TT Club has emphasizes the responsibility of all parties involved to ensure accurate classification, packaging, declaration, and handling of hazardous cargoes.
The Club notes that four significant incidents within the past four months involving fires on container ships, including the ‘Northern Juvenile’ in the South China Sea, ‘Maersk Frankfurt’ in the Indian Ocean, ‘MSC Cape Town III’ in Colombo, and ‘YM Mobility’ in Ningbo. Investigations suggest that dangerous chemicals and fire accelerators, such as lithium-ion batteries, may have contributed to at least two of these incidents, pointing to failures in communication and handling throughout the supply chain.
The frequency of such incidents is concerning, even though the 30-year average for container ship fires remains one every 60 days, TT Club informs. Fires at sea can have even more catastrophic consequences, as demonstrated by the ‘Maersk Frankfurt’ incident, which resulted in the death of a crew member and a fire that burned for several days.
Estimating the number of containers carrying dangerous goods is challenging due to mis- and non-declaration. In response, the IMO amended its guidelines in 2022 to encourage thorough inspections of all cargo transport units, regardless of declared contents.
Furthermore, according to Allianz’ Safety and Shipping Review 2024, as with Ro-ro vessels, the exact cause of many container ship fires is uncertain, although mis-declared hazardous goods, such as chemicals, batteries, and charcoal, are often a contributing factor.
Transportation of lithium-ion batteries, particularly if they have been mis-declared as a cargo is a particular concern on larger vessels. The larger the vessel, the larger the potential claim. Where you have more than 20,000 containers onboard, a mis-declared cargo can result in a very large loss.
… explained Régis Broudin, Global Head of Marine Claims, Allianz Commercial.
As TT Club informs, from a sample size of just 0.03% of containerized traffic, deficiencies in placarding and marking, which are critical for alerting stakeholders and emergency responders, remain above 40%. Additionally, reports of deficiencies in stowage and securing within units—a core issue under the CTU Code—have worsened over the past five years, reaching the highest levels since reporting began in 2001.
The trend of documentation errors has also deteriorated, emphasizing the need for improved communication, due diligence, and a culture of safety throughout the supply chain to prevent future incidents, TT Club notes.
In this regard, we applaud the recent statement by China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) that underlined shippers’ responsibilities, in addition to those of the carriers Such warnings and encouragements by regulatory authorities are to be welcomed. However, TT would reiterate the statement that regulations merely set the baseline.
… said TT’s Risk Management Director, Peregrine Storrs-Fox
Cargoes of concern
To remind, the Cargo Integrity Group has identified a number of cargoes, commonly carried in containers, that under certain conditions can cause dangerous incidents.
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
