Not plugged in

Three containers of pork were shipped from one European port to another. The containers were discharged from the ship, but the discharge port agent had overlooked the instructions to keep the container on power and the units were not plugged in until 11 days later. 

The reefer logs showed that the cargo had been at the correct temperature whilst on the ship, but that it was only after discharge that the temperatures started to rise. The port agent faced a claim of USD 45,000, which they had to pay. ITIC reimbursed the ship agent in full.

Claims from the incorrect setting of reefer containers are one of the most frequent claims experienced at ITIC. Ship agents need to ensure that they have the processes in place to ensure that they correctly manage reefer containers.