Many shippers already subscribe to the NCB Hazcheck (Exis Technologies) web-based service, while Hazcheck Detect (NCB, Exis) is a widely-adopted, real-time screening tool for carriers to help spot incorrectly declared goods and prevented them being loaded aboard.

However, says the WSC, over the past decade, containership fires have seen a disturbing rise, with a notable number resulting in casualties and total losses. According to the 2023 Allianz Safety and Shipping Review, there have been 64 reported fires on containerships in the past five years.

TT Club estimates that a serious ship fire occurs every 60 days. A key factor contributing to these fires is hazardous cargo that has not been declared, mis-declared or that has not been properly packed by shippers.

“Despite comprehensive and clear international and national regulations on the transport of dangerous goods, these goods continue to be mis-declared or not declared at all, which complicates detection, may result in ship fires and make firefighting much more challenging. In 2022, fire-related incidents at sea surged by over 17% compared to the previous year,” said the WSC.

To tackle the problem, WSC has issued a RFP for a new set of comprehensive digital tools. The deadline for submission for proposals is Sunday, 26 November, 23.59h GMT. The full RFP can be downloaded here.

“A common industry approach to cargo safety will create a safer working environment not only for ship crews, but for everyone involved in inland transport or working in ports and terminals, as well as for the communities around us,” says John Butler, President & CEO of the WSC.

“For shippers, it will make ocean transport more efficient and dependable, by stopping dangerous shipments that can disrupt the supply chain.”

This new voluntary initiative, the Cargo Safety Program, will rely on a digital solution made up of a Common Screening Tool, Verified Shipper Database, and a Database of Approved Container Inspection Companies, provided and operated by an independent third-party vendor.

The core functionality of the system will be to screen booking information against a comprehensive keyword library and risk algorithm. High-risk bookings will be flagged for further investigation and/or inspection, and lessons learned through experience will be used to continuously improve the screening tool. The emphasis is on identifying and correcting dangerous conditions before containers with dangerous cargoes are introduced into the supply chain.