December 2013 About ICHCA International Cargo Handling Coordination Association

Transcription

1 December 2013 About ICHCA International Cargo Handling Coordination Association The International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) is an international, independent, not-forprofit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, security, sustainability, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and goods movement by all modes and through all phases of national and international supply chains. ICHCA International s privileged non-government organisation (NGO) status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies. Its Expert Panel provides best practice advice and publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues. ICHCA Australia Ltd is proud to be part of the ICHCA International Ltd global network. To access past newsletters and other useful information go to the ICHCA Australia website at We also have an ICHCA international website at To join ICHCA please contact Ian Lovell, Company Secretary of ICHCA Australia Ltd on ian.lovell@bigpond.com or telephone IN THIS ISSUE ICHCA International s Christmas Message... 2 Thanks to Ken Fitzpatrick for ICHCA Contributions... 5 APM Terminals Joins ICHCA International as Premium Member... 5 ICHCA SA Luncheon... 6 Code of Practice for Packing of CTUs... 7 Australia Re-elected to International Maritime Organization... 8 Australia Welcomes Korea's TPP Interest... 9 IronClad Approved for New Port Facility... 9 Green Light for $240m Wind Farm Project... 9 Abbot Point Port Development Approval ACCC Seeks Views on GrainCorp s Port Terminal Access Arrangements Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Procurement Process Underway th Intermodal Asia 2014 Australia Exhibition and Conference Our Contact with You I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 1

2 ICHCA International s Christmas Message I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 2

3 I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 3

4 I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 4

5 Thanks to Ken Fitzpatrick for ICHCA Contributions Due to time pressures, Ken Fitzpatrick has chosen to relinquish his position as a Director of ICHCA Australia Limited and as Chair of ICHCA NSW. Ken is in his own words: Making way for someone to join the Board who can take a more active role and also chair the NSW Chapter of ICHCA. Ken has been a Director of ICHCA for over eight years and during that time has made a great contribution to the organisation. His personal support and the application of his commercial acumen and leadership has added significantly in making ICHCA successful. ICHCA Australia Chairman, Tony Grant, said, ICHCA as an independently funded non-profit organisation relies heavily on its volunteers and the time they put in. Ken Fitzpatrick exemplifies this spirit. Mr Grant said the Board of ICHCA Australia acknowledged Ken s valuable contribution and sincerely thanked him for his support in the past and looked forward to his continued support as an ICHCA member in the future. APM Terminals Joins ICHCA International as Premium Member London, ICHCA International Ltd, the NGO association dedicated to improving safety, security, sustainability and productivity across the global cargo handling chain, has announced that international container terminal operator APM Terminals has become a premium member. Headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, APM Terminals global network includes current operations at 64 ports and terminal facilities in 40 countries, with six new terminal development projects, 16 port expansion programs now underway. The company also operates over 165 inland services operations in 47 countries. Most recently in November, APM Terminals officially opened Brasil Terminal Portuário (BTP), its new 1.2 million TEU capacity joint venture facility at the Port of Santos, Brazil. Other greenfield terminals are now under development in Costa Rica, Mexico, China, Turkey, Netherlands and Italy. ICHCA International Chairman, David Bendall, said, We are delighted to welcome APM Terminals as our latest premium member. The company has made a bold pledge to eliminate fatalities across its network through accident prevention awareness, best operational procedures and the active encouragement of all its people to embrace a philosophy of safety first. Just like ICHCA, APM Terminals places safety at the heart of its business. Container terminals play a vital role in cargo supply chains and we look forwards to engaging with APM Terminals in its commitment to make them a safe environment for all concerned. ICHCA s corporate, association and individual members around the world span many different interests along containerised, bulk and general cargo supply chains, including shippers, sea, land and air transport, logistics services and infrastructure, ports, terminals and stevedores, equipment and technology, insurance and risk management, research, education, training and consultancy, government, legislators and labour. Other premium members include Hutchison Ports UK, Strang Engineered Logistics and the TT Club Based in the UK, with worldwide membership and autonomous chapters in Australia, Canaries/Africa and Japan. ICHCA s core activities include industry representation at various regulatory bodies, such as the IMO and ILO. The association has been deeply involved in the consultation process for the new IMO regulations on container weighing and is currently working with IMO, ILO and UN ECE on a new tripartite Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (see separate article). ICHCA also publishes a wide range of information papers and provides technical advice, recommendations and training on best practice in cargo handling. I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 5

