June 6 - WCA Projects Network (WCAPN) members are to benefit from free access to a global database for tenders and bids related to projects, writes Emma Murray.

The network has teamed up with Tendernews.com, a website with access to over 100,000 active and 900,000 archived international government and public sector company tenders and contracts.

One hundred and fifteen delegates at the WCAPN's recent conference in Antwerp, Belgium, were given passwords to start using the resource.

"We will update the reports generated from this site daily," said said Brian Majerus, vice president speciality networks, WCA Family.

"This way you can view at your leisure and not be bombarded with e-mails".

Delegates were also told that, starting from renewal of their membership, WCAPN members would be obliged to provide evidence that they carry legal liability, and errors and omissions insurance, or they would not be allowed to renew.

"The need for this is ever present in today's world," said Majerus.

"In the world of project forwarding, with the high values of commodities members are moving, everyone should have this coverage already in place. We are just asking members to provide proof they have it. We don't ask members to subscribe to our preferred carriers."

Delegates at the two day event were also able to quiz a panel of six specialist suppliers including, Joerg Roehl, chief commercial officer, Hansa Heavy LiftAngus Galbraith, associate director, FP Marine RisksRichard Smith, director-UK trading, Air PartnerLesley Cripps, group sales manager-energy, Chapman FreebornGiorgio Monti,Air Charter FranceChapman Freeborn; and Alexander Schnitger from Rickmers-Linie.

www.wcapn.com