Bigger Container Ships Pose Bigger Risks

Insurers, Others Worry About the Potential for Catastrophic Accidents

Large container ships plying the trade routes of the world are growing, keeping the cost of shipping, but also raising concerns among ship operators, insurers and regulators on the risk of catastrophic accidents .Ships designed to carry cargo stored in large metal containers, carry a lot of goods by sea in the world, including manufactured goods and, increasingly, farm products. 

Their increasing size is already straining the resources in some unloading port facilities and work-with disorders contributed to congestion in major ports on the West Coast.Since the economic downturn, shipping companies have sought to remain competitive by running larger, more ships fuel container in major waterways, reduce their cost per container, according Christmas Hacegaba, Acting Deputy Director of the Port of Long Beach, California.

Today, the newest and largest container ships can transport capacity benchmark, but about 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units Industry Dr Hacegaba said in a study last year that observers of industry also expect large vessels 22 000 TEU to enter service in 2018, and that ships of 24,000 TEUs are on the drawing board.Larger vessels will further test the ability of ports and canals and the skill of their captains and crews.

 "There is a global shortage of qualified seafarers to order these ships," said Andrew Kinsey, senior consultant in maritime risks at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty unit of insurer Allianz SE and the master of a retired ship . Capt. Kinsey said that human error is a factor in most boating accidents.Although there were fewer accidents in recent years, the cost has increased. Ship groundings topped the list of insured losses 2009-2013, put forward fire, plane crashes and earthquakes, according to Allianz. 

"Cost reduction measures such as reducing the number of crew, overwork and lack of training" aggravated risks, and could contribute to a transport accident, said Jonathan Moss, partner and head of transportation in law firm DWF in London.

A major contributor to recent losses was the wreckage $ 2 billion subsequent efforts to save the Costa Concordia cruise that ran aground in Italian waters in 2012.The prospect of a similar incident involving a container ship, which could carry 18,000 containers, "is one of our nightmares at the moment," said Capt. Rahul Khanna, another marine consultant Allianz risk.
 
Capt. Khanna cited estimates by rescue operators that could take two years just to remove the containers of such a large ship, assuming it were possible at all.Even relatively small container ships can cause big problems. 

Environmental Review Tribunal of New Zealand received a request by the owner and the insurer of the MV Rena, a container ship of less than 4,000 TEUs, to abandon part of the wrecked vessel on Astrolabe Reef of the country, where it ran aground in 2011.

Drop Test Of Loaded Containers (Cartons), ASTM D5276

ASTM D 5276-98 (2009) is a standard test method for the drop test of loaded containers (cartons) free fall. It is the reference to the ISTA 1A procedure that falls under the category of crash test. Quality control inspection companies often simply refer to it as the drop test cardboard. This test method is part of almost all inspections. While the carton usually deformed, the products can still be protected against breakage. There are general guidelines, but the importer will usually be asked to define what is acceptable - and what is not.

Why do a drop test containers loaded?

An inspection reflects the quality of the products during the inspection - before loading, transport, unloading and distribution. During transport, the boxes are subject to shock, vibration, humidity and pressure. If the box does not protect the products well enough, damage may occur during transport.

A drop test cardboard cartons full of products can determine whether the products are damaged under certain conditions. It also corresponds to the importer to determine whether a container may be damaged or remain visually intact.

Supplier’s rejection of the drop test containers loaded

many providers refuse to perform a drop test cardboard during inspections. Of course, there is a risk that products that are damaged and need to be replaced ... but if that is the case, the importer you risk receiving a container full of broken / damaged property.

Some vendors claim that their cards / goods are too heavy but the standard limits the maximum weight of 50 kg (110 lb). And depending on the actual weight, the drop height is adapted to ensure fair conditions.

Deficiencies drop test containers loaded

ISTA 1A is a procedure designed to challenge the strength and robustness of the combination of products and packaging. It is a process of "no-simulation", which means that the test is performed under a controlled environment. The same applies to the standard ASTM D 5276. Thus, environmental influences such as present in a container are not taken into account:

•     moisture and temperature
•     pressure carton front sides and
•     vibration
•     and many more mold

Understand The Advantages Of Quality Control In China

Quality control is primarily directed to those needed to meet the quality of a particular product by conducting paths required using different techniques that are running things. The quality assurance can be carried out with the testing of the products and secured with data generated and finally documented in reports about the quality check.



Chinese factories are subjected to every step in the quality control mechanism perfectly and continue with the project. This way will help consumers get their perfectly revised goods and assured everything. Factory audits in China can also do with the quality control and product safety.

Checking the quality is the most important thing is first to raise the standards of the company in the market. Quality control of China has great advantages over others as below.

