A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA International, the representative of global cargo handling operators and the International Vessel Operators Dangerous Goods Association (IVODGA), whose membership consists of the world’s ocean carriers.

In a statement, ICHCA, with members including leading cargo and container terminal groups, said the collaboration will be significant in producing clearly defined guidelines to best practice based on years of practical experience in handling dangerous goods.

The industry bodies are also expected to work closely on joint projects to improve standards across numerous common safety issues affecting the transport of dangerous goods.

“The extraordinary disaster in Beirut last August was an all too unwelcome wake-up call to everyone involved in the transport, storage and distribution of dangerous materials. However, similar incidents, smaller in proportion, yet damaging to life and limb as well as property happen across the supply chain on a frequent basis,” said Richard Steele, CEO of ICHCA International.

“The mutual cooperation of IVODGA and ICHCA will be aimed at the universal understanding and application of measures for the safe handling and storage of a range of goods with potential to cause explosions, fires and noxious gas emissions etc,” Steele added.

Uffe V. Ernst Frederiksen, A.P. Moller - Maersk A/S, vice chair of IVODGA and Special Adviser to ICHCA International, for his part noted that the agreement will benefit the entire supply chain.

“The mutual goals and the shared respect of our two organisations will quickly result in a positive contribution to a clear and efficient communication between not just our respective members but crucially across all stakeholders in the supply chain whose interests touch any and all hazardous materials,” Ernst Frederiksen added.