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What do we understand by “Vessel Traffic Service?”
A “Vessel Traffic Service” (VTS) is a shore-based marine traffic management system implemented by a competent authority to monitor vessels in real-time to enable the safe and smooth management of traffic in a specified maritime area. It performs tasks similar to air traffic control systems for aircraft. VTS checks the position of vessels and detects situations that pose danger to the vessel crew and the environment. VTS aims to improve the safety of navigation in and around the ports and its approaches. It is governed by SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Chapter V Regulation 12 along with the guidelines for Vessel Traffic Services, and came into force on 1 July 2002.
How will the future of the shipping industry unfold in the coming years?
The shipping industry, which is the mainstay of world trade and commerce, is no exception to the new trends happening in the world. They are at the forefront of adopting state-of-the-art technologies and resources to stay competitive and meet the demands of a flourishing consumer class population which is benefitting enormously from globalization. International shipping has helped open up the world economy, enabling the unrestricted movement and exchange of commodities among nations. It’s a gigantic and complex industry ever under pressure to exploit the new digital technologies, raw materials and fuels.
Container Ramps–What role do they play in warehouses and shipping yards? 
Container Ramp is a levelling device used to make way for the height difference between a storage place (warehouse or building) and a transporting vehicle or shipping container. It creates a smooth passage for forklift trucks to carry cargo on and off the containers and loading bays. We commonly come across ramps in and around warehouses, shipping and locomotive yards. Ramps compensate for the height difference and the horizontal gap between the container and the loading bay in such a way that forklift trucks and pallet jacks can move in and out of the containers with goods safely, eliminating the need to fix a permanently raised structure. It also benefits in places having no loading bays, and the ramps act as an ascending bridge between the ground and the floor of the container.
“Flat Rack Containers” - What are their applications?
We are all rather familiar with the appearance, dimensions and uses of the standard dry shipping containers and reefers. As we know, standard containers are closed on all sides and equipped with a door on the front side. But wouldn’t you be interested to know that there’s yet another type of container called “Flat Rack Containers”?
"Container Lashing" - What do we understand from this, and how does it ensure the safety of vessels in the high seas?
In 2019, the shipping industry carried 226 million containers across the globe with cargo valued at over US$4 trillion. It’s interesting to observe that between 2008 and 2019, on average1382 containers, sank into the sea every year due to stack collapses. This brings us to the question – What causes container collapses, and how can we exercise better control over such incidents?
Do you know what are “One-way containers” and “One-trip containers”?
Think of a scenario where a container owner places his empty containers at another location without having to incur the usual freight charges that would apply for empty container repositioning. Will this not sound profitable to the container owner? Well, this is indeed what is achievable when a container-owning company transports containers as “One-way containers” and “One-trip containers” to other locations. Let’s go a little deep to understand how this works.
Have you ever wondered why container-stacks  collapse at sea?
According to the World Shipping Council, between 2008 and 2019, an average of 1382 containers was lost at sea each year. This adds up to a staggering 16,584 containers lost during the period.
Management of Empty Container Repositioning
Every year, moving empty containers costs the shipping industry in excess of 20 billion dollars, according to Boston Consulting Group. This equates to 12% of the shipping industry’s operating costs.
Shipping Container Cleaning Procedures
Shipping Containers pass through varied climatic conditions & environments and are subject to severe weather on the seas and ports.  They come in contact with harmful pathogens like mold, bacteria and viruses together with pollen, liquids and other dangerous material.
Container Stowage Planning and its Importance
Weight distribution in container stacks directly affects a vessel’s stability.
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