- One-fifth of Port Equipment Losses are Linked to Fire
- TT Club Calls for Urgent Action on Fire Safety in Ports.
- New White Paper Highlights Fire Safety for Mobile Port Equipment.
A study of the claims experience of international freight and cargo handling insurers identifies that a fifth of all losses and port equipment damage are caused by fire. This presents a significant threat to terminal operations and workforce safety that needs immediate action, reports TT Club.
TT Club’s Warning to Port Operators
TT Club, a specialist insurer, cautions cargo terminal and handling operators that fire remains a recurring reason for equipment loss. Their decade-long analysis of claims shows almost 1,600 fire claims, with approximately 19% being port equipment-related. This proportion has been fairly consistent over the years.
Neil Dalus from TT’s Loss Prevention department emphasizes the severity of fire risks, stating: “Fire risk not only poses a significant concern in terms of insured losses and obvious operational disruption, fire also presents a real and significant risk to the safety of the workforce, facility visitors/users, and indeed the general public.”
Fire Detection and Suppression Systems: An Imperative Requirement
Considering the gravity of losses caused by fire, TT Club highly recommends focusing on fire detection and suppression systems as essential safety features in equipment for port operators.
The organization also applauds the recently issued white paper by the Port Equipment Manufacturing Association (PEMA) entitled Fire Detection and Suppression Systems for Mobile Port Equipment. The paper offers a broad overview of fire safety, with a considerable focus on:
- Routine maintenance
- Joint risk assessments
- Conformity to industry standards
- Compliance with regulations mandating it
Technological Trends and Risk Mitigation
PEMA’s white paper describes technologies for fire detection and suppression that are available, as well as risks posed by increasing trends in electrification and automation. Environmental aspects of equipment fires are also covered.
Dalus reinforces TT Club’s stance, concluding: “TT joins with PEMA in urging the installation of state-of-the-art fire suppression systems in all port equipment together with strict adherence to manufacturers’ service protocols and remote monitoring for autonomous equipment. Going forward we advise the close collaboration between fire suppression system suppliers, equipment manufacturers and port operators in tackling the dangerous trend in the consistent risk of fire.” By implementing these measures, the industry can work towards minimizing fire hazards, ensuring the safety of workers, and reducing financial losses.
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Source: TT Club
