Van AalstTBA GroupPort of South LouisianaPort of StocktonViganGeneva Dry
  • TMS Awards 2023
  • TBA Group
  • Telestack
  • Port of South Louisiana
  • Port of Stockton
  • Sailors Society

Voice for cargo safety strengthens

(Posted on 28/02/20)

ICHCA International, the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association, and the Association of Bulk Terminal Operators (ABTO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaborative working between the organisations.

In a move that recognises both parties as leading voices in bulk cargo handling and operations, the MOU commits the organisations to the coordination of efforts to promote improved safety across the maritime industry.

Head of ICHCA International, Richard Brough O.B.E. said: “By working together, we strengthen the negotiating position of both bodies to improve safety regulations in the industry. Our two organisations have a wealth of combined knowledge and expertise and we are confident that we will achieve more for our member businesses by working together on industry responses to key areas.

“ICHCA’s Dry Bulk Cargoes Working Group has been developing guidelines, regulations and recommendations to support ICHCA’s Technical Advisory service, which we are keen to develop and implement in partnership with ABTO, as we work alongside them at International Maritime Organization and other regulatory bodies to improve standards and working conditions together.”

ICHCA International and ABTO have agreed to be proactive in championing areas of common interest including confined space working, safety standards, GHG emissions and the IMSBC Code.

ABTO Chief Executive Simon Gutteridge, said: “The MOU we have signed with ICHCA will benefit the membership of both associations. By formalising a relationship we have enjoyed with ICHCA over several years, we are able to better coordinate our efforts on international issues of common concern while strengthening our scope of influence at a regulatory level.”

Under the MOU, ICHCA and ABTO aim to establish joint technical and ad-hoc committees, initiate surveys and studies, and exchange research findings and publications where appropriate to strengthen information exchange.

The trade associations will also look to coordinate their respective events and seminar to encourage wider information exchange.

Latest News

New customs declaration process launched in Belgium

(Posted on 07/05/25)

Inbound Release Platform (IRP) has been operating since 1 April 2025. This innovative solution, which... Read more


Kale to develop Oman’s national port communication system

(Posted on 07/05/25)

Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale), along with its local partner Novel Muscat, has been awarded the contract... Read more


Estonian-German ports strengthen bilateral relations

(Posted on 01/05/25)

Participants at the first German-Estonian Port Days, have demonstrated the impressive way in which bilateral... Read more


Teesport Offshore Gateway - a multi-million pound investment in the River Tees

(Posted on 29/04/25)

One of the UK’s major port groups, PD Ports has announced its ambition to develop one of the UK... Read more


Port of Amsterdam achieves CO? reduction target

(Posted on 28/04/25)

Port of Amsterdam has achieved its CO? reduction target. The Port of Amsterdam aimed to reduce its corporate... Read more


NSBT celebrates launch of new third berth in Freetown

(Posted on 22/04/25)

Nectar Sierra Leone Bulk Terminal (NSBT) is celebrating the operational launch of a new third berth... Read more


Greenhouse gas emissions in port of Rotterdam down by 8%

(Posted on 17/04/25)

Greenhouse gas emissions at companies in the port decreased by 1.7 Mton (8%) in 2024 compared to 2023... Read more


Raw materials delivered to British Steel through Immingham

(Posted on 15/04/25)

Following the UK government’s passing of an emergency law to take control of British Steel, vital... Read more


Rotterdam takes important step in making shipping more sustainable

(Posted on 15/04/25)

Trammo, OCI and James Fisher Fendercare have successfully conducted an ammonia bunkering pilot between... Read more


Bulgarian port’s first order for new Konecranes Gottwald MHCs

(Posted on 03/04/25)

BMF Port Burgas AD (BMF), one of Bulgaria’s largest port operators, has ordered two Generation... Read more


Bühler GmbHTelestackTMS Awards 2023Sailors SocietyCimbria
  • Bühler GmbH
  • Vigan

Subscribe to our newsletter

Keep up to date with the latest global news in bulk cargo handling and shipping