Loss prevention strategies for wind powered and unmanned vessels, plus new cargoes such as electrical vehicles, had moved rapidly out of the laboratory and into the real world, according to IUMI’s Loss Prevention Committee chairperson Pascal Dubois.
Speaking at the International Union of Marine Insurers (IUMI) annual conference in Chicago, he told delegates that the collaboration and detailed work undertaken by the marine insurance industry over the past three years had resulted in improvements to operating and safety practices. However, he said that “key to that success” was the sharing of data by all stakeholders.
“Loss prevention is everywhere and it concerns everyone. Two years ago wind powered and unmanned vessels were concepts. Now they are being found in the real world. The marine industry is going through a wave of change and continues to be supported by carefully considered and practical loss prevention practices. As an industry we have collaborated well, sharing data and best practices with all stakeholders”, Dubois said.
IUMI’s Loss Prevention Committee also announced at Chicago the creation of a working group to provide loss prevention guidance for flexitanks. Flexitanks, which are used to carry non-dangerous bulk liquids within a standard box container, offer an alternative to ISO tank containers and their use has grown six-fold since 2009 to around 1.5m movements per annum.
The working group will be led by Patrick Tillery from the cargo surveying firm Battermann + Tillery Group.
