Photo of the month – February 2022

[German version]

To welcome in the new year, we are pleased to bring you two columns.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link!	A burning container carrying cellulose.

A burning container carrying cellulose.

A burning transshipment container was discovered in Sri Lanka. It was part of a consignment of 21 40' containers loaded with cellulose. The reason for the fire may have been that the container was damaged, allowing moisture to penetrate. When damp, cellulose has a tendency to self-ignite. Fortunately, the fire service at the terminal in Sri Lanka was able to respond and extinguish the fire with no further damage. On board a container vessel, on the other hand, this fire could have been catastrophic, depending on exactly where the container was stowed. Reports like this are kindly passed on to us by the Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) and demonstrate the importance of due care when a container is being prepared and loaded. An insignificant-looking hole can allow moisture into the container and lead to a disaster.

Your load securing columnists as always wish you a safe and secure journey!

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