Out of 28 entries for this year’s TT Club and ICHCA’s ‘Innovation in Safety Award’, G2 Ocean and Cross Current 88 were honoured on 23 February at a presentation ceremony in London, United Kingdom, receiving the Award for their development of the ‘Spyder Netting’.
“We are honoured to receive this recognition and would like to thank the TT Club and the International Cargo Handling Association for acknowledging our innovation efforts. This award is a testament to our team’s commitment to ensuring the safety of workers and our ongoing focus on improving our operations,” says Arthur English, Chief Executive Officer at G2 Ocean.
The Spyder Netting consists of a thin layer of recyclable plastic film netting. This material shares similarities with a spider’s web, as it is lightweight, robust, and capable of stretching under impact.
It is specifically designed to prevent potentially fatal falls in cargo holds, making it a crucial safety measure for those engaged in cargo loading and discharging operations.
“When products are loaded in the cargo holds of breakbulk vessels, gaps can form between the cargo, posing a significant fall risk, Richard Stannard, Equipment Manager at G2 Ocean, explains.
“These gaps can extend many meters down through the cargo hold and, unfortunately, falls into these gaps can result in fatalities and severe injuries,” Richard adds.
The Spyder Netting fills these gaps and can arrest a falling person, thus reducing the risk of injury.
Independently organised by the International Cargo Handling Association (ICHCA) and the TT Club, the Innovation in Safety Award is aimed at showcasing products, processes and services that address safety issues, to promote and improve safety in shipping operations.
“Falls from height during cargo operations is a vitally important risk to be managed. Spyder Netting, a thin layer of plastic film which can be rolled out across gaps and secured between layers of cargo, has already saved lives. Cross Current 88 has been personally thanked by a stevedore whose fall was arrested by the netting,” says Richard Steele, CEO at ICHA in a statement released by the company.
As a global shipping operator, G2 Ocean recognises that its cargo loading and discharging operations present health and safety risks to those involved.
“At G2 Ocean, we actively work towards minimising these risks as we believe that all accidents can be prevented. With this recognition, we are motivated to continue this important work and to explore and develop new solutions to ensure the well-being of workers,” Arthur English at G2 Ocean says.
Established in 1952, ICHCA is a non-profit membership organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide.
G2 Ocean became a member of ICHCA in 2023. Through our membership, G2 Ocean gains access to valuable safety and operational best practices across the cargo handling chain and gets the opportunity to share its cargo handling knowledge and experience.
The TT Club provides insurance and risk management services to international transport and logistics companies. Established in 1968, the Club’s membership comprises container owners and operators (shipping lines and lessors), ports and terminals, and logistics companies, including road, rail, and airfreight operators.
The Innovation in Safety Award is a recognition given by ICHCA and TT Club to encourage innovative solutions to crucial safety challenges.
The 2023 Innovation in Safety Award was awarded to G2 Ocean and Cross Current 88 for their development of the ‘Spyder Netting’. The two innovations receiving second, and third place were the ‘Smart Mooring’ and the ‘Next Generation Lashing System’ which came from Royal HaskoningDHV and Trendsetter Vulcan Offshore, respectively. Also these solutions have made significant contributions to enhancing safety in shipping.
