The year 2019 was marred with many large fires on container ships.

Some of the vessels which had major fires are Yantian Express, APL Vancouver, E.R. Kobe, Grande America (vessel sank after major fire), KMTC Hong Kong, APL Le Havre.

Investigations are going on in various cases and almost all points to misdeclared and poorly consigned dangerous goods as the source. Certain shipping lines have started penalizing misdeclared or undeclared shipments if same is caught in an incident of inspection. Read about penalties click here

There are 3 types of shippers and 3 types of dangerous goods

Shippers

1. Complies with IMDG Code
2. Ignorant, lesser compliant hence may offer some goods as non-dangerous or mis-declared
3. Wilfully falsify information and offer dangerous goods as non-dangerous

Dangerous goods

1. Fully compliant to the code
2. Misdeclared dangerous goods
3. Undeclared dangerous goods

Types 2 & 3 in both cases may cause accidents out at sea.

CINS’ ( Cargo Incident Notification System) Safety Considerations for Ship Operators Related to Risk‐Based Stowage of Dangerous Goods on Containerships defines mis declared and undeclared dangerous goods as below

“Mis‐declared: Containers presented for shipment where an item or items of Dangerous Goods are not declared correctly, including but not limited to where offered on a fraudulent basis.” “Undeclared: Cargo presented for shipment as non‐dangerous goods which should have been declared as Dangerous Goods and/or not all Dangerous Goods items in the containers are declared, including but not limited to where offered as non‐dangerous goods on a fraudulent basis.”

CINS Safety Considerations for Ship Operators Related to Risk‐Based Stowage of Dangerous Goods on
Containerships Part One

One of the ways of falsifying or mis declaring is by wrongly using certain special provisions in IMDG Code which exempt certain goods as not subject to the Code. One example is Charcoal. A correctly consigned dangerous goods accompanied with the declaration enable the carrier to stow the cargo (CTU) in accordance with stowage requirements set out in IMDG Code. To read about stowage and segregation on board ships click here

Increased ship size and increased threat

In the last decade we have witnessed the size of ships increasing many folds but has the ability to fight fire on board ships increased? This is being debated by many stake holders.

Risk based stowage of dangerous goods

CINS together with classification societies, major carriers and P&I clubs has brought out guidance on Risk‐Based Stowage of Dangerous Goods on Containerships.

Under this guidance they have identified various risk zones with respect the dangerous goods. This is after analysing class and UN Number wise risks involved, the cargo carried plus the ability to fight fire taking maximum consideration to safety of the crew into consideration.

Under this guidance there are 6 Risk Zones, RZ0 to RZ5.

• RZ0 General cargo not subject to the IMDG Code
• RZ1 IMDG Code cargo which should be effectively extinguished with CO2. Taking consideration of the fire and spillage schedules.
• RZ2 As RZ1, but Class 4.3 if IMDG Code permits under deck without mechanical ventilation. IMDG Code cargo which should be effectively
• extinguished with CO2. Taking consideration of the fire and spillage schedules.
• RZ3 Slow reacting cargo. IMDG Code cargo which should be effectively extinguished with water. Taking consideration of the fire and spillage schedules for class 8 and class 9.
• RZ4 Flammables, oxidizing, and toxic cargo.
• RZ5 Explosives.

These risk zones are specified for different types of container ships, Twin Island, Standard Single Island, Feeder Ship with Bays Aft of Accommodation, Feeder Ship with Open Hatch Cargo Hold. To know more about these risk-based stowage guidelines visit CINS

IMDG Code 39-18 will become mandatory from 1st January 2020. IMDG Code 40-20 will be published in 2020 and may be used from 2021 onwards before it become mandatory from 2022. Are the shippers and other stakeholders keeping up the pace to changing regulations?

If you have any question on IMDG Code you may ask here

We wish all readers a very happy and safe 2020