in maritime law and the responsibilities of carriers post-discharge.

Automation has been proven beyond doubt to improve port performance and enable cargo to be moved more safely, securely and sustainably. There are now more than 50 automated container terminals globally and big advances continue to be made in port automation technologies. As such there is now a strong case for operators of the remaining 95% of the world's terminals which are not yet automated to consider becoming so. 

The world's container cargoes are increasingly at risk of being delayed, damaged, lost or interfered with. Continuing growth in international trade together with ongoing climate change, geopolitical disputes, rogue operators and organised crime gangs means transport and logistics operators need to keep an ever-closer watch on their containers. 

Learn how to avoid unexpected outcomes during refurbishment of buildings and infrastructure. Discover key safety considerations, the importance of collaboration, and effective management strategies to ensure operational safety at ports, terminals, and logistics facilities.

Following the usual biennial cycle, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code has been updated and amended. This latest version, Amendment 42-24, entered transitional effect from 1 January 2025, meaning that stakeholders may start using the revised provisions. Amendment 41-22 will be mandatorily in force until 1 January 2026.

A container ship caught fire and sank near Colombo in Sri Lanka resulting in a total loss. The owner and bareboat charterer successfully claimed limitation of liability in the English Admiralty Court. The three slot charterers also argued for limitation on the basis they could be considered as shipowners too.

In today's interconnected world, the threat landscape for businesses has evolved significantly. One of the most insidious and challenging risks to manage is the insider threat. This article delves into what insider threats are, their implications, common threats, and effective risk mitigation strategies.

Managing during a crisis event is challenging for even the most experienced incident managers. Incidents that happen in and around a port environment can be especially difficult to manage, proving daunting even for first responders and other seasoned crisis management professionals. Port environments encompass both land and sea-based risks, handle and store dangerous chemicals and materials and involve the operation of large handling equipment and machinery.

Asset criticality assessment provides the foundation for wider strategic asset management planning (SAMP) and provides an organisation with a semi-quantitative model to evaluate and score how an in-service failure of an asset can impact operational performance across the entire organisation's portfolio of assets. Providing decision-making insight for asset managers and budget holders within an organisation, this process whereby asset management meets risk management should be the very first step in the development of a SAMP.

The carrier was instructed to transport 3 shipments of copper scrap from Dubai to Piraeus. The first 2 shipments were paid for and had clean bills of lading, but upon arrival, they were found to contain concrete blocks. The shippers disappeared before payment for the 3rd shipment.

Container terminal operations are complex and often fast paced. Each container movement is unique in many ways; the characteristics of the cargo, the condition of the chassis and the condition of the container, for example, will all influence outcomes.

The maritime industry relies heavily on the use of cranes and the wire rope that lifts the load is a crucial single point of failure. Wire rope failure is a key concern for those operating and maintaining the lifting of equipment within the industry.

Laurence Jones marks his retirement in this podcast episode after working with TT for the last 18 years of his career. Listen to his career, what's changed within the industry, his plans for the future and stories of his travels.

The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) secretariat started exploratory and preparatory work on the development of an international instrument on negotiable cargo documents in order to open up opportunities for trade finance and facilitate international trade.

Ballast has been used to maintain stability and seaworthiness of cargo ships dating back to timber-hulled sailing ships and their use of solid ballast. Water as ballast was widely introduced in the use of metal-hulled steam powered ships, where water carried to generate steam could also be used as ballast to trim and maintain stability of the ship. Today's modern large cargo ships can have a ballast capacity in excess of 5,000m3 or 5,000 tons of water. Unfortunately, this widespread and efficient practice often has an unintended consequence...

As supply chain operations seek to control risk, managers often turn to personal protective equipment (PPE) as a control measure to reduce the risk of personal injury to operational workers. It is important that employers understand when it is appropriate to require PPE in the workplace and how to choose the correct PPE for the operation.

The management of assets and infrastructure  for facilities and equipment is crucial to fulfill obligations. However, it can be costly and complex for ports, terminals, and logistics facilities.

Managing supply chain operations involves many risks to the security and integrity of cargo and worker safety. When crises occur, a prompt and effective response is crucial to mitigate risk.

Whether we are considering safety, security or sustainability, a common, vital theme is the important role of leadership in delivering desirable and consistent outcomes. 

Josh Finch, Logistics Risk Manager, interviews Andre Gerber, a young freight forwarding professional and the 2023 winner of the Young Logistics Professional Global Award. Josh speaks with Andre about his dissertation outlining two freight forwarding challenges he has overcome during his career as a young freight forwarder working in South Africa. Andre speaks passionately working to resolve complex challenges moving a reactor from Italy to South Africa. He highlights the environmental benefits of the circular economy and reuse of equipment while discussing the complexity of moving a sweets factory from South Africa to Angola. TT Club is proud to support the Young Logistics Professional Award and encourages any young professionals working in the freight forwarding industry to learn more about how to participate in the YLP Award here.

Josh Finch, Logistics Risk Manager, and Alison Wixley, Senior Claims Executive, discuss practical Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives from a South African perspective. TT Club finds that ESG is an important topic for our members, as investors increasingly value businesses that seek to mitigate the impacts of climate change and make positive contributions to the communities in which they operate.

The maritime industry's ports, terminals, and ships play a vital role in global trade. However, the sector faces real challenges from aging infrastructure and its ability to accommodate climate change. These challenges have been recognised in the latest revision of the relevant ISO standard on asset management.

