Background

Cockfield Knight, which is based at the Port of Middlesbrough and owned by AV Dawson, is one of the UK’s leading shipping and logistics providers. We’re proud to have a long-term relationship with the company… and to have worked with its team on many major projects.

One example is our work in supporting Cockfield Knight in the export of IMDG Class 7 radioactive material.

The requirement

Cockfield Knight and Douglas Maritime were tasked to arrange a shipment of a number of containers of Class 7 material from the UK to South East Asia.

The selected vessel for each shipment needed to load the cargo on a ‘last in, first out’ basis and have sufficient space around the containers to comply with IMDG Code Safety and Stowage Regulations. This required a 6-metre space around each block of two containers.

For health and safety reasons, the shipment could not be over stowed by other cargo, meaning that stow plans had to be carefully considered in order to accommodate the load.

In addition, although a Contract of Affreightment (COA) was in place, each shipment required careful management and troubleshooting to ensure smooth operation, timely delivery of the cargo and minimised potential demurrage claims.

Our solution

We have specialist expertise in the worldwide movement of IMDG cargoes and the associated regulatory and compliance requirements, which was combined with Cockfield Knight’s extensive experience to create a joint team for this project.

Working together, the Cockfield Knight and Douglas Maritime team found a carrier with a proven track record of carrying Class 7 radioactive material.

The team also discussed vessel routing options, taking into account the latest security information and advice from both the client and vessel operator, and adopted additional, precautionary security measures.

During discussions with the client, the Cockfield Knight and Douglas Maritime team considered any bunkering requirements during the passage with the ship owners. A stop at a Far East port was considered. The necessary permit applications were submitted and were put in place beforehand, allowing the vessel to enter the selected bunkering port legally and efficiently to undertake the operation.

The results…

By combining Cockfield Knight and Douglas Maritime’s many years of experience of Class 7 transportation, a suitable vessel was secured, all regulatory and permit procedures were complied with, and the export project ran smoothly, with the shipments arriving safely, securely and on schedule.