The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has released a crucial set of guidelines aimed at improving the safety of liquid cargo transport using flexible tanks, also known as flexitanks. These recommendations focus on preventing cargo loss and mitigating potential risks, providing practical advice for underwriters, brokers, and their clients.
Flexitanks, made of poly film, are used to carry various liquid cargoes, including wine, dairy products, fruit juice, and non-hazardous oils, within standard ISO containers. While this method offers cost-effective benefits compared to traditional tank containers, it also presents several risks when not managed correctly. According to Lars Lange, IUMI’s Secretary General, flexitanks have gained popularity due to reduced transport costs but are vulnerable to damage. Once ruptured, a flexitank can result in the complete loss of the cargo, affecting insurers, cargo owners, carriers, and potentially third parties. There’s also the added concern of environmental harm.
The newly released paper details a range of risks, such as improper stowage, incorrect installation, overloading, and material deficiencies, which can lead to costly outcomes beyond the loss of the cargo itself. These could include third-party claims and environmental concerns, making it essential for everyone involved in the logistics chain to adopt safer practices.
The document also contains a series of actionable recommendations, such as how to select appropriate flexitanks and containers, properly prepare containers, and ensure correct installation. Emergency preparedness, an often-overlooked aspect of cargo transport, is also emphasized. To support these guidelines, the paper includes checklists covering key stages from selection to loading, ensuring that all stakeholders have a practical tool for safe handling.
Lars Lange highlighted IUMI’s role in promoting the safety of maritime trade, pointing out that these recommendations are intended to address current industry practices that could benefit from revision. He also thanked IUMI’s Loss Prevention Committee and Battermann & Tillery Group for their work in developing these comprehensive guidelines.
The full set of recommendations, titled “Flexible Tanks for Liquid Bulk Cargo: Recommended Best Practice,” along with three detailed annexes, is available for download on the IUMI website.
