Antwerp hosts the first Project Cargo Safety Forum

Antwerp recently hosted the first edition of a global workshop aimed at strengthening expertise, standardization and collaboration in the transportation of project cargo on mafi trailers and heavy ro-ro units.

Safety in the transportation of out-of-gauge and heavy-lift cargo has become one of the key challenges facing today's maritime and logistics industries. To address this issue, the Project Cargo Team from the Grimaldi Quality of Transport & Damage Prevention Department organized the first edition of the Project Cargo Safety Forum, held from 23 to 25 June at the Antwerp Euroterminal facility, which is fully owned and managed by the Italian Group.

The forum brought together more than 40 representatives from terminals, operational offices and agencies across the Grimaldi network, with an additional 30 participants joining remotely, confirming the strong interest in the subjects discussed and the growing importance of safety within the project cargo sector.

The three-day event was conducted by a team of experts from the Grimaldi Group, including the Head of the Quality & Damage Prevention Department Girolamo Carignani, his co-workers Antonio Mitrano and Martina D’Onofrio, and Operations, Cargo Handling and Securing Manager Rudolf Bosmans.

Designed as a highly practical and interactive workshop, the forum combined classroom sessions, technical presentations, operational case studies and field activities to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of project cargo transportation challenges and solutions. A significant portion of the program was dedicated to on-site inspections, allowing attendees to observe project cargo positioned in the yard, take part in practical simulations and discuss in detail the most common mistakes that can compromise the safety of transport operations.

Safety was the core theme throughout. Particular attention was devoted to proactive engineering and planning activities, recognized as essential elements in reducing operational risks and ensuring safe handling, transportation and stowage operations. The forum emphasized that safety must be considered from the earliest stages of project assessment, rather than being addressed only during cargo loading and securing activities.

The event provided a unique opportunity for direct interaction between the Project Cargo Team and professionals involved in day-to-day operations, enabling participants to share experiences gathered across different geographical areas, terminals and port environments. This exchange of knowledge helped strengthen a common safety culture and reinforce standardized operating procedures throughout the organization. The initiative forms part of a broader standardization strategy promoted by the Grimaldi Group, aimed at ensuring that all offices, terminals and agencies worldwide operate according to consistent criteria, methodologies and safety standards.