These issues are certainly not confined to less-developed countries alone. While containerisation has spread into most of the world''s trade routes, there will always be a certain amount of breakbulk that will be shipped through them as well.
For this reason, adequate safety and security will continue to be a concern for any facility handling such cargoes for the foreseeable future.
"Given that bagged cargoes are particularly susceptible to loss, whether accidental or deliberate, it's clearly good management practice for stevedores to take whatever measures they can to minimise their risk," Negron concludes.
Special care requires specially trained people, special attention and special security. If the cargo truly cannot be containerised, this should be the stevedores' and port authorities' mantra.
