Specialised reefer shipping could become more efficient thanks to the latest concept in quality assurance - 360 Quality.
Members of the Specialised Reefer Shipping Association (SRSA) have been collaborating for the last two years to create 360 Quality, in response to the problem of product damage in the supply chain.
SRSA secretary general Birger Lindberg Skov told FPJ the objective of 360 is to unite all parts of the supply chain in its common goal to achieve a uniform way of establishing damage, by creating an unbroken information chain, and assuring accountability using a valid system of feedback.
In addition he emphasised the importance of maintaining transparency at every step.
Endorsed by NYK Lauritzen Cool and Seatrade, the 360 standard requires the cargo to be checked on entry to the terminal, at the point of loading, at the discharge port and at the exit port.
SRSA members introduced the standard in 2004 but have since updated its guidelines and are pushing the concept to all of the world’s major fruit terminals in a bid to make 360 Quality the industry standard quality trademark.
SRSA highlighted the recent certification of 14 major terminals.
The scheme has demonstrated benefits for the whole supply chain, Lindberg Skov, pictured, said.
“We are seeing some very positive results. The shipping lines control the cargo from the point of entry at the terminal to the point of exit.
“But if there is a problem with produce at the point of entry, this is fed back to the producer who will then look at ways of improving his quality, so even though we are not directly in control of it, we will influence the whole chain,” he said.
The assurance scheme will be managed by classification societies, which will certify terminals and ships in accordance with existing ISO standards.
