Reefer Containers - Avoid Claims by Cross Checking

When refrigerated containers (reefers) are carried on board, the crew should take extra care to ensure that they are stowed correctly.

Sometimes cargo damage in reefer containers is caused by errors in the cargo plan data. Errors can occur at any time in the planning process, in particular during transhipment between different vessels and operators. It can be difficult to spot these errors by the planners during transhipment as the reefers will appear on the discharge and load lists for the separate vessels and operators.

BAPLIE Files and Reefers

A BAPLIE file or bay plan / stowage plan occupied and empty locations message, is a simple internationally adopted electronic format for sharing information.

Reefers are listed on the vessel’s cargo plan when it’s received from the planner. The cargo plan is usually received via a BAPLIE file.

To show that a reefer is required to be plugged in on loading, the planner will input a temperature for that reefer container into the BAPLIE file data. If there is no temperature input, then the reefer will appear to be an empty or dry reefer as shown here:

Above: Shows a BAPLIE file bay plan for the same container with and without a temperature input.

Sometimes the wrong temperature or no temperature appears on the BAPLIE file. If the temperature is missing from the BAPLIE file, it will not show as a live reefer to the new vessel’s crew and risks remaining unplugged.

Cross Check to Avoid Problems

To avoid this issue the BAPLIE file data should always be cross checked against the reefer manifests or specials list that are also delivered to the vessel. These documents give the crew the most accurate information about the reefers; this includes temperature set point, contents and vent position.

Above: Extract from a reefer manifest.

Any discrepancies in the number of reefers to be carried or temperature set points should be fully investigated before the reefers are loaded on board.

Make sure it is cross checked before signing for receipt of the manifests or specials list. Signing first and cross checking later can lead to problems if a mistake becomes apparent.

Team Work Counts

Mistakes can happen when dealing with large amounts of information. With good communications between the parties involved in the planning, loading and carriage of the containers, any issues can be spotted and rectified.

Remember – Cross check all the available information to avoid errors.