Significant damage to ships and cargoes is rising due to a lack of skills and resources for handling heavy lifts, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) says.

The global marine insurer, in collaboration with UK P&I Club, has issued practical guidance for loading, stowing, securing and discharging heavy lift and project cargoes.

Pitfalls include using unsuitable bulk carriers, loading a ship so it rolls too slowly or too quickly, and failing to secure heavy items.

AGCS Pacific Marine Consultant Joseph Alphonse, from Allianz Risk Consulting in Melbourne, conducted site surveys that identified additional perils.

These include the absence of detail method statements for the loading and handling of cargo, failure to complete peer reviews and pre-chartering unsuitable vessels.

“The costs involved in project cargo damage or losses can be very large, often running into tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars,” Captain Alphonse said. “The risk involved can be largely mitigated with careful planning and attention before the cargo is received for shipment, and by always following the procedures contained in our new guide.”

The report, aimed at brokers and clients in the logistics or shipping industries, can be downloaded here.