6 ICHCA SA Luncheon ICHCA SA recently hosted its regular luncheon at the Lakes Resort Hotel on the topic of The Logistics of a Bumper Grain Harvest. Over 50 guests attended and heard from General Manager of Logistics and Commercial Relations with Viterra (and SAFC Executive Committee member), Jonathan Wilson, who provided an excellent presentation on the grain harvest and likely surprised a few attendees on the sheer size of their operation. The movement of grain from farm to storage and ports does not happen by accident at harvest time for Viterra. The size of their logistical operation is quiet extensive. On average every day, Viterra needs to move almost 250 truckloads to meet the demand Sundays, weekends and holidays included. This requires Viterra to employ close to 3000 people across SA during the harvest. But so efficient is their operation at Tailem Bend that they can service a truck every 70 seconds. While Mr Wilson cautiously did not describe this season as a bumper harvest, he did acknowledge a large harvest. He finished the presentation stated his aim of making SA the Aussie origin of choice for the trade - that would be good for the trade, good for the ports, the truckie, the rail operators and ultimately good for SA grain growers. SAFC CEO Neil Murphy (right) presenting SAFC Executive Committee member Jonathan Wilson (Viterra) the speaker gift, a bottle of Peter Lehmann Wines, at the recent ICHCA Luncheon held at The Lakes Resort Hotel, West Lakes. I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 6

7 Code of Practice for Packing of CTUs The development of the new ILO/IMO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of CTUs is almost complete, having taken almost three years. ICHCA International has been involved throughout the process. In February 2011, the three UN organisations ILO (International Labour Office based in Geneva), IMO (International Maritime Organisation in London) and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, also in Geneva) hosted a meeting comprising representatives from governments, employers and employees to discuss the rationale for an update of the original Guidance on Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTUs), which was originally issued in This so-called Global Dialogue Forum had also invited ICHCA to take part as a recognised body in consultative status by these three UN bodies. The original Guidance document, which was published by the IMO and forms part of the IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code), comprised several chapters on the basics of packing and securing units. The Guidance covered all types of units, i.e. containers, rail cars, road trailers etc. in all modes of transport, i.e. road, rail and sea. The group determined that because of the lack of penetration of the old Guidance, its relative obscurity and the high degree of incidents causing severe accidents and loss of life in road, rail and sea transport that were reported each year, there was a need to update the document and make it more widely available. Accordingly the three UN bodies agreed to work together and fund a new Group of Experts who would meet to develop the new Guidance. A programme of meetings in Geneva at the UN s Palais de Nations was scheduled along with inter-sessional working groups (by correspondence) to meet an approval deadline of ICHCA s Technical Director, Captain Richard Brough OBE, attended all of the meetings as a member of the Group of Experts. To augment the work of the inter-sessional correspondence groups, ICHCA established its own internal correspondence group comprised of members of ISP, ICHCA s Technical Panel from across the globe. expected to refer to in their own legislation. Why this version is called a Code as opposed to Guidance is because it has been decided to elevate its status to that of Nonmandatory Code. This means that national authorities will be The IMO debated the draft at its Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC) sub-committee meeting in September this year and the final Group of Experts meeting was held in Geneva in November. This Group was chaired by Chris Welsh, General Secretary of the Global Shippers Forum (ICHCA members) and the ILO consultant contracted to develop the Code was Bill Brassington of ETS Consulting (and ISP Member). It was attended by representatives from national administrations and employer and employee representatives. At least six of the delegates at the meetings were members of ICHCA s ISP. The final version of the Code was approved and is now re-circulating to the correspondence group to check for textual accuracy and it is expected that the Code will be approved by the three governing bodies in time for publication next year. Between the IMO and Group of Experts meeting, ICHCA hosted a very well attended and successful seminar in London to introduce the Code to the Industry and consider how the Code might be used and disseminated. The Code itself has expanded from the original 60 pages or so to well over 300 with additional annexes containing essential information and appendices with Informative Material. Bill Brassington was charged with combining as I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 7