Advantages:

•       The quality assurance companies in China and has a good number of workers trained and qualified
•       The quality control staff in China are having good interpersonal skills and are diplomatic and discreet
•       The work process is efficient in China
•       The costs are also low when compared to other countries.
•       Factories in China can rework the goods itself
•       Product development is very fast in China and we can do our work within our time limit.
•       Chinese control services And quality products with international standards.
•       Provide details of prices for goods to be checked

China Inspector Bribery, How Many Inspectors Coming To Audit ?

I used to be one of those quality inspectors sent in Chinese factory to carry out quality inspection, factory audit, monitoring the cargo container.

Before entering the hotel, we had to contact the seller to let you know that an inspector would inspect the goods they have produced for clients abroad.

I am always amused seller that after the first email exchange where asking how many would instantly inspector.



At that time I was very young and naive (that was seven years ago, I just graduated from school and was very limited experience). Inspection after inspection arguing with factory owners who told me that they were frequently requested by inspectors from several inspection companies well known and well established to give a little manning table called "hong bao" in Chinese. They explained that usually the inspector ask how many containers are to be sent and what is the total value of the shipment. Finally, the inspector will issue a report step to facilitate the supplier to ship the goods that may be inappropriate.

Then I realized why vendor asked us email the number of inspectors would come was that they have to plan to withdraw enough money to please the inspectors who come to visit.

In another post I will explain how some company’s inspection and quality assurance of success to deal effectively with these issues.

Supplier Certification And Quality Control

Social Audits And Factory

AsiatextileInspections general offer visits to factories and social audits and factory premises of manufacturers to provide a more accurate picture of the overall results before placing your order evaluation. It allows you to prevent further loss of capital or reputation of your company due to any violation of laws or non-conformity of the production process.
Due Diligence Providers and Partners

AsiaTextileInspections can help verify your Chinese supplier is reliable, has a good reputation and is in a strong financial position.

A detailed investigation is essential when you are planning a partnership or before signing a contract with a new business partner.

Information Report

AsiaTextileInspections can provide Business Information Report with a presentation of the company and the risk summary, based on the information available about the history of the company, commercial payments, corporate structure, operations, finance and banking, industry analysis and public records.
Inspections

AsiaTextileInspections provide inspection services on the site of the factory to minimize any risk, quality and quantity control, meet the needs of customers and products relevant regulatory requirements.

Inspections Can Help Your Company:

•       Make sure the amount of product that matches the amount of the order
•       Ensure visual appearance coincides with products ordered
•       Ensure that product specifications comply with the orders
•       Check the packaging, labeling, instructions and the CE marking comply with the requirements of customers

Many types of inspections may be conducted at different stages of production to ensure that customers receive the product quality. The four main inspection services are:

Pre-Production Inspection

Pre-production inspection is carried out at the beginning of the production process. The purpose of a pre-production inspection is to identify defects in materials or components prior to the production process, thus minimizing the risk of non-conformities and allowing corrections and improvements where necessary. You can also identify whether the factory has correctly understood your order, avoiding miscommunication and ensure that any deviation customer specifications treated early.

The Advantages:

•       Make sure that the product meets the requirements
•       Preview of the production process
•       Troubleshoot and resolve problems early
•       Avoid wasting time
•       Avoid additional costs

During Production Inspection

During Production Inspection checks semifinished or finished in part through the production process products. Generally, this is done at the time that 40% of the order has been filled and 20% produced export.
This improves control over the production and allows timely correction of defects and quality improvements.

The Advantages:

•       Check your order is on schedule
•       Make sure that their products comply with the approved sample
•       Make adjustments early is a problem during production

Final Random Inspection

The Final random inspection checks of finished products when at least 80% of your order has been produced and packed export. Samples are selected at random, according to the rules and procedures AQL sampling.
The Final Random Inspection ensures that production meets its specifications and / or terms of your order.

The Advantages:

•       Check product quality before shipment
•       Approve final payment of trust
•       Reject the request does not meet your requirements

Monitoring Cargo Container Load

Container Loading Supervision ensures that your order is complete and safe loaded in the container before shipment. This inspection ensures that the products supplied by the factory meet their requirements in terms of quantity, variety and packaging.

This inspection also ensures that export cartons are loaded safely into the container and the container is in good condition.

The Advantages:

•       Make sure the entire production order is sent
•       Make your goods loaded carefully
•       Check the status of the container
•       Check the correct amount has been loaded

AsiaTextileInspections provides inspection services through our specialized team and also works with suppliers recognized third Specializing in the inspection.

Container Loading Equipment Inspection Processes

In 2009, 26% of trans-world shipping containers occurred in China. This was carried out with the use of the best vehicle container loading taking place mostly in the country. This proves the reliability and quality of Chinese container handling equipment, including stackers, empty container trucks and loaded container handlers.

