Meet our experts: Sam Jones

BMSB season is approaching—and with it, a tiny traveler that can cause big problems. The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) may be no bigger than 1.7 cm, but this little insect has a global impact.

Originally from East Asia and now found across the U.S. and Europe, it sneaks into shipments, damages crops, and disrupts ecosystems. For customers shipping to strict markets like Australia and New Zealand, even a single BMSB onboard can trigger delays, regulatory hurdles, or cargo rejection.

At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, preventing these tiny stowaways from reaching vessels is a critical mission—and one that protects both global trade and customer trust.

Sam Jones is Global Biosecurity & Cargo Quality Manager. Her maritime journey began as a deck cadet with Wilhelmsen, and after returning to the Wallenius family on shore in 2016, she has progressed through roles from cargo superintendent to stowage planning, and now responsible for biosecurity efforts from Stockholm. Her experience enables her to coordinate teams worldwide, keeping biosecurity threats off vessels—and out of customers’ supply chains.

Preparation is key. Each season, Wallenius Wilhelmsen creates detailed information packs for vessels sailing to Oceania, coordinating with voyage operators, local teams, and treatment providers for cargo hold cleaning, heat treatment, and fumigation when needed. This proactive approach reduces risk and gives customers confidence that their cargo will reach its destination safely and without delay.

If a potential biosecurity issue is detected after loading, Sam works directly with onboard officers and internal stakeholders to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Clear communication and fast decision-making minimize disruption, ensuring customers’ cargo remains secure and regulatory issues are avoided.

For the upcoming BMSB season, updated guidance and an enhanced onboard biosecurity manual help crews understand the pest’s behavior, including its tendency to hide and become active in warmer conditions.

Managing biosecurity properly is critical—without it, even a tiny pest can cause big problems. Non-native species can harm the environment, and for customers, any biosecurity lapse could lead to shipment delays, rejected cargo, or even a vessel being denied entry to a port.

At Wallenius Wilhelmsen, we take these risks seriously.

By keeping up with regulations, overseeing daily operations, and coordinating closely with our crews, we make sure every precaution is in place. For customers, this means shipments move smoothly, on time, and safely—giving them confidence and peace of mind every step of the way.