By “K” Line
Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (“K” LINE) has obtained “Vessel Seasonal Pest Scheme” (VSPS) accreditation from the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment.
The company expects that the VSPS approval will reduce the schedule delay risk of car carrying vessels.
VSPS certification is granted to shipping companies that meet standards set by Australian Government, ‘K” Line reports. It adds that its measures, such as conduct thorough cleaning inside cargo holds before cargo loading, checking cargo inside cargo holds while voyage and so on, have been determined as meeting the Department’s criteria.
According to “K” Line, the Australian Government has reinforced their quarantine at vessels calling at Australian ports so as to prevent the incursion of alien species, such as stink bugs, that could harm agriculture.
Agricultural pests invade, and hitch-hike on, vessels during loading operation in winter season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Stink bugs tend to become more active as the temperature rises near Australian ports. September to May, which are the warmer months in Australia, are regarded as the high-risk season.