8 much information as possible as it was envisaged that the new Code would be the definitive bible on Packing of CTUs and make it easier for shippers and packers to find the information they seek in an easy to use format. Concern has been expressed by many that it is now so big that it will be difficult to go straight to the right information, so Chapter 3 lists the key requirements to consider when engaged in packing and securing of Cargo Transport Units and refers the reader to other areas of the Code or the Annexes for further, detailed information. Other Chapters address: Definitions; Chains of Responsibility and Information; General Transport Condition, CTU Properties and Suitability; Arrival, Checking and Positioning of CTUs; Packing Cargo into CTUs; Additional Advice on the Packing of Dangerous Goods; Completion of Packing Advice on Receipt and Unpacking of CTUs; and, Training in Packing of Cargo Transport Units. The Annexes contain supporting information such as: Information Flows (through the CTU logistics supply chain); Safe Handling of CTUs; Prevention of Condensation Damage; Approval Plates; Condition Checks; Receiving CTUs; Minimizing the Risk of Contamination; Packing and Securing Cargo; Access to Tank Unit Tops; Fumigation; and, Training Topics for Consideration. The Informative Material covers such topics as: Consequences of Improper Packing; Typical Documents Related to Transport; CTU Types; Species of Concern (animal); Quick Lashing Guides; Intermodal Road and Sea Load Distribution; Manual Handling; Transport of Perishable Cargo; and, Seals and Testing for Hazardous Gases. This is a very comprehensive document indeed and the challenge, once it is available, is to disseminate it out to the industry. At the ICHCA CTU Workshop, a key national administrator suggested that given many nations reduction in budget and resources for pro-active interventions, they will look to industry to self-regulate. ICHCA will have a very important role to play going forward in advice and information to the logistics supply chain and how to comply with the precepts contained in the Code. Captain Richard W A Brough OBE BA AFNI Technical and Admin Director ICHCA International Australia Re-elected to International Maritime Organization Australia has been re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reflecting its key role in international shipping. Australia was elected in Category C of the IMO Council at the IMO's 28th Assembly in London, which meets every two years. Category C consists of 20 IMO members with a special interest in maritime transport or navigation and whose election will ensure the representation of all major geographic areas of the world. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, said Australia had long demonstrated its commitment to deep engagement in the Indian Ocean and Asia-Pacific regions. The election also reaffirms Australia's commitment to the IMO and its important work in international maritime safety, security and pollution prevention. Australia is a founding member of the IMO and an elected member of Council since 1985 and, prior to that, from 1959 to Australia is one of the few countries to have been represented on the IMO Council for more than 40 years. Australia is a significant maritime nation, Mr Truss said. We are the world's largest island nation and responsible for 16 million square kilometres of ocean under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Australia's maritime zone includes 12,000 islands and covers all five of the world's ocean temperature zones, from tropical to polar. Our marine environment is also home to spectacular biodiversity, much of it endemic to Australian waters. And our economic prosperity is reliant on safe, secure and efficient international shipping. I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 8

