2015 February: Warehouse management has evolved from times when general cargo was discharged “loose” from ships. The wharfinger, a licensed warehouse practitioner, had more responsibility for keeping and caring of cargo as the ‘bailee of the goods’ while said cargo remained in his custody. He had to be cognisant of “damage mitigation” requirements, various aspects of the “sue and labour” clause as part of the need to protect his cargo and himself from claims of negligence in his duties of ‘caring for the cargo’. Some familiarity with “Hague Visby rules,” or charter parties, or maritime liens, or the proper use of cargo handling gears, would all be a part of his expertise. Not the least however would be how accurate he was at receiving and delivering cargo.
2015 February: It is sometimes argued that those involved in port management focus almost exclusively on what is happening within the boundaries of their facilities. However, in an increasingly difficult global economic environment, there is real risk that a fixation on the innards of a port can serve to stymie economic development rather than facilitate growth.
2015 February: The traditional approach to Caribbean productivity has been to focus primarily on upgrading equipment. Whereas this focus is in itself necessary, it is perhaps far more important to adopt a strategy which begins with a holistic integration of equipment, technology and human beings.
