The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the Central Commission for the Navigation of the Rhine (CCNR) have jointly issued the second edition of the International Safety Guide for Inland Navigation Tank-barges and Terminals (ISGINTT). This updated industry reference is now available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Dutch, and Portuguese.
The ISGINTT provides comprehensive recommendations for the safe handling and transportation of crude oils, petroleum products, chemicals, and liquefied gases on inland waterways. It also includes guidance on the operational interface between inland tank-barges and other vessels or terminals. A key feature of this new edition is its compatibility with existing international maritime safety guidelines for seagoing vessels, such as the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT).
For freight forwarders and supply chain managers, this updated guide is significant. It standardizes safety procedures for inland waterway transport of hazardous liquid cargoes, which can lead to more reliable and safer movements. Adherence to these guidelines can help mitigate risks associated with spills, accidents, and operational delays, ultimately improving the efficiency and predictability of multimodal supply chains involving inland barge transport. This could also influence carrier selection and risk assessment for specific cargo types, ensuring compliance and best practices are met throughout the transport chain.
The publication aims to foster a consistent safety culture across the inland navigation sector, aligning it more closely with broader maritime safety standards.