9 The Australian Government aims to ensure that the thousands of international vessels visiting Australian ports each year are seaworthy, have competent crews and can safely navigate their way through our pristine marine areas, such as the Great Barrier Reef. The IMO is a specialised agency of the United Nations with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. For more information visit: Australia Welcomes Korea's TPP Interest Trade and Investment Minister, Andrew Robb, has welcomed the Republic of Korea's expression of interest in participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement. "Korea's interest reflects the significance of the TPP in shaping economic architecture in the Asia-Pacific region," Mr Robb said. "Korea is an important strategic partner for Australia in Asia and our third-largest export market, hence the significance of us concluding negotiations with them on a Free Trade Agreement. I now look forward to discussing Korea's possible entry into the TPP." The TPP is the most comprehensive free trade agreement currently under negotiation and involves 12 countries responsible for 40% of global GDP. "The TPP negotiations are in their final stages and I will be pushing hard for outcomes that provide significant and material opportunities for Australian businesses and exporters, including farmers, manufacturers and service providers," Mr Robb said. IronClad Approved for New Port Facility IronClad Mining s Wilcherry Hill iron ore project can now proceed with the final approval in place for the new mine and port facility on South Australia s Eyre Peninsula. SA Minerals Resources Minister, Tom Koutsantonis, welcomed the approval that should now allow IronClad and its joint venture partner Trafford Resources to begin work constructing the Wilcherry Hill mine near Kimba. Mr Koutsantonis said $22 million is to be invested in stage one of the project and up to $7 million for the multi-user export shipping facility at Lucky Bay. We are talking about jobs in the construction phase and then significant jobs at both the mine and the port in years to come, he said. This investment will provide a significant boost to the regional economy. Importantly, the approval ensures third party access to the port facility to assist other miners find a pathway to market. Planning Minister, John Rau, said an amended planning approval for all the associated infrastructure will allow the company to build its new port facility at Lucky Bay near Cowell. IronClad had sought amendments to its original development approval to significantly reduce the cost of construction and operation of the project s shipping and storage infrastructure. Mr Koutsantonis said Wilcherry Hill also opened up a new province for exporting iron ore out of this State to build on the long-running success of Arrium and new iron mines at Peculiar Knob and Cairn Hill near Coober Pedy. Green Light for $240m Wind Farm Project A 42-turbine, $240 million wind farm development near Keyneton in the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia has been approved. SA Minister for Planning, John Rau, said the development was estimated to be able to power the equivalent of 68,000 SA homes a year, avoiding the creation of 240,000 tonnes of carbon pollution. I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 9

10 The application lodged with the Development Assessment Commission (DAC) was assessed against the relevant land use zoning applying at that time and provisions contained within the Mid Murray Council Development Plan. Energy Minister, Tom Koutsantonis, said the construction of the wind farms will support local jobs around Kyneton while the power generated will provide clean and renewable energy. South Australia is recognised as the nation s leader in renewable energy. Mr Koutsantonis said. This latest wind farm will ensure South Australia maintains that proud reputation. Abbot Point Port Development Approval Federal Environment Minister, Greg Hunt, has announced his approval of an application by North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) to undertake capital dredging to facilitate the expansions of coal terminal developments at Abbot Point. In addition to the dredging approvals for the proposed Terminals 0, 2 and 3 at the Port of Abbot Point, the Minister also announced approvals for: Adani T0 coal terminal at Abbot Point Arrow Liquefied Natural Gas Facility on Curtis Island, Gladstone Arrow Gas Transmission Pipeline to Curtis Island, Gladstone. These projects are for existing developed port and industrial sites and have been approved subject to the highest environmental standards and conditions. Mr Hunt said, As Federal Environment Minister, one of my key responsibilities is to ensure ecologically sustainable development and maintaining the health of the Great Barrier Reef. Some of the strictest conditions in Australian history have been placed on these projects to ensure that any impacts are avoided, mitigated or offset. Some of these include: 150% net benefit requirement for water quality (the result will be a long-term net reduction of fine sediments entering the Marine Park from land-based sources, well beyond the life of the projects) About $89m will be contributed to support the health of the Great Barrier Reef through programmes such as the Reef Trust 95 environmental conditions for Abbot Point and 53 for Curtis Island LNG measures for protection of marine species and their habitat, ecological communities, flora and fauna. These decisions take into account the latest and best science and management practices and consider the draft Strategic Assessment of the Great Barrier Reef and Coastal Zone, the Independent Review of the Port of Gladstone and the Queensland Government's draft Ports Strategy. The Queensland Government has welcomed the decisions. The Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jeff Seeney, said the approvals will provide a much needed boost to Queensland s coal and coal seam gas industries. We welcome this common-sense decision from the Commonwealth Government that will encourage growth in Queensland s resources sector and underpin future jobs in the coal and coal seam gas sector, Mr Seeney said. Australia s longest and most comprehensive assessment process has produced some of the strictest environmental conditions in Australia s history. That is only right and proper given that we are protecting Australia s and Queensland s most important asset, the Great Barrier Reef. Expanding the Port of Abbot Point is crucial to opening up the rich coal resources of the Galilee Basin and we are pleased that the Abbott Government has seen fit to bring an end to Labor delays on this important project. Mr Seeney rejected criticism from extreme green groups that the port expansion will harm the reef environment. I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 10