Slips, trips and falls continue to be the most common safety-related incidents faced by businesses operating in the supply chain. Because they are so numerous, it can be difficult for businesses to know how to address this risk. Additionally, the consequences of a slip or a trip are often perceived to be less significant than other types of incidents.

There is a certain mystique concerning ‘force majeure' that seeks to set out the circumstances under which a party to a contract may cease to perform its obligations. An English Supreme Court decision considered reliance on such a clause, adopting a literal interpretation of the words agreed between the parties.

In this insightful interview, Josh Finch, Logistics Risk Manager, and Neil Dalus, a Risk Assessment Manager, delve into the complexities and challenges of safety and innovation within the global supply chain. They discuss the unique risks and operational challenges faced by ports and warehouses, emphasising the importance of safety measures and the potential consequences of safety lapses. The conversation also highlights the impact of climate change on port operations and the need for innovative solutions to adapt to these changes. Crucially, Josh and Neil explore the role of technology in enhancing port safety and the importance of industry-wide collaboration in fostering innovation. The interview provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of safety and innovation in the supply chain industry.

An interesting English court decision where a subcontractor of the bill of lading carrier was able to exercise positive rights against a shipper who had taken proceedings and secured judgment in a jurisdiction other than what was specified in the jurisdiction clause in the bill of lading.  

A highlight in TT Club's events calendar, June witnessed the return of the Safety Village at TOC Europe in Rotterdam for the third consecutive year. Following the success of earlier events the now established and valued collaboration between TT Club, TOC and ICHCA once again built on the previous year's success and drew wide attention from a wide range of attendees within the industry.  

Freight crime continues to present major challenges for the supply chain industry. Theft of cargo consistently ranks among the top three concerns for TT Club's members, as evidenced by the Club's claims data. However, analysis of claims data fails to capture the full scope of the problem, as many incidents of theft fall below policy deductible and are never reported to the Club.

Josh Finch, Logistics Risk Manager, and Andrea Gentile, Senior Claims Executive, discuss the best course of action following an incident of cargo theft or damage. While we all seek to avoid these sorts of incidents, they do happen, and when they do it is vitally important to report the incident quickly to your insurer, the police and all parties involved to allow for proper investigation. Josh and Andrea also discuss the sorts of issues that might affect your liability according to the CMR Convention, such as gross negligence or the jurisdiction in which the claim is brought. Key listening for anyone moving goods in the global supply chain.

The importance of contractual risk management, with both suppliers and customers (up and down the chain) should not be underestimated. Understanding commonly problematic contractual clauses and risk exposures is vital for those with commercial responsibility. Without care, a business may be severely exposed financially. External assistance with the review of contracts should be sought where you do not maintain a competent legal department.

The misappropriation of shipping containers is a topic that TT Club has raised previously. While there are differing causes for this, sometimes related to issues such as abandoned cargo, the industry continues to grapple with this persistent risk globally. In locations or during periods where there is high demand, shipping containers can prove an attractive and lucrative target for criminals.

When a ship allides with port infrastructure, causing damage to the berth itself or equipment located on it, it is important that the port take prompt steps to protect its interests. From experience, TT Club has develop protocols detailing actions to be taken, which seek to maximise the probability of recovering damage costs.

While the volumes of containers lost overboard at sea fluctuate year on year, typically influenced by more severe weather conditions, the challenge is a persistent one. Prevention necessarily remains high on the agenda of many stakeholders in the global supply chain; there is a universal interest in precluding such incidents.

With ever increasing focus on the global green house gases emitted into the atmosphere, ports, terminals, warehousing operations and logistics facilities are striving to decarbonise their operations. As one key option, they are often turning to 'green' electricity as a viable energy source to power their activities.

Given their exposed positioning, the risk of he boom of a quay crane colliding with a ship is perennial. The introduction of boom anti-collision electronic sensors for use on quay cranes has undoubtedly mitigated this operational risk. For a variety of reasons however, this type of loss continues to occur far too regularly.

While images of ships, trains and trucks are emblematic of the freight industry, effective management of the supply chain entails many diverse activities. The risks inherent in each supply chain operation are impacted directly and indirectly by an array of roles and activities. One such is the effective management of stockholding and order flow, referred to here as inventory management. Failure to exercise adequate controls can have enormous consequences for security, reputation and contractual liabilities.

Risks to the global supply chain from climate change are inevitably operation dependent and geographically dynamic. In recent years, operations have been impacted by wind microbursts and heavy rainfall, through to droughts and wildfires, all seemingly occurring with increasing frequency, in unexpected locations and with increased ferocity.

As a component of a net zero emissions strategy, many logistics businesses are exploring alternative modes of transport, including less polluting modes such as rail and inland waterways. While different that other modes, security and safety hazards still exist. Thus, proactive risk mitigation to protect against loss, damage and theft is required, particularly during transhipment operations.

Predicted impacts on ports and waterways from climate change present a real risk to local, national and global economies. Disruption is increasingly being seen from extreme weather events, causing damage to infrastructure or equipment, injuries and fatalities. However, account needs to be taken of incremental changes, such as increases in air and water temperatures, rising sea levels and seasonal rainfall intensities.

The phenomenon of defendants facing the prospect of excessively high awards – known as ‘nuclear verdicts' – against them in litigation, particularly in state courts in the US, appears to be happening with increasing frequency. What can be done to counter them?

Access to safe and clean drinking water to sustain life is one of the most basic human needs; exposure to contaminated water can have serious health implications. Ports play an essential role in the provision of clean drinking water to the maritime industry, contributing to the welfare of the crew and the achievement of sustainable development goals.