BeFlexi attends the 2017 COA General Meeting
Last week, BeFlexi attended the Container Owners Association (COA) 20th General Meeting held in Amsterdam.
Bruno Silva, BeFlexi Managing Director at the 2017 COA General Meeting
The COA remains the most relevant forum for the container industry, and specifically the flexitank industry, to discuss new trends and network with shipping lines, logistics companies and other players. This year’s meeting was very well attended with around 135 delegates. The topics covered included 2018 container industry trends, prospects for global trade and container shipping, as well as a flexitank working group.
BeFlexi at the 2017 COA General Meeting
One of the key messages to come out from the Meeting was that shipping lines are reporting a low degree of accidents. This shows the progress the industry as a whole is making in terms of professionalizing flexitank operations. However, it also demonstrates that shipping lines are recognizing the positive development of the technology and acknowledging the safety of shipping a flexitank today.
At BeFlexi we believe that a zero-incident statistic can be reached by continuing to develop standards (read our whitepaper on the subject) that will increase transparency, boost competition and ultimately improve quality. On top of this, resources must be allocated to research and development to ensure greater safety.
However, for this to happen, all flexitank industry players need to work together and commit to creating an even bigger and better market for flexitank technology. As a member of the COA Technical Working Group for Flexitanks, we hope to be able to lead the way and take an active role in the development of standards.
About the COA
The Container Owners Association was initiated in November 2004 and launched in 2005, as an international organization, established to represent the common interests of all owners of freight containers. The principle aims of the COA are: the development of industry standards; the dissemination of information through conferences, training and education; lobbying of relevant regulatory authorities; promotion of the safe operation of containers; and the promotion of environmental awareness.