CIC Technical Bulletin (Out-of-ISO Panel Inspection Criteria) 31 January 2012: The five leasing companies which manage CIC (the Common Interchange Criteria) have published a Technical Bulletin relating to “out-of-ISO” panel inspection criteria. To download the Bulletin, click HERE

Contaminated Refrigerants COA publishes Industry Update and Action Report 31 January 2012: During 2011, some reefer containers were re-gassed with counterfeit R134a refrigerant at certain depots in Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. Since then, fake refrigerant has been found in some other countries and on board ships. The COA has published an “Industry Action Report”, explaining why there is a need for further action – and indicating what action is required. To download the Report, click HERE Presentations at COA/TT Club Forum available 31 January 2012: The COA and the TT Club organised an industry forum in December, bringing together container owners, refrigeration machinery manufacturers, gas suppliers and relevant experts to debate ways to resolve the exploding reefer machinery issue. A report of the Meeting and PDFs of the presentation made at the Forum are publicly available in the panel below. 2nd COA Reefer Forum to take place in Singapore 31 January 2012: Recognising the critical need for global understanding of the issues relating to the current problem of counterfeit/contaminated refrigerants, the COA is organising a 2nd Forum specifically for container owners, reefer service companies and other relevant parties in Singapore on Thursday 9 February. This meeting has been arranged (at relatively short notice) in response to the request expressed by some COA Members for greater urgency in eliminating this problem. Further information from: secretary@containerownersassociation.org

COA & TT Club convene industry forum to review exploding reefer issue  23 December 2011: The Container Owners Association and the TT Club organised an industry Forum on Monday 19 December, bringing together container owners, refrigeration machinery manufacturers and relevant experts to debate ways to resolve the exploding reefer machinery issue. Key points from the Forum include: Growing convergence towards a standardised test for gas bottles to prevent recurrence; Update on progress towards safe and certain testing of potentially contaminated reefer containers; Willingness to continue collaborating on these issues to restore safety and confidence through the transport industry. To read a full report of the Meeting, click HERE The presentations made at the Forum can be downloaded  (click on the presentation title to download the presentation): Dangers of counterfeit refrigerants Richard Lawton Cambridge Refrigeration Technology, UK Experience of other industries with R134a refrigerant counterfeits Ulrich Grimm ILK Dresden, Germany Guide to flame testing R134a Paul Clarke, Maersk Line Halide Torch Information Paul Clarke, Maersk Line Testing samples from machines Ed Hamilton, McCampbell Analytical, USA Sampling methods for counterfeit refrigerants Richard Lawton, CRT, UK

Refrigeration Machinery: Ruptured Compressors 5 January 2012: The following documents have been published in relation to the recent occurrences of ruptured compressors in some container refrigeration machinery. This is the information that has been released (that the COA is aware of) about these incidents. It is possible that other information has also been published. (Click on the text of the bullet-point to open the documents) Maersk Line Letter (released by the WSC): 18 October 2011  Carrier Transicold: 21 October 2011 Carrier Transicold: 27 October 2011  Thermo King: 27 October 2011 GEA Bock: September 2011  Maersk Line update to WSC 28 October 2011 Star Cool: 1 November 2011 Lloyd's Register: 3 November 2011 Carrier Transicold: 8 November 2011   Daikin Industries: 9 November 2011 Thermo King: 11 November 2011 Daikin Industries: 16 November 2011 Carrier Transicold (Refrigerant Quality Guidelines): 24 November 2011 CRT: 6 December 2011 Carrier Transicold (Testing of new R134a refrigerant supply): 16 December 2011  Society of Automotive Engineers: 21 December 2011    Star Cool: 21 December 2011 MCI Safety Notice: 21 December 2011 CRT Guide to Flame Testing: 16 January 2012 Halide Torch Information: 16 January 2012 Presentation at COA Hamburg Meeting from Cambridge Refrigeration Technology During the Session, Cambridge Refrigeration Technology made a presentation updating delegates on the current situation. To download the presentation, please click HERE

COA’s 9th General Meeting: Hamburg Focus on COA Projects 12 December 2011: Over 200 delegates attended the 9th COA General Meeting on Monday 28 November. The meeting included Working Group Sessions, focusing on the progress of the COA’s Working Groups and Divisions: Container Depots Alternative Materials Cargo Incident Notification System Flexitanks Copies of the presentations in these sessions will be put on the website shortly Contaminated Refrigerant Gases The Conference concluded with a special session, aimed at clarifying the situation relating to contaminated/counterfeit refrigerant gases and intended to enable container owners and reefer service organisations to understand the problems and to find out how these issues can be tackled. The Panel comprised representatives from the four leading container refrigeration machinery manufacturers (Carrier Transicold, Daikin Industries and Star Cool), together with specialist reefer consultancy Cambridge Refrigeration Technology. A copy of the CRT presentation is shown in the panel above.

COA Report on Water-Based Paints for the Container Industry Updated report published 26 November 2011: The COA's New Materials Committee has today published the first Revision to its report on water-based paints for the container industry. The report's introduction looks at the issues relating to the search for water-based paints. It then explains the problems associated with the use of solvent-based paints and reviews the possible alternatives. It gives details of the problems involved in switching to water-based paints, before giving an update on the current situation. The final section of the report gives a detailed report on each of the major suppliers of container paint, together with comments and information submitted by paint producers and container manufacturers. Members may download the Report by clicking HERE (Login & password required).

COA Container Depot Division Questionnaire 24 October 2011: The COA Depot Division is currently conducting a market research questionnaire. We would like to invite all depot operators to participate. The online questionnaire will gather the following information. Worldwide depot market size and capacity Critical issues and trends within the global depot industry Develop a Global Depot Directory that is searchable by COA members The questionnaire will be anonymous with only consolidated results analyzed. If you would like to participate, please click on the below link to provide us with your contact information. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PR5CL59

COA publishes updated “Alternative Materials for Container Flooring” Report 17 October 2011: The COA's "New Materials" Working Group has published the 2011 Revision of its "Report on Alternative Materials for Container Flooring". The publication summarises developments since the WG's last report in August 2010, while also providing information on the current market for alternative floor materials. A comprehensive list of alternative floor materials and suppliers is published. In addition, the report also provides a comparison table of alternative materials. COA Members can download this information To download the Complete Report, click HERE To download the Comparison Table of Alternative Materials, click HERE

Revised Version of COA Code of Practice for Flexitanks published 17 October 2011: The COA Flexitank Management Group has published an updated Version of the “COA Code of Practice for Flexitank/Container Combinations”. The new Version gives details of amendments to the procedure for Rail Impact Testing, Materials Testing Procedure and Incident Management. The revised Flexitank Code of Practice can be downloaded. Click HERE

COA Depot Division: Update 25 September 2011: The COA Depot Division selected its executive committee during the 8th COA General Meeting. The committee works to represent the global depot community in COA matters. It also strives to undertake projects that are mutually beneficial to the depot industry and its trading partners. The executive committee comprises the following individuals. • Mike Baldwin (Chairman), ConGlobal Industries, President and CEO • Marc Van Hoeydonck, Inchcape Services, General Manager • B.N. Bose, Seabreeze, Technical Director • Juan Ureta, Star Container, Sr. Business Development Manager • Tony Maxwell, Pinnacle Corporation, Technical Sales Manager • Joe Qiao, Donghwa Container Transportation, Vice General Manager The Depot Division is currently undertaking two important projects: an online market survey and a coding standardization initiative. The online market survey has two objectives. 1. Gather information on the depot market size and health and identify critical issues and trends within the depot industry 2. Develop a Global Depot Directory that will be accessible to COA members The survey is in its final stages of planning and will be distributed to depots in October. The objective of the coding standardization initiative is to participate in the process of developing ISO/Cedex coding as it relates to the standard application of inspection, damage and repair coding. Tony Maxwell of Pinnacle Corporation has agreed to be the project lead on this initiative. Mike Baldwin, Chairman of the Depot Division, will be speaking at the Intermodal Europe Conference in Hamburg, Germany in November on the topic of “Efficiently Handling Container Repair.” He will be reaching out to COA member depot operators for feedback on presentation items relating to this topic. The Depot Division will be holding a general meeting on Monday, 28th of November, just prior to the Intermodal Conference in Hamburg. This will give depot operators an opportunity to hear about the updates to the current projects the division is undertaking. It will also provide a chance for depot operators to give input on future initiatives. If you would like more information on the Depot Division or have suggestions for the Intermodal Conference, please email depots@containerownersassociation.org

CINS: Pilot Project nears completion: System to be launched in September 8 August 2011: The Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) network will complete its pilot project in September, at which time carriers and ship operators from across the maritime industry will be invited to join. The members of the network are committed to working together to reduce the number of accidents caused by poorly stowed cargo, packaging or inaccurate weight declaration. CINS was established in November 2010 by CMA‐CGM, Evergreen, Hapag Lloyd, Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company. The companies have worked together to share information on any cargo related incidents, near misses or accidents. The resulting information has been collected on the ‘pilot’ CINS database and used to identify trends and reduce risk. After initial tests, CINS is already delivering results. The collated statistics give clear indications of high risk areas as well as highlighting how ship owners should act in future to reduce risk, make container shipping safer and ensure cargo arrives at its destination in one piece. Policies using the information have been formulated, a code of conduct has been drawn up and the online database is now fully functional, with incident notification messages being shared between members and risk analysis conducted as a result. The TT Club and the International Group of P&I Clubs have acted as advisory members of the CINS network and the Container Owners Association is acting as a neutral host for the database. The CINS secretariat selected Exis Technologies to develop CINSNET (Cargo Incident Notification Systems Network), the database, report processing and network functionality that drives the CINS project. All information about cargo that either has, or could have caused, an accident is being fed into the online CINS database so that statistics can be produced and industry trends identified. This will provide carriers with evidence to support further action at either industry or regulatory level. The CINS network anticipates that over time, the database will also reveal how widespread unsafe practices are in the cargo shipping industry. This information will lead to, and support, relevant changes in legislation and will drive improved dissemination of advice and training, particularly relating to the packing and securing of cargo in containers. The five founding members of the CINS network agree that a quest for quality is at the heart of this initiative. This is in terms of improved service delivery, ensuring the cargo arrives in sound condition on time but also improving the way in which all parties in the maritime industry carry out their obligations and communicate. CINS will significantly enhance the safety of cargo carriage in the supply chain and reduce the risk to people involved, assets and the environment. The CINS network complies with the U.S. Sherman Act, Article 101 and 102 of EU treaty and any other nation’s similar regulation of antitrust, competition or cartel activities. It is strictly prohibited to discuss price fixing, capacity management or any other commercial issues within the CINS network. CINS is solely about improving safety in port and on ship, through the sharing of information. For more information, or to enquire about joining the CINS network, contact Dirk Van de Velde or Yve Van Limbergen at +32 3 545 33 15 / +32 3 545 33 16 Article in Lloyd’s List On 2 August, Lloyd’s List published some in-depth articles about CINS. To view copies of the articles, click below: News Item Feature Article Comment Piece

Wide Range of Container Issues Discussed at 8th COA Meeting 187 Participants attend Shanghai Conference 5 July 2011: With some 187 participants, the recent COA Meeting in Shanghai was the Association’s biggest-ever Conference. The Event featured a wide-ranging agenda focusing on key industry issues, including presentations on the following topics: “The impact of the Panama Canal expansion on container shipping”; “Container shipping developments on the Yangtze River”; “Rail growth in China”; “Handling technology innovations”; “Container initiatives in India”. In addition, there were valuable presentations on “Container Manufacturing Trends and Developments” and a “Report on ISO standards progress relating to the container industry”. These were followed by a series of presentations highlighting technical innovation in the business The final session of Day 1 focused on current and planned COA developments, including the launch of the COA Container Depot Division, the launch of the COA Container Suppliers Division and an update on the work of the COA Flexitank Division. Day 2 of the Conference consisted of four break-out sessions: (a) A meeting of shipping lines to discuss the way forward to develop a sustainable, industry-recognised, container flooring/understructure system (b) A meeting of depots and other interested parties to establish a COA Container Depot Division (c) A meeting of equipment suppliers to establish a COA Container Suppliers Division (d) A Dedicated COA Flexitank Workshop In addition to the conference presentations, delegates also took part in a visit to the 3M Technical Centre and to the CIMC Dry Freight and Reefer factories in Baoshan. Participants and Members can download the Conference Presentations. Click HERE Thanks to the Sponsors for the two Evening Receptions: Welcome Reception, Sunday 19 June: Sponsored by 3M China Evening Riverboat Cruise, Monday 20 June: Sponsored by Cosco Kansai Paint

COA Associate Membership: Container Depot Division established... 5 July 2011: At a meeting of the COA Board of Directors in December 2010, it was agreed that COA Associate Members would be grouped into separate Divisions, allowing Members to focus on specific aspects of the industry, relevant to their own activities. This process began at the COA Shanghai Meeting in June with the establishment of the COA Container Depot Division. The aim of this Division is to provide a forum where Container Depots around the world are able to share and discuss issues of common interest, as well as propose solutions, ideas, and best practices. Some of the potential topics were raised and discussed during the Conference Session in Shanghai where the Division was launched. A presentation giving details has been posted on the COA website. The Depot Division will be managed by an Executive Committee, which was also formed at the Meeting, with representatives from different parts of the world agreeing to participate. Mike Baldwin, President and CEO of North American depot network operator ConGlobal Industries accepted an invitation to lead the project. Details and other information about the Committee Members are HERE The Committee is now preparing a Strategy Document for the Division, which will include further information about its aims, structure, terms of reference and procedure. This will be published next month; but in the meantime, Mike Baldwin would be pleased to receive ideas from COA members regarding the structure and topics for this Division. Send comments via the COA Secretariat: secretary@containerownersassociation.org ...and also a Suppliers Division  5 July 2011: In addition to the Container Depot Division, the COA has established a COA Suppliers Division, for COA Associate Members, whose business involves the supply of container equipment. The aim of this Division is to permit these companies to discuss technical, environmental, regulatory and safety issues of common interest, in a dedicated forum. The Division was established at a dedicated Session at the COA Shanghai meeting, moderated by Kim Scheibel (Hempel Paints) who invited participants to propose key issues which the Division could tackle. A presentation covering the key topics has been prepared and has been posted on the COA Website. Further information about the Division will be published soon.   COA Flexitank Division to be launched - and organises first Flexitank Seminar in Asia 5 July 2011: COA Flexitank Members will also have their own Division, focusing on the continuing development of the COA Code of Practice and the creation of an internationally recognised standard. As part of this process, the COA organised - for the first time in Asia - a dedicated Flexitank Seminar in Shanghai on Tuesday 21 June. With some 40 participants, the Seminar focused on the COA Flexitank Code of Practice, updated delegates on Key Parts of the Code. Presentations made at the Seminar can be downloaded - click HERE COA manages successful Container Inspection Criteria Training Courses 20 June 2011: This year, the COA has been establishing its COA Container Inspection Criteria Training Course. The Course has been established for individuals working in the container shipping industry who need to understand the different container interchange inspection criteria that are presently being used. It is intended for individuals working in shipping lines, leasing companies, repair/storage depots and inspection/surveying companies. After a test course in Antwerp earlier this year, the COA successfully organised its first Courses in Hamburg in early June. Due to a high level of demand, three 1-day courses were organised and a total of 51 people attended them (Day 1 was an English-language course, Days 2 and 3 were German language courses).