The occurrence of four major incidents aboard container ships within the last four months has prompted TT to reiterate its call for greater diligence in the classification, packaging, declaration and handling of cargoes.

The list of explosions and fires extends from Northern Juvenile in the South China Sea in May, to Maersk Frankfurt in the Indian Ocean to more recent incidents in quick succession, which involved MSC Cape Town III in Colombo and YM Mobility in Ningbo.

“The causes remain under investigation,” said TT’s Peregrine Storrs-Fox. “However, there are strong indications that potentially explosive chemicals and fire accelerators, such as lithium-ion batteries, may be involved in at least two of the cases. As with historic incidents, it is likely that various errors occurred as the shipments were initiated and the exact nature of the cargoes was communicated to supply chain counterparties, giving rise again to ‘perfect storms’. Every participant in the process needs to act in the best interests of safety at every point in these cargoes’ journeys.”

Of the recent four events, two took place while the ship was berthed and shore-side emergency services responded quickly to minimise damage and loss of life – although pollution and potential berth blockage risks emerged.

When incidents occur at sea much more serious consequences can develop, as exemplified by Maersk Frankfurt, where one crewman lost his life, the fire burnt for several days and the ship remains with salvors at sea.

The exact number of containers carrying dangerous goods that are shipped annually is difficult to estimate due to mis- and non-declaration. Partly in response to the issues around inaccurate declaration, the IMO amended the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Inspection Programmes for Cargo Transport Units, in 2022 to urge governments to inspect all types of unit, regardless of the declared cargo. The recently released consolidated results, from just eight countries (or 5% of the signatory states), for 2023 evidence continuing safety concerns.

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