Analysis of the international freight and cargo handling insurer’s claims history reveals that a fifth of all losses and damage to port equipment are related to fire.
There exists a real and significant risk to the safety of the workforce and terminal users that must be addressed regarding the impacts of fire to mobile port equipment.
Warning cargo handling and terminals operators that fire remains a major cause of damage and losses to port and terminal equipment.
The insurance specialist’s analysis of a ten-year claim’s history shows that of the near 1600 fire-related claims it has received over that period, some 19% have involved this equipment. With some minor variation over the years, the percentage has remained relatively consistent.
Fire risk not only poses a significant concern in terms of insured losses and obvious operational disruption, fire also presents a real and significant risk to the safety of the workforce, facility visitors/users and indeed the general public.
Dalus additionally strongly advised that fire detection and suppression systems in port equipment should be considered by operators as critical safety measures.