In addition to the internal control systems as used by manufacturers of container loading equipment, third party inspection companies help buyers to ensure that their products are of international standards and the agreed specifications.

InTouch is a leader in protecting the interest of buyers of equipment from China. Their inspection protocols are carefully formulated based on years of actual field experience combined with the most current international standards. Some of these inspection procedures are:

Materials Inspection Process

•       Coating materials - Check paints and other coating materials possess the qualifications required for corrosion protection of the team until the end of its useful life or until scheduled maintenance.
•       Rubber Materials - Check the materials for tire production. This helps ensure that the tires will not break during use to prevent the occurrence of adverse events.

Security Protocols inspection

•       Fire Safety Inspection - Check the integrity of the fire safety mechanisms container vehicle loading and testing using the guidance provided in UL 558. UL 588 tests are included in testing temperature, fuel consumption test, and testing of the exhaust system.
•       Izar Security - Check chains, wire ropes and lifting mechanisms are protected against failure to promote safer for operators and staff workplace.

Visual Inspection Procedures

•       Parts Supply - Check that the manufacturer carries sufficient stock of parts ready for release when required by the buyer. This ensures minimized downtime concerning repairs and maintenance.
•       Visibility Check - Check that the operator has visual contact with the critical parts of the container terminal road markings, and other objects around it.
•       Nameplate Equipment - Verify that the rated capacity, weight, program maintenance, and operational instructions are reflected accurately on the vehicle identification plate.

Dimensional inspection

•       Fork Lift - Check the thickness, length, weight, width and other dimensional measurements of fork lift.
•       Deputy Inspection - Check the dimensional properties of container handling equipment attachments for suitability for handling cargo containers specified.

Performance inspection

•       Rated Capacity Check - Check that the rated capacity of the equipment does not exceed the percentage of the maximum capacity.
•       Load Center Check - Check the load center or the distance between the forklift face and the center of gravity is 24 inches or lower.
•       Speed - Check the speed of movement of container loading equipment to move containers pre-determined over a specified distance.
•       Lifting Speed - Measure speed vertical lift equipment for handling its maximum rated capacity.
•       Gradeability - Check the level of the slope where the charging equipment it contains can surf safely without showing any signs of imbalance or rollover. Default value is 15 degrees.
•       Fuel Efficiency - Check the volume of fuel used after the completion of predetermined tasks.
•       Performance tires - Ensure equipment tires are able to withstand the actual container handling without showing any signs of damage or excessive loss of volume of air contained until it is scheduled for operator pre-use inspection.
•       Weldments Check - Check for any visual evidence of cracks in welded especially in attachments after using the device for a predetermined period pieces.

functional inspection

•       Lifting Height Check - Determine the maximum and minimum heights lifting equipment when transporting test loads specified without showing any evidence of tipping or imbalance.
•       Horizontal Scope Verification - Verify that the container loading equipment is capable of handling the maximum rated load with his arm fully extended horizontally elevation.

These are just some of the inspection protocols related to container loading equipment, such as forklifts, container handlers, cranes and more.

China Factory Production Before Chinese National Holiday 2014

Time and again China's National Day in October seems to surprise the manufacturers and buyers alike. Factories in China are beginning to feel the effects of the National Party of China as early as September. In an instant, it becomes difficult to reach representatives of the factory, the products are ready early (or not), and the ratio vs. last no pre-shipment inspections falls rapidly.

Factory workers in China before the Chinese National Day 2014: October 1 to 3

The Chinese receive three paid holidays and October of each year to commemorate the founding of the country. The 2014 China National Day is 01 to 03 October. However, most managers receive more free time to spend with their families.

Workers often work tirelessly during the month of September in order to accumulate enough days to travel home with their families. The roads are congested, the trains are crowded, and the flights are fully booked, as hundreds of millions of Chinese systems of public and private transport are blocked. While big cities are connected by high-speed trains, some less developed regions require several days of train travel.

      Warning: many factories are closed for about two weeks!

China, factory production before the Chinese National Day 2014

Production in Chinese factories accelerated to accommodate the impending holiday just before the start of the Chinese national party. Providers should make an effort to end production before the party started. Many workers are tired and under pressure. Rules of internal quality control are lowered to maximize the amount of output. Moreover, shipping dates often change. There are more results fail inspection prior to the expedition, but many shoppers proceed to allow sending anyway.

      Before the Chinese national holiday, there is an increased risk of quality problems. Buyers should try to plan their production in advance to limit risk.

During China's National Day 2014

Production stops and containers are in port. Over a period of about two weeks all the machines stop. The level of air pollution in Beijing is comparable to the Swiss Alps!
After China's National Day

Production was resumed, but slowly: Many workers and managers are still on vacation, or have changed jobs, therefore, factories have to hire new staff and train (it takes time to train new employees).