CARGOCONNECT-MARCH2024 - Flipbook - Page 61
CHEMICAL LOGISTICS : FEATURE SPECIAL
AUROBINDO
MISHRA
General Manager,
JSW Cement
The selection and movement of goods are of utmost importance due to the
involvement of multiple stakeholders. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and
documents provide clear guidelines supporting the category, type of material,
and instructions on how to handle any eventualities.”
Transportation and Visibility
The transportation of chemicals necessitates specialised modes such as tankers,
bulk carriers, or temperature-controlled containers. Continuously grappling
with challenges, the industry faces the ongoing task of securing reliable carriers,
ensuring the meticulous maintenance of specialised equipment, and addressing
concerns related to transportation routes and scheduling. Overcoming these
persistent challenges is essential for the seamless and safe movement of chemicals,
underscoring the need for strategic planning, vigilant maintenance practices,
and robust coordination within the logistics framework.
Securing end-to-end supply chain visibility in the chemical supply chain pose
challenges due to the intricate involvement of various stakeholders, encompassing manufacturers, distributors, and transporters. The complexity arises from
coordinating these diverse entities seamlessly. However, the integration of
real-time tracking and monitoring technologies presents a viable solution to
enhance visibility and responsiveness across the supply chain. By leveraging latest
technological tools, companies can navigate the complexities more e昀昀ectively,
fostering improved coordination and e昀케ciency among the involved stakeholders.
“Track and trace platforms enable not only to track the vehicle’s where about
but also violations such as over speeding, night driving, etc.,” says Digaskar,
adding that, “Dashcams are now being installed in vehicles on demand which
provide real-facts in case of any accident while telematics enable the capture of
various statistics on vehicle usage, maintenance needs, and automobile servicing
as data points, thereby leading to formulation of preventive measures before any
potential incident occurs.”
Pointing out the current state of contemporary logistics and transportation
operations, Mishra says, “Transportation challenges become particularly prominent
in the case of chemicals due to their storage and safety characteristics. The trucking
and transportation industry as a whole has embraced more innovative techniques
that are e昀케cient and cost-e昀昀ective, especially considering that logistics is one
of the most cost-sensitive aspects of the supply chain. This approach entails a
multifaceted strategy involving technology, collaboration, and robust processes
or else, it may break down and cannot be controlled at times.”
“Enhancing supply chain visibility is crucial for operational e昀케ciency, risk
reduction, and meeting customer demands,” Solanki also highlights. “Strategies
include implementing advanced tracking systems like RFID, GPS, and IoT sensors for
real-time monitoring. Data analytics and integration consolidate information on a
variety of aspects for comprehensive insights into demand patterns and performance
Regulations with diverse and often
complex international regulations for
transporting chemicals across borders can
be challenging, let alone full compliance.
It is all about one version of the truth,
and confidence in compliant execution.
Globally certified regulations such as the
International Maritime Dangerous Goods
(IMDG) code for shipping by sea and the
International Air Transport Association
(IATA) dangerous goods regulations for
air transport provide in-depth support for
compliance across modes and around the
world on practical implications and must
be followed.
PRAKASH WAGH
Regulatory
compliance and
Country Transport
Safety Advisor,
Clariant IGL
Specialty Chemicals
(CISC) India
Indeed, safety is paramount at Clariant, and
to reinforce this commitment, comprehensive
training is provided to all stakeholders,
including transportation partners and
drivers. As part of our safety strategy, we
are all the more committed to adding value
through secure and sustainable operations.
In accordance with the Central Motor Vehicles
Rules (CMVR) 1989, previously mentioned
by Patel, CISC India also adheres to affixing
proper labels on packages to minimise
hazards during handling. As a responsible
company, we strongly recommend that all
companies adopt this practice.
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