In recent years, there has been a worrying rise in the number of containership fires, prompting TT Club to call for increased vigilance across the entire supply chain. This call for heightened diligence emphasizes the critical responsibility that all stakeholders have in ensuring the accurate and effective communication required for the safe transport of dangerous goods. High-profile incidents such as the fires on Northern Juvenile, Maersk Frankfurt, MSC Cape Town III, and YM Mobility have brought the issue into sharp focus, with the latter two fires occurring while the ships were berthed. Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club’s risk management director, suggests that errors in cargo classification and handling could have contributed to these “perfect storms” of circumstances leading to fires.
A major area of concern is the involvement of potentially explosive chemicals and fire accelerants such as lithium-ion batteries. These substances have been implicated in many recent fires, underscoring the need for meticulous attention to how such hazardous materials are managed. In response to these dangers, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced an amendment to its guidelines in 2022, advocating the inspection of all cargo transport units regardless of the declared cargo. This measure aims to address ongoing safety concerns and ensure that undisclosed hazardous materials do not slip through the cracks.
Regulatory Compliance and Proactive Engagement
Despite these regulatory efforts, recent reports have highlighted that significant deficiencies remain in the way dangerous goods are documented and handled. A 2023 report from eight countries revealed that even though only 0.03% of the total containerized traffic was inspected, there were still major issues with placarding, marking, and documentation. This alarming statistic points to the likelihood that these problems are pervasive throughout the global supply chain. Moreover, the report noted a disturbing trend in the decline of proper stowage and securing practices over the past five years, culminating in the worst levels since record-keeping began in 2001.
TT Club underscores the critical need for collaboration and stringent practices at every stage of the supply chain. While regulatory compliance establishes a foundational baseline, true safety can only be achieved through proactive engagement from all parties involved in the cargo’s journey. Peregrine Storrs-Fox acknowledged the efforts of regulatory bodies such as China’s Maritime Safety Authority, which has issued statements stressing the responsibilities of both shippers and carriers. He advocates for not just meeting regulatory requirements but exceeding them with a commitment to the highest standards of cargo safety.
The Role of Collaboration and Stringent Practices
In recent years, the number of containership fires has risen alarmingly, leading TT Club to urge greater vigilance throughout the supply chain. This call highlights the crucial responsibility of all parties in ensuring accurate and effective communication for the safe transport of dangerous goods. Notable incidents like the fires on Northern Juvenile, Maersk Frankfurt, MSC Cape Town III, and YM Mobility—particularly the latter two, which occurred while berthed—underscore this issue. Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club’s risk management director, suggests that misclassification and mishandling of cargo may have contributed to these “perfect storms” of events leading to fires.
A significant concern is the involvement of potentially explosive chemicals and fire accelerants like lithium-ion batteries. These substances have been linked to many recent fires, emphasizing the need for careful management. In response, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) amended its guidelines in 2022 to recommend the inspection of all cargo units, regardless of declared contents. This measure aims to address ongoing safety issues and prevent undisclosed hazardous materials from slipping through.
