Commercial trials evaluating the novel use of ethyl formate for in-transit fumigation of shipping containers

Abstract

The use of shipping containers for cargo transportation has the potential to transport insect pests from infested to non-infested areas. Therefore, fumigation is required as an appropriate biosecurity measure to exterminate these pests. In-transit fumigation trials were conducted in two 20 ft shipping containers during a two-day journey in both September and December 2017. Ethyl formate (90 g m⁻³) was purged with nitrogen (EF + N₂) into the containers. Ethyl formate concentration inside containers and the surrounding environment were monitored at timed intervals throughout the journey. Fumigation achieved sufficient concentration × time (Ct) products in the containers during the journey, which can exterminate all stages of most common insect pests. The Ct products in-transit were greater than those in a shipping container being fumigated in a stationary position at a dose rate of 90 g m^-³ for 24 hours exposure. Levels of EF in the environment between 1-15 m downwind from the containers and driver’s cabin were less than 0.5 ppm at each of the timed intervals, 200 times below 100 ppm of EF Threshold Limit Value (TLV). Our study indicates that in-transit EF + N₂ technology has the potential to deliver cost savings in the fumigation process through reduction of the Labor cost, elimination of the time a container and cargo must remain stationary in a fumigation yard and a significant decrease in total supply chain time (between container packing and receival).

Keywords:

• In-transit fumigation
• fumigant
• ethyl formate
• insect pest control
• worker safety
• environmental safety

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Acknowledgments

We thank Bob Du for his help with the setup of the gas chromatographs. We also thank Supaporn Yamaungmorn for her help with the collecting samples during the September trial and Graeme George for his help with the collection of samples during the December trial.

The Gorgon Gas Development is operated by an Australian subsidiary of Chevron and is a joint venture of the Australian subsidiaries of Chevron (47.3%), ExxonMobil (25%), Shell (25%), Osaka Gas (1.25%), Tokyo Gas (1%) and JERA (0.417%). We thank the Gorgon Gas Development and its contractors for the use of their supply chain that enabled these trials to be undertaken. We also thank Toll for the provision of the containers and Sadliers for the provision of the trucks and drivers.