May 1, 2024
2024: First Quarter Review – Changes Affecting Waterfront Workers and Maritime Port Safety
In our first quarter review of 2024, we jump straight into a series of significant events and trends that have shaped the maritime industry over the past few months. We’ll examine critical developments from emergency responses to infrastructure investments and regulatory updates. We hope to illustrate how these elements are crucially interlinked with the operational and safety standards in our industry. Hopefully, this review will give you a comprehensive snapshot of the current landscape, reflecting on the challenges faced and the strides made in enhancing maritime safety and efficiency.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge Incident Response
In early 2024, the collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge disrupted local and national shipping channels, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures and rapid emergency response capabilities. The incident not only halted traffic but also posed serious risks to nearby maritime workers. A Unified Command, including the U.S. Coast Guard and several other federal and state agencies, swiftly coordinated salvage operations. Their efforts are focused on removing obstructions and securing the area to minimize the environmental impact and restore safe navigation channels. As this incident is, at the time of publishing, still ongoing, it has underlined the critical role of effective incident management and robust infrastructure to ensure the safety of maritime workers and the smooth operation of supply chains. *
Labor Negotiations at East and Gulf Coast Ports & Federal Investment in Port Infrastructure
In the first quarter of 2024, the maritime industry has seen significant negotiations between labor unions and port authorities across East and Gulf Coast ports. These discussions have aimed to address wage adjustments, job security, and the integration of new operational practices. Amid these negotiations, the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a $450 million investment in port infrastructure, enhancing the safety and efficiency of cargo handling and operations. This federal investment is set to improve working conditions and provide more stable job opportunities, thereby supporting a healthier economic environment for port workers. Together, these efforts reflect a broader strategy to balance technological progress with the preservation of jobs, aiming to strengthen the overall resilience and competitiveness of the maritime sector. **
Trends in the Container Shipping Industry
The release of the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) by the U.S. Department of Transportation marks a significant update in the resources available to first responders dealing with hazardous material incidents. This guidebook is crucial for properly identifying hazardous materials through accurate shipping papers and visible placards. It details essential safety precautions, outlines emergency procedures, and introduces a refined classification system for hazards, equipping responders to manage potentially complex and dangerous scenarios more effectively.
In light of these updates, it’s imperative to highlight a critical regulatory change affecting the maritime sector globally. As of January 1, 2024, all international shippers of Dangerous Goods are required to prepare their shipments in accordance with Amendment 41-22 of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. This amendment introduces updated provisions that are crucial for ensuring the safe transport of hazardous materials across international waters.
Recent congestion in major global shipping routes such as the Panama Canal and the Red Sea has led to significant delays, affecting the operational dynamics at U.S. ports. These disruptions have caused unpredictable scheduling and intermittent spikes in ship arrivals and departures, complicating logistics and increasing the workload for port workers. This variability not only affects job stability but also the economic security of maritime workers who rely on a steady flow of work.***
NMSA Technical Committee
The National Maritime Safety Association’s Technical Committee…or as we say in the biz “The TC”… continues to play a pivotal role in advancing port safety and security through rigorous analysis and sharing of best practices. The committee’s recent 1st quarter meeting, held at the Georgia Port Authority Police Headquarters in Garden City, GA, served as a platform for critical updates and discussions on several key areas impacting maritime operations.
The meeting highlighted various issues, including port development, the integration of pedestrian safety devices, and the application of ergonomic solutions in lashing to minimize injuries. Significant emphasis was placed on the innovative use of data mining techniques by reviewing resources and sharing best practices such as Accident Review Committees, MACOSH, and OSHA’s Longshoring and Marine Terminal Tool Shed Directive. Our TC is at the forefront of exploring alternative fuels for terminal equipment, focusing on safe storage and handling practices. The ongoing development of shipboard fire response tools for Ro/Ro vessels was also showcased, indicating a proactive approach to managing fire hazards effectively.
The committee has called for further contributions in several areas where member insights could lead to significant safety improvements:
- Hidden Dangerous Goods – The committee is seeking non-copyrighted images or videos of commonly overlooked items that pose risks, such as household goods (paints, adhesives, bleach), pharmaceuticals, photography supplies, automotive and machinery parts (including lithium and wet batteries, compressed gases, airbags, solvents), and camping gear.
- Autonomous vs. Non-Autonomous Vehicles – Experiences and lessons learned from deploying both autonomous and traditional vehicles in the same operational zones are needed to better understand their impacts on safety and efficiency.
- Operations during Alternative Fuel Bunkering – Best practices and lessons learned from handling operations concurrently with the bunkering of alternative-fueled vessels, such as those powered by LNG, are critically important.
- Twistlock Safety – Improved methods for identifying and mitigating issues with faulty twistlocks, which prevent cargo from dislodging, are in high demand.
- Line Handling – Insights from members who manage line handling are sought to compile best practices in this essential area of port operations.
Leading from the Front
We would be remiss if we didn’t tell you that the NMSA’s involvement extends beyond committee meetings. NMSA President Dave Morgan recently provided testimony at a Joint Field Hearing in Port Miami, held by Congressional Subcommittees on Port Safety, Security & Infrastructure. Joined by Ed McCarthy, COO of the Georgia Ports Authority and representing NAWE, their insights contributed significantly to national discussions on port security enhancements.
Looking toward the Horizon
As we wrap up our review of the first quarter, it’s clear that the maritime industry continues to evolve against a backdrop of complex challenges and transformative opportunities. The diverse range of topics covered in this quarter—from emergency incidents to labor negotiations and safety enhancements—highlights the sector’s adaptive strategies and commitment to continual improvement. Moving forward, it will be essential for industry stakeholders to sustain this momentum and maintain a focus on innovation and collaboration to address future challenges. The ongoing efforts of entities like the NMSA Technical Committee exemplify the proactive steps being taken to ensure that the maritime industry not only remains resilient but also thrives in an ever-changing global context.
We look forward to welcoming you to our next Technical Committee meeting at the Annual Meeting in Tampa, FL. The Technical Committee will gather on June 25, 2024, for a one-day session followed by two more days of incredible speakers and opportunities to gather and share our experiences together as an Industry. All are welcome to attend!
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* April 6th Update from Key Bridge Response Unified Command. Office of Emergency Management. https://emergency.baltimorecity.gov/news/press-releases/2024-04-07-april-6th-update-key-bridge-response-unified-command
**Strikes at East Coast, Gulf ports are a big labor risk this year, and trade diversions have already started. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/07/countdown-clock-for-strike-at-east-coast-gulf-ports-has-begun.html
**USDOT announces $450 million for ports available through the Port Infrastructure Development Program. MARAD. https://www.maritime.dot.gov/newsroom/usdot-announces-450-million-ports-available-through-port-infrastructure-development
***Bloomberg – Are you a robot? https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-04-23/supply-chain-latest-drought-at-the-panama-canal
***Red Sea: What do Houthi attacks mean for global trade? AP News. https://apnews.com/article/red-sea-houthi-attacks-shipping-inflation-124d5445bec8ce6864112e3095646308
***U.S. DOT: Emergency Response Guidebook. Marine Regulations News. https://www.marineregulations.news/u-s-dot-issues-new-emergancy-response-guidebook-for-hazardous-material-incidents
The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not represent the opinions or endorsements of any organization or entity. Readers should use their own discretion and consider multiple sources of information when forming their own opinions or making decisions.