Page 130 - ΝΑΥΤΙΚΑ ΧΡΟΝΙΚΑ - ΜΑΙΟΣ 2024

HORIZON FROM THE BRIDGE

minals, or carriers with respect to information
such as vehicle separation on board the vessel
or emergency response. They are applicable to
the transport of unaccompanied vehicles on
board vessels engaged in international voyages.
For the purposes of these guidelines, a vehicle is
defined as a wheeled or tracked unit capable of
being driven or towed.
To ensure that the loading of the vessel is planned
properly, accurate vehicle information must be
provided, which will include a description of the
unit, whether it is new or used, its condition, its
dimensions, volume and weight, the type of pro-
pulsion system fitted, whether the vehicle has
low ground clearance, and details of its lashing
points. Should any unit require special handling or
have controls that may make handling more diffi-
cult, then specific instructions should be provided
at this time. These should also be affixed to the
unit, and stevedores at load and discharge ports
should be advised. As for hazards, As vehicle
safety inspection criteria and stowage require-
ments associated with different vehicle propul-
sion types can vary, the propulsion type must be
specified at the time of booking. Consideration
should be given to the effect on vessel stability
and deck loading as a result of the increased
COMMON GUIDANCE ON THE weight of electric vehicles. Load planning should
PRESENTATION AND LOADING OF consider whether it is preferable to stow similar
VEHICLES models and types of vehicles together in block
The Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum (VCSF) pub- stows and the challenges this may present with
lished its first industry good practice guidelines regard to safe access and emergency response.
entitled ‘Common Guidance on the loading and Any specific stow requirements will require coop-
presentation of vehicles’. The guidance and eration between the vessel and the terminal to
supporting checklists are intended to reduce ensure these can be achieved efficiently.
the risks associated with the shipment of unac- Each EV or hybrid manufacturer produces a
companied vehicles, including electric and hybrid vehicle and model-specific first responders or
ones, and to promote the safety of terminal and emergency guide, which describes the design
vessel personnel and the protection of property, and configuration of the vehicle’s battery pack
including the vessels themselves. and high voltage system and includes procedures
The Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum is a consortium to be followed in an emergency or system fail-
of vessel operators, insurers, and other industry ure. It may also contain guidance on activating
experts whose role is to promote safety on ves- transport mode if applicable. This guide should
sels designed to carry vehicles. The guidance is be provided during the booking and made availa-
supported by industry bodies such as the Inter- ble to all parties involved in handling the vehicles.
national Group of P&I Clubs, the International Confirm requirements regarding activation of
Chamber of Shipping, and the TT Club. transport mode, where applicable, and define the
The guidelines and checklist define the informa- party responsible for activating it. The process
tion that should be provided and the checks to for notifying the responsible party should also
be carried out at: be confirmed. The responsible party must con-
• the time of the booking, firm with others in the transport chain that the
• when the vehicles arrive at the terminal, transport mode has been activated and engage
• during loading and stowing, and with the OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer
• throughout the voyage. (OEM) to determine the safest charge level for
The guidelines are intended to be used in con- transportation, taking into account energy den-
junction with specific procedures outlined by sity and the effect this will have should thermal
individual vehicle manufacturers, shippers, ter- runaway (a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion

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