ICS Speaks Out On Foot And Mouth
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) has spoken out on behalf of the shipping industry in response to the U.K. government's latest action in the fight against foot and mouth disease. In a letter to Mr. J M Scudamore, chief veterinary officer of The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF), the ICS has voiced its concerns over recent instructions that all wheeled vehicles must be sprayed with disinfectant prior to departure from U.K. ports, including those being carried in containers. Whilst the Institute fully supports the efforts of the government in tackling the spread of foot and mouth, it has taken issue with the practicalities of the spraying program.
UK Short Sea Shipping Bureau Takes Shape
A UK Short Sea Shipping Bureau is one step closer to becoming a reality, according to the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS). months, the ICS has organised a number of meetings with leading bodies in the UK transport industry including the Chamber of Shipping, Freight Transport Association, BIFA, Road Haulage Association and British ports' groups, all of which have given the bureau their full support. The next step is to secure funding from the UK government. The aim of the bureau is to promote and co-ordinate efforts to encourage greater movement of goods by sea. "Each day, thousands of containers are moved between the north and south of the UK using our already over burdened motorways," says John Foord, chairman of the ICS Federation Council. moved from the road to the sea.
