Wherever cargo is on the move, incidents may occur. Container ports are no exception to this rule. Find out the 𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝟭𝟬 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀 giving rise to the highest cost insurance claims for container terminals .

Quay cranes: it’s one of the key tools in container operations. Since it’s positioned on the waterfront, it’s hugely vulnerable. Boom collisions, gantry collisions or stack collisions are frequent incidents.

Rain & flood: terminals are situated on low-lying land, so they’re exposed to flood risk. Natural disasters can’t be prevented, but much can be done to mitigate the damage they may cause. It’s crucial to position valuable equipment on higher ground, and to secure operational assets.

Straddle carriers: blind spots during their operation may lead to collisions against containers stacks, and other straddles or vehicles. Not only that, but overturns result in bodily injuries. These risks can be mitigated by using automated tools to monitor their performance.

Lift trucks: forklifts, reach stackers, top picks, side picks… fall into this category. Common risks are collisions, tipping forwards and dropping boxes. However, the one risk that stands out is pedestrian injuries. While in operation, keep people away from them.

Trucks & vehicles: collisions and overturns of smaller vehicles happen often. To ensure the safe operation of internal transfer vehicles, third party trucks, and the like, implement traffic management procedures.

Ship in port: vessels may collide with the berth, and even the crane. Smooth communication among all parties (port, terminal, pilot, tugboat…) may prevent these incidents.

Yard cranes: the main risks encountered are collisions, hitting equipment and people, and knocking boxes from stacks. Stack collapses often lead to crane, container and cargo damage. This can be avoided by implementing automated stacking technologies.

Fire: lift trucks are to blame for most fire-related damages. Proper maintenance is key to minimising this risk. On a different note, cargo-related fires are also a common occurrence. Analyse your storage and operating areas to reduce the risks of fire, and implement a fire-fighting procedure to minimise the damage.

Theft: the marine industry loses billions to cargo theft each year. In this context, new technology’s a blessing in disguise, as cyber-crime is on the rise. Physical and system security, as well as thorough checks on anyone entering container ports, are of utmost importance.

Bad handling: cargo may get damaged at the terminal. But the damage may have also occurred before the cargo reaches the container port. Terminals must keep records to prove the condition of the goods at entry and exit.

Yes, all of the above can go wrong in container port operations . Make sure to take preventive action… and, if worse comes to worse, contact us for assistance with your claims