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Lithium batteries was a topic that TT Talk covered in February 2022 in recognition of emerging concerns over incidents through the global supply chain. One such concern was a shift away from air transport towards maritime and road. Over the last eight months, such fears appear to have materialised with an increasing number of incidents recorded through other modes of transport.

Container operators have enjoyed a buoyant period with high levels of equipment utilisation through the last couple of years. Increased demand has, of course, been accompanied by issues arising from congestion and supply chain bottlenecks, presenting challenges in repositioning empties to be packed. 

Supply chain security often focuses on cargo, but that is not alone as target for thieves. While the circumstances are typically more complex, containers and trailers are also subject to theft globally. This type of theft reveals methods that are quite distinct from cargo theft incidents, so being aware of the threat landscape is critical. 

In relation to global regulatory consideration of cargo risks, the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) is pivotal. For the first time in three years, this UN body will be able to meet in person during September (as well as virtually). With almost 100 substantive submissions (as usual), there is much work to be done.

Global trade requires goods to circumnavigate the globe through different climatic zones, predominantly involving sea carriage. The standard general purpose freight container, while effective at protecting the cargo within, is unable to prevent the effects of ambient temperature fluctuations and the resultant condensation that this might cause in connection with certain cargo types.

Working at height remains one of the biggest causes of fatality and major injury in the workplace. The common perception is that these relate to falls from ladders or through fragile surfaces, where workers are far from the surface below. This is not always the case however.

Many companies through the global supply chain would see safety as primary importance; it is routinely discussed at Board level and embedded in culture through the organisation. Nevertheless, incidents occur. This article ‘takes the temperature’ in the UK setting.

The loss prevention function of TT Club considers all aspects of safety and security through the global supply chain. As a part of this continued mission, TT has forged collaboration with a number of industry organisations. One such long-standing collaboration is with the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA).

It cannot be overstated how critical it is to maintain good practice when shipping dangerous goods. 14 July 2022 sees the passing of the tenth anniversary of the fateful Atlantic crossing of the MSC Flaminia that cost the lives of three seafarers and results in extensive damage to cargo and the ship. 

Letters of indemnity (LOI) are quite frequently used in the international shipping and trade practice. Despite discussions and advices around the topic, there are always concerns around the value and enforceability of such undertakings. 

By way of update, the Hong Kong Appeal Court confirms the rejection of jurisdiction based solely on a ship's arrest, thus thwarting an attempt to secure potential greater ship's limitation fund. This follows the existing legal tests relating to the natural and appropriate forum for a hearing. 

Commercial relationships being what they are, there will be instances where a freight forwarder or logistics operator may be presented with an opportunity to start or continue to provide services to a customer on condition that they accept full liability for the goods in question. Consider such requests carefully!

An update, following appeal, concerning the ancient principles of general average (GA). In this instance the cause was piracy, but the case involved the interfaces between differing contracts and sharing risk - both by way of insurance and GA. The English Court of Appeal decides…

Since land-based storm events frequently are most severe at the shoreline, it is unsurprising that containers become caught up in the ensuing damage. Let’s look at some of the risks.

Climate change is resulting in an increase in the severity of droughts, fires and floods in many parts of the world. Record rainfall resulting in flooding in Eastern coastal areas of Australia are a poignant example. Severity and broader distribution of windstorms can also be attributed to climate change.

Many newsfeeds currently are covering mass migration arising from the war in Ukraine, following the tragic pattern from other conflict zones over years and decades. The freight supply chain, however, continues to be exploited by layers of criminal barons facilitating the unfortunate ‘underbelly’ of economic migration.

Disruptions through the global supply chain continue to create opportunities for criminals to infiltrate and access cargo. The ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic blight economies and have profoundly altered supply chains such as just in time models. The tragic situation in Ukraine will undoubtedly further challenge global freight movement.

Effective incorporation of standard trading conditions remains a fundamental business practice. Seeing them interpreted robustly by the courts in South Africa adds confidence.

Following the successful inauguration of the TT Brief series of guidance documents in 2021, work continues to expand the range of resources available in this format. Targeted at the operational workforce, these documents seek to provide visually arresting, pithy messaging to support toolbox talks and good operational practices. The upcoming series explores various elements of warehousing risks.

TT was pleased to be one of the endorsers of an important warehousing whitepaper on ‘storage and handling of Dangerous Goods in preparation for, or after, sea-transport’ issued by four industry organisations. This whitepaper valuably seeks to bridge any gaps between international regulations and local practices.

Lithium batteries are today used to power a variety of products, including handheld devices (such as phones or cameras), through larger items such as power tools, to electric vehicles (eBikes/scooters and other vehicles). The market is exponentially increasing through consumer demand and broader energy transition globally. Understanding the risks is crucial.

Lithium as a substance, and indeed lithium batteries, until around the mid-1980’s was classified for dangerous goods regulations under Class 4.3 (Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases). Experts and regulators were persuaded that smaller batteries present reduced hazards compared to their larger counterparts through the supply chain. Therefore the criteria for classification...

An important case, not least because it went to the English Supreme Court, clarifying that acts or defaults in exercising due diligence may give rise to ‘unseaworthiness’ and the consequences of falling on the wrong side of the boundary, including in relation to general average.

Buoyed by the development of vaccines, 2021 promised a return to ‘normal’. The logistics industry has continued to operate at full capacity and beyond. The last year presented multiple challenges to every aspect of the freight industry – and there appears little respite as we head into 2022.

The rapid, widespread and now all-pervasive adoption of the standardised freight container concept certainly justifies why so little has changed in the last 50 years. Any fundamental re-engineering would need to account for the numerous interfaces with the ubiquitous box – but where might advance be possible?