A collaborative effort by the Cargo Integrity Group, aimed at bolstering safety within the global supply chain, has pinpointed fifteen specific types of goods frequently transported via containers that may pose substantial risks if mishandled.
The organization’s primary objective is to advocate for secure packing and shipping practices. To achieve this goal, they are focusing on raising awareness about certain types of goods that could potentially jeopardize safety within the container supply chain, especially under specific conditions.
The identified ‘Cargoes of Concern’ are generally safe for transport when proper regulations and guidelines are strictly followed. However, they can pose hazards if mishandled or if there are inaccuracies in their declaration. Goods with incomplete or incorrect information are more likely to be involved in incidents that compromise safety.
The Group has classified these commodities into three main categories of risks: Reactive Hazards, Spill or Leak Risks, and Consequences of Improper Packing. Examples include charcoal, calcium hypochlorite, lithium-ion batteries, hides, wines, bitumen, and logs.
In the coming months, the Cargo Integrity Group plans to issue additional guidance on the identification and safe handling of these goods. Their risk assessment is based on comprehensive data from various sources, including claims records from leading freight insurer TT Club, a report from ICHCA to the IMO on incidents involving dangerous goods, and data from CINS documenting incidents with hazardous cargo.
Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club’s Risk Management Director, emphasized that their collective experience has enabled them to identify specific categories and commodities where risks may not be immediately evident. “While the dangers associated with transporting substances like calcium hypochlorite or lithium-ion batteries are widely recognized, the combustible nature of seed cake or the hazards related to cocoa butter or vegetable oils may be less known,” he remarked.
The Cargo Integrity Group also advocates for adherence to the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code). They have developed a ‘Quick Guide’ to the CTU Code and a Checklist outlining responsibilities for those involved in packing cargoes in freight containers.
Lars Kjaer, Senior Vice President of the World Shipping Council, stressed the importance of every participant in the global container supply chain assuming responsibility for the health and safety of all individuals involved throughout the container’s journey. “Compliance with regulations and adherence to advice in the CTU Code are critical to saving lives,” he asserted. “We urge all stakeholders handling commodities identified as ‘Cargoes of Concern’ to exercise utmost diligence.”
For reference, the full list of ‘Cargoes of Concern’ includes:
Reactive Hazards:
- Charcoal / carbon
- Calcium Hypochlorite
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Cotton and wool
- Fishmeal and krill
- Seed cake
Spill or Leak Risks:
- Hides and skins
- Wine
- Bitumen
- Cocoa butter
- Waste – recycled engines and engine parts
- Vegetable and other oils, particularly when packed in flexitanks
Improper Packing Consequences:
- Logs and timber
- Steel coils
- Marble and granite
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