In response to a series of recent container ship fires, international freight and logistics insurance provider TT Club is calling for heightened awareness and responsibility across the global supply chain in the handling of dangerous goods. The past four months have seen four significant incidents involving container ships, two at sea and two in port, underscoring the urgent need for accurate cargo classification, packaging, and communication.

Read also: TT Club Stresses Ongoing Efforts to Prevent Container Losses at Sea

The tragic list of incidents includes the ‘Northern Juvenile’ in the South China Sea, the ‘Maersk Frankfurt’ in the Indian Ocean, and more recent fires on the ‘MSC Cape Town III’ in Colombo and ‘YM Mobility’ in Ningbo. According to TT Club’s Peregrine Storrs-Fox, investigations suggest that potentially explosive chemicals and fire accelerators, such as lithium-ion batteries, may have contributed to at least two of these cases. The incidents highlight the critical need for diligent cargo handling and communication at every stage of the supply chain to prevent these catastrophic events.

Although the average frequency of such fires over the past 30 years remains approximately one every 60 days, TT Club stresses that even one life-threatening event is too many. The organization notes that while two of the recent fires occurred while ships were berthed, allowing for a quick response from shore-side emergency services, incidents at sea can result in far more severe consequences, as seen with the ‘Maersk Frankfurt,’ where one crewman lost his life.

Accurate declaration of dangerous goods remains a significant challenge, with the IMO’s 2022 amendment to the ‘Guidelines for the Implementation of the Inspection Programs for Cargo Transport Units’ emphasizing the need for governments to inspect all cargo, regardless of its declared contents. However, recent findings from a small sample of inspections highlight ongoing safety concerns, particularly in placarding, marking, stowage, and documentation.

TT Club commends recent statements by China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) that emphasize the responsibilities of both shippers and carriers. However, the organization warns that regulations alone are not enough and urges all supply chain participants to prioritize safety, due diligence, and clear communication to prevent future disasters.