Ports and shipping lines need to explore every option to decarbonise their operations to reduce emissions and meet climate targets.

One solution gaining traction in the ports sector is onshore power supply (OPS), also known as shore-side electricity or ‘cold ironing’ - TT Club investigates.

This year, 2026 is the 70th anniversary of the invention of the shipping container. Today, shipping containers handle a significant percentage of world trade, helping to move around USD14 trillion worth of goods each year.

But the container is no longer a box, but a platform for trade, innovation, sustainability and hope, which connects people, places and possibilities throughout the world.

This month, TT Club looks at the considerable impact the humble container has had on the world - with some surprising adaptations.

TT Club’s latest claims data reveals that around 60% of such fires start in the wheel and brake area. In this article, TT Club looks at the cause of fires from overheating breaks to bearings and debris. Plus the mitigations that can be taken to reduce the risk and best practice should a fire occur.

Proper packing is critical in preventing cargo from slipping or tipping during transit as forces vary across road, rail, and maritime environments. Poor packing can lead to severe incidents, including cargo damage and ship instability, especially with modern challenges like heavier loads, larger ships, and extreme weather.

In this episode, Josh speaks with Bill Brassington, an independent safety and security consultant with 20 years in the container industry and a key contributor to the CTU Code -a global code of practice for packing cargo transport units or CTUs. Bill explains the evolution of the Code from early guidelines into a formal code in 2014, giving it greater legal standing and enabling governments to adopt regulations.

Ports face costly risks from abandoned or uninsured ships. If a ship sinks and the owner or insurance cannot cover costs, ports must manage the wreck to prevent pollution, clear channels, and ensure business continuity. Ports should review procedures for arriving ships and their insurance.

Warehouses storing bulk cargo – such as grain, coal, fertilizer, biomass and powders – face a unique combination of fire risks.

Robust strategies for risk mitigation and operational resilience are essential.  

The IMDG Code (42-24) becomes mandatory on 1 January 2026. TT Club has updated resources and released a series of TT Briefs on hazardous cargoes, emphasising compliance to prevent human, environmental, and financial losses.

Josh Finch chats to Harry Palmer, Risk Assessment Manager and part of TT Club's Loss Prevention team, about his career, from designing and overseeing the construction of ports all over the globe - and the trials and tribulations - to his current role disseminating years of learned knowledge to our Members to keep their operations as safe and efficient as possible.

As trade regimes evolve, small-to-medium enterprises – the lifeblood of international trade – are struggling to absorb the financial shocks. For freight forwarders, the fallout is potentially ruinous.

Our new quarterly bulletin shares insights and practical guidance on all aspects of port authority risk. It draws on TT Club’s extensive claims experience and industry data to provide a clear view of the risks confronting port authorities worldwide.