11 Mr Seeney said the approval of Arrow LNG infrastructure at Curtis Island near Gladstone was a significant step for Queensland s potential fourth major gas project. The LNG sector has already proven itself as a crucial driver in getting the Queensland economy back on track and we welcome Federal Government support for its ongoing growth. ACCC Seeks Views on GrainCorp s Port Terminal Access Arrangements The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is seeking views on whether the scope of regulation of GrainCorp s bulk grain port terminal in Newcastle should be reduced due to the presence of other bulk export grain facilities at the Port of Newcastle. The ACCC is inviting submissions on GrainCorp s application to vary its Access Undertaking for its Carrington Grain Terminal. The ACCC s assessment will examine the level of competition faced by GrainCorp s port in Newcastle and whether it is appropriate to remove existing undertaking obligations as a result, against the relevant matters in Part IIIA of the Competition and Consumer Act. GrainCorp has proposed that its Carrington Terminal in Newcastle be subject to less access regulation because it now faces competition from two other bulk wheat export terminals. GrainCorp states that the recently completed Newcastle Agri Terminal is due to receive grain soon, while Louis Dreyfus has operated a joint venture facility since GrainCorp also notes the other facilities are not subject to access regulation and argues that it is at a competitive disadvantage as a result. GrainCorp has said that there is now significant excess capacity available to wheat exporters at the Port of Newcastle. GrainCorp argues that this will provide it with the incentive to continue to provide exporters with commercial and open access to its terminal. GrainCorp is therefore seeking to amend the Access Undertaking to make changes to exclude the majority of its current access obligations from applying at the Carrington terminal. GrainCorp also proposes to exclude the application of the current Port Terminal Services Protocols (PTSPs), which cover operational and logistics procedures. It will introduce specific PTSPs for the Carrington terminal, but these will not fall under the Undertaking. Among others, GrainCorp proposes to exclude from applying at Carrington its undertaking provisions which relate to terms of access, non-discriminatory access, negotiating for access, dispute resolution, oversight of capacity management systems and information on stock at the port. Overall, other than maintaining the Continuous Disclosure Rules, the proposed variation would remove essentially all existing access provisions and has the effect of removing the current negotiate-arbitrate framework from applying at Carrington. In addition, GrainCorp has made a number of more minor changes to reflect the changes made to the Wheat Export Marketing Act 2008 (Cth) since the 2011 Undertaking was accepted. The ACCC has published an Issues Paper outlining GrainCorp s major changes and is seeking public submissions from interested parties in the bulk wheat export industry in response to questions in the paper. The closing date for submissions is 31 January The Issues Paper and other relevant documents are available at I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 11

