WSC data shows one in ten inspected cargo units found with safety deficiencies

WSC data shows one in ten inspected cargo units found with safety deficiencies
WSC data shows one in ten inspected cargo units found with safety deficiencies

More than one in ten cargo units with safety deficiencies, according to data published by the World Shipping Council (WSC).

WSC reported that government authorities in seven countries reported 93,079 unit inspections in 2025 and identified deficiencies in 9,645, a rate of 10.36%. Problems included incorrect documentation, marking and labelling, improper packing and inadequate cargo securing, all of which can increase the risk of cargo damage, container losses and ship fires.

“Finding deficiencies in more than one in ten inspected units is far too high,” said Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council. “Correct declaration, packing, securing and marking are fundamental safety obligations. When these requirements are not met, people’s lives are put at risk.” Continue reading “WSC data shows one in ten inspected cargo units found with safety deficiencies”

Containership fires are pushing salvors to the limit

Containership fires are pushing salvors to the limit. The fire broke out while the ship was alongside at Port of Los Angeles. Photo credit ISU
Containership fires are pushing salvors to the limit. The fire broke out while the ship was alongside at Port of Los Angeles. Photo credit ISU

The International Salvage Union’s long-standing concerns over containership fires have again been highlighted by recent incidents handled by Dutch salvage contractor SMIT, underlining the growing complexity of responding to fires aboard modern container vessels. US businessman Malcolm McLean introduced the intermodal shipping container 70 years ago, revolutionising transport of goods by eliminating the labour-intensive handling of cargo between modes of transport.

With containers, however, the contents are sealed and out of sight with only the paperwork indicating what is (or is not) inside the box.

Containers can carry everything from raw materials to manufactured products, including dangerous goods. When hazardous cargo is properly declared, it can be handled and segregated safely. However, industry concerns persist over misdeclared or undeclared dangerous goods, with some operators suspected of avoiding the higher costs associated with transporting hazardous cargo. Continue reading “Containership fires are pushing salvors to the limit”

Latest guidance for shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers

Latest guidance for shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers
Latest guidance for shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers

In response to the growing risks associated with the maritime transport of lithium-ion cells and batteries, the Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) released its latest guidance for shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers.

Lithium-ion cells are the core components of batteries and come in various forms, as they are widely used in portable electronics and electric vehicles because they can efficiently store and release energy through the movement of lithium ions between positive and negative electrodes. Continue reading “Latest guidance for shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers”

Australian government launches guidance to help prevent pest contamination in containers

Australian government launches guidance to help prevent pest contamination in containers
Australian government launches guidance to help prevent pest contamination in containers

Sea containers are a cornerstone of global trade, with millions of units transported across international supply chains each year. However, their movement also creates pathways for the spread of pests and diseases, posing risks to agriculture, biodiversity, food security and international commerce.

To address these risks, the Australian Government has developed a series of capacity-building videos aimed at helping industry participants and global stakeholders reduce pest contamination associated with sea container movements. Continue reading “Australian government launches guidance to help prevent pest contamination in containers”

India introduces new requirements for transporting plastic pellets in containers

India introduces new requirements for transporting plastic pellets in containers
India introduces new requirements for transporting plastic pellets in containers

Plastic pellet pollution remains a concern in shipping due to incidents of nurdle spillage. West P&I Club has highlighted a circular from India’s DGS, Circular No. 19 of 2026, which introduces specific requirements for transporting plastic pellets (nurdles) in freight containers. Nurdles are increasingly recognised as an environmental risk that warrants targeted control.

In the circular, DGS said recent incidents along the Indian coastline have highlighted serious concerns regarding marine pollution caused by the loss of freight containers carrying plastic pellets at sea. