The Cargo Integrity Group has identified a number of cargoes, commonly carried in containers, that under certain conditions can cause dangerous incidents.
The Cargo Integrity Group has identified fifteen such ‘Cargoes of Concern’ that are commonly transported by sea and intermodally. While these are usually transported safely when regulations and guidelines are followed, the Cargo Integrity Group has created this list to highlight cargoes that can become hazardous if handled incorrectly. They emphasize that cargoes that are mis-declared or have incomplete or incorrect information about their identity are more likely to be involved in incidents.
The Cargoes of Concern
As explained, this list is not exhaustive, but each item illustrates a common type of hazard, divided into three categories:
Reactive hazards
These cargoes can catch fire and cause significant damage and casualties under certain conditions. They are generally subject to Dangerous Goods regulations. Examples are:
- Charcoal / carbon
- Calcium Hypochlorite
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Cotton and wool
- Fishmeal and krill
- Seed cake
Spill or leak Risks
These commodities can present a risk if not packed properly or if they are damaged. Spills or leaks from these cargoes can harm the health of people cleaning up the spill as well as the environment. Examples are:
- Hides and skins
- Wine
- Bitumen
- Cocoa butter
- Waste – recycled engines and engine parts
- Vegetable and other oils, particularly when packed in flexi-tanks
Improper packing consequences
Cargoes that are poorly or incorrectly packed or secured in the container can lead to injuries to personnel or damage to nearby containers, property, or other cargo. Such incidents can cause severe accidents at sea or on land, such as truck rollovers and train derailments. Examples are:
- Logs and timber
- Steel coils
- Marble and granite
The list is based on data from, among other sources, the claims history of leading freight insurance provider, TT Club; a report prepared by ICHCA and submitted to the IMO on incidents involving dangerous goods on ships or in ports, and from CINS which collates information provided by its members on incidents involving dangerous cargo.
While the potential dangers of transporting, for example, calcium hypochlorite or lithium-ion batteries might be more widely appreciated, the combustible qualities of seed cake or the hazards associated with cocoa butter or vegetable oils, will be less well-known.
… said Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk Management Director, TT Club
As part of this effort the Cargo Integrity Group has developed a ‘Quick Guide’ to the CTU Code, together with a Checklist of actions and responsibilities for the guidance of those undertaking the packing of cargoes in freight containers. These are now available in all six official IMO languages as well as Italian and are available here
Complying with regulations and following the advice in the CTU Code saves lives, and we appeal to everyone shipping, packing and handling commodities that fall within the categories of these Cargoes of Concern to be particularly diligent
… commented Lars Kjaer, Senior Vice President, World Shipping Council