12 Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Procurement Process Underway The Federal Government has invited Expressions of Interest to develop a new freight hub in Sydney s south west at Moorebank. The Government has selected Moorebank as the next major intermodal terminal to manage the growth of both interstate freight via Sydney and import-export freight that transits through Port Botany. Currently the nation s second largest container freight port, Port Botany serves as a critical gateway to the movement of freight. Over the last 11 years, container trade growth at Port Botany has grown to more than two million containers each year. In a joint announcement, the Deputy prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Warren Truss, and the Finance Minister, Mathias Cormann, said the growth was expected to continue and would eventually impact the effectiveness of Port Botany to handle future demand. Moorebank is large enough to support interstate freight trains, handle expected growth in container numbers and is ideally situated between major road freight corridors. Importantly Moorebank is close to existing industrial sites and major freight markets in Western Sydney. The terminal will operate as an open access facility to foster competition among users. Competing freight businesses must be able to operate at the terminal if we are to increase economic efficiency and innovation. The Australian and NSW Governments have worked closely together to progress the project to this stage. The Government has tasked the Moorebank Intermodal Company with overseeing the development of the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal. They are now seeking Expressions of Interest from suitably experienced and qualified organisations to build and operate the terminal. Expressions of interest will be accepted until 26 February More information about MooreBank Intermodal Terminal is available at I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 12

13 6th Intermodal Asia 2014 Australia Exhibition and Conference Supported by Thursday 27 and Friday 28 February 2014 Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto, Australia Intermodal Asia is a significant biennial Container Port and Terminal Operations Exhibition and Conference trade event in Australasia - now in its 6th successful year. Supported by the Port of Melbourne Corporation, Intermodal Asia 2014 will comprise a world-class trade exhibition and conference program, featuring 30 world-class speakers in global logistics and transport. It is expected to be attended by more than 300 senior executive decision makers from Australasia s leading ports, shippers, cargo owners, shipping lines, freight forwarders, logistics companies, terminal operators, railway operators and port-rail equipment services suppliers. There will be a concurrent two day trade exhibition of 35 international exhibition booths providing a valuable opportunity for companies to market products and services at this prestigious transport event. ICHCA Australia is delighted to be an Official Supporting Organisation for this event and encourages members to attend. ICHCA has negotiated an exclusive 20% discount for ICHCA members to attend the conference. Please quote your name and that you are an ICHCA member in the attached registration form to qualify. For further information, please contact the organiser, Safuan Rozali, on safuan@transportevents.com or call the Kuala Lumpur office The speaker program and delegate registration form follow below. I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 13

14 I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 14

15 I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 15

16 I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 16

17 I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 17

18 ICHCA Contacts ICHCA Australia Chairman: Tony Grant Shipping Information Agency PO Box 234, Campbelltown, SA 5074 Tel: (08) Fax: (08) Mobile: State Chairs New South Wales: Ken Fitzpatrick Asiaworld Shipping Services Pty Ltd Level 2, 403 Pacific Highway, Artarmon NSW 2064 Tel: (02) Fax: (02) Queensland: Sallie Strang - Events Strang International Pty. Ltd. 936 Nudgee Road, Northgate Queensland 4013 Tel: (07) Mobile: sstrang@stxgroup.com.au National Secretary: Ian Lovell 9 Durham St, Henley Beach SA 5022 Tel: ian.lovell@bigpond.com South Australia: Neil Murphy SA Freight Council, c/o Flinders Ports 296 St Vincent Street Port Adelaide SA 5015 Tel: murphy.neil@safreightcouncil.com.au Victoria: Austin Kennedy AECOM Level 9, 8 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Tel: (03) Fax: (03) austin.kennedy@aecom.com ICHCA AUSTRALIA LIMITED (IAL) PRIVACY POLICY IAL s Privacy Policy Details are available by contacting the National Secretary, Ian Lovell, on e- mail ian.lovell@bigpond.com or telephone Our Contact with You If you do not wish to receive further copies of this newsletter please advise ian.lovell@bigpond.com and the distribution will be cancelled. If you wish to have it sent to other people in your organisation or contacts in the cargo handling industry also please advise us. I n s i d e I C H C A D e c e m b e r P a g e 18