The Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum, a consortium of vessel operators, insurers and other industry experts, initiated in 2020, whose role is to promote safety on vessels designed to carry vehicles, has published its first industry good practice guidelines entitled ‘Common Guidance on the Loading and Presentation of Vehicles’. The guidance and supporting checklist are intended to reduce the risks associated with the shipment of unaccompanied vehicles, including electric and hybrid vehicles, and to promote the safety of terminal and vessel personnel and the protection of property including the vessel itself. For details, please find attached the guidance.

The guidance is supported by industry bodies the International Group of P&I Clubs, the International Chamber of Shipping and the TT Club. It is intended to be used in conjunction with specific procedures from individual vehicle manufacturers, shippers, terminals or carriers in respect of information such as vehicle separation on board the vessel or emergency response.