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September 2026

Dear Members and Friends...

I am pleased to share the September edition of ICHCA Insights. This month highlights several important developments across our community, with a particular focus on practical innovation, collaborative safety initiatives and ongoing international work to reduce risk across the cargo handling and logistics sectors.

We are delighted to confirm that entries are now officially open for the TT Club Innovation in Safety Awards. Though much safety innovation involves significant technological breakthroughs, many of the most effective improvements begin with a simple observation or a better way of doing something that has been part of everyday operations for years. The awards continue to celebrate practical initiatives that make a demonstrable difference to safety across the global cargo handling and logistics community.

Registration is also now open for ICHCA International’s in‑person Technical Panel Meeting and AGM, taking place in London on 2–3 November 2026. This year’s meeting brings members together for two days of technical discussion, industry insight, networking and engagement with ICHCA’s future direction. We look forward to welcoming participants and shaping a productive and collaborative programme.

This edition further features a new White Paper from PEMA, produced as part of a joint initiative with TT Club and ICHCA. The publication addresses the ongoing challenge of collision risks in port and terminal environments, bringing together industry research, stakeholder consultation and practical experience. Improving safety performance across global cargo‑handling operations remains a shared priority, and this work contributes valuable insight to that effort.

We are also pleased to share ICHCA’s July 2026 progress report on international work to reduce the transfer of invasive pests through the sea container pathway. The report summarises current discussion around measures being considered by the CPM Focus Group and related bodies, with the direction at this stage appearing to favour practical and voluntary risk‑reduction approaches.

In addition, this month’s G2 Ocean Safety Bulletin examines crane wire damage and highlights practical steps that crews and operators can take to reduce this particular risk. We also revisit ICHCA’s Dangerous Goods Quick Guide, which provides a clear visual overview of key regulatory frameworks and supports awareness across the supply chain.

Finally, we provide an update on upcoming IMO meeting dates and current hot topics shaping the wider regulatory landscape. Staying informed on these developments supports our shared commitment to safer, more efficient and more sustainable cargo operations worldwide.

Let us keep raising standards, together.

Richard Steele
CEO, ICHCA International
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IN THIS ISSUE...

  1. Innovative solutions can make the biggest difference in elevating cargo handling safety
  2. ITP89 & AGM - Registration Now Open
  3. PEMA Publishes New White Paper: Collision Prevention at Ports & Terminals
  4. Invasive pests and sea containers: July 2026 progress report
  5. ICHCA Member G2 Ocean, latest Safety Bulletin: Crane wire damage
  6. Dangerous Goods Quick Guide Supports Awareness Across the Supply Chain
  7. IMO Meeting Dates & Hot Topics

1. Innovative solutions can make the biggest difference in elevating cargo handling safety

ICHCA and TT Club open 2026 Innovation in Safety Awards

ICHCA International and long-standing sponsor TT Club are inviting the global cargo handling and logistics community to enter the 2026 TT Club Innovation in Safety Awards, with entries now officially open.

Though much safety innovation involves significant technological breakthroughs, many of the most effective improvements begin with a simple observation, a problem identified on the frontline, or a better way of doing something that has been part of everyday operations for years.

Now entering their second decade, the awards seek to identify and celebrate practical innovations that have made a demonstrable difference to safety across the cargo handling and logistics sector. Entries can range from new technologies and engineering solutions to changes in processes, training, procedures or operational practices.

The awards are open to anyone involved in cargo logistics – including individuals, teams, companies, members and non-members – provided they can demonstrate how their product, idea, solution, process, scheme or other initiative has resulted in an improvement in safety.

For the full Press Release, click 'Read More' below:

2. ITP89 & AGM - Registrations Now Open

    Registration is now open for ICHCA International's in-person Technical Panel Meeting and AGM, taking place in London on 2-3 November 2026.

    This year's meeting brings ICHCA members together for two days of technical discussion, industry insight, networking and engagement with ICHCA's future direction.

    For the full article, programme and member registration click 'Read More':

    3. PEMA Publishes New White Paper: Collision Prevention at Ports & Terminals


      ICHCA International is pleased to share a new White Paper produced by PEMA as part of a joint safety initiative with TT Club and ICHCA: IP17A – Collision Prevention at Ports & Terminals.

      Improving safety performance across global cargo-handling operations remains a shared priority for all three organisations. This publication, developed under PEMA’s Safety & Environment Committee, brings together industry research, stakeholder consultation and practical experience to address the ongoing challenge of collision risks in port and terminal environments.

      For the full article click 'Read More':

      4. Invasive pests and sea containers: July 2026 report

      ICHCA has published a July 2026 progress report on international work to reduce the transfer of invasive pests through the sea container pathway.

      The progress report summarises current discussion around measures being considered by the CPM Focus Group and related industry bodies. At this stage, the direction appears to be towards practical and voluntary risk-reduction measures rather than immediate development of a new International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures.

      For the full article and to download the guidance click "Read More":

      5. ICHCA Member G2 Ocean, latest Safety Bulletin: Crane wire damage

      Image: This cargo hold has an overhang, which increases the risk of the wire being dragged against the coaming. The crew has put up a mooring rope, to protect the bulkhead and alert the crane driver if the wire is too close.
      This edition is about a crane wire which was damaged from contact with the hatch coaming, and how practical solutions can be found to reduce this particular risk.

      For the full article click 'Read More':

      6. Dangerous Goods Quick Guide Supports Awareness Across the Supply Chain

      Dangerous Goods Quick Guide Supports Awareness Across the Supply Chain

      Regulations are essential. Finding the right place to start can be the challenge.
      ICHCA's Quick Guide to Dangerous Goods Transport by Air, Rail, Road and Sea has been developed to help users navigate the principal dangerous goods frameworks used across the different transport modes.

      The guide provides a simple visual overview showing where key requirements can be found within IMDG, ADR, RID and IATA DGR, making it easier for operational personnel, managers, trainers and other non-specialists to understand the regulatory landscape.

      Useful as a desk-side reference, onboarding resource or training aid, the guide is designed to support awareness and understanding rather than replace the regulations themselves.

      Download the guide here: HERE

      7. IMO Meeting Dates & Hot Topics



      ICHCA is proud to be a recognised Non-Governmental Organisation at the International Maritime Organisation. It means that the cargo handling industry has a voice when amendments to international regulations and codes of practice are being made.

      The next meeting for maritime safety concerns is the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC) which starts on 14 September 2026. ICHCA members will have received a Members Only Briefing for CCC12, if you would like me to re-send or you are interested in membership email secretariat@ichca.com. ICHCA members can attend in person or virtually, to observe the processes and contribute to our work at IMO on industry’s behalf. For more information, contact secretariat@ichca.com.

      Stay up to date with the issues shaping safer cargo operations worldwide by exploring the IMO’s Hot Topics page. From developments in decarbonisation and alternative fuels to evolving safety standards, digitalisation, and seafarer welfare, these insights highlight the wider regulatory and operational landscape influencing cargo handling practices. Keeping pace with these priorities supports our shared commitment to safer, more efficient, and sustainable cargo operations across the industry.

      To access the latest IMO hot topics click "Read More":

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      © ICHCA International 2026