The Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum (VCSF) publishes its first industry good practice guidelines entitled ‘Common Guidance on the loading and presentation of vehicles’.
The guidance, and supporting checklist, are intended to reduce the risks associated with the shipment of unaccompanied vehicles, including electric and hybrid vehicles, and to promote the safety of terminal and vessel personnel and the protection of property including the vessel itself.
- the time of the booking,
- when the vehicles arrive at the terminal,
- during loading and stowing, and
- throughout the voyage.
The guidelines are intended to be used in conjunction with specific procedures from individual vehicle manufacturers, shippers, terminals or carriers in respect of information such as vehicle separation on board the vessel or emergency response.
It’s great to see a new safety initiative, the Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum, coming together to produce its first guidance based on shared best practice. The fact that a push for change is coming from vessel operators themselves shows a very welcome, proactive approach to safe operations.
..Geir Jorgensen, Chair of the IG P&I Ships’ Technical Committee, is a strong supporter of the guidelines, said.
The guidance has been written to be used in conjunction with procedures already in place on ships, at terminals and in the wider transport chain. It is particularly important at a time when the risk profile is changing due to the increasing numbers of electric and larger-battery hybrid vehicles being shipped.
..Philip Bacon, Vice President Commercial Operations of Siem Shipping, who is part of the Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum Steering Committee said.
Peregrine Storrs Fox, Risk Management Director at the TT Club comments, ”Our port operator members welcomed the chance to work with the VCSF in an open and constructive fashion to produce guidelines which we consider a good foundation for individual terminals, working with shippers and carriers, to agree safe procedures.”
ICS is pleased to contribute to the development of this guidance. Vehicle carriage faces new challenges from a technologically innovative market. Each party in the transport chain must understand these challenges and the role they play to ensure safe carriage. This guidance which is expected to supplement maritime regulations can play a major role in enabling safer carriage of vehicles.
..Lional Sharon, Marine Adviser at International Chamber of Shipping, commented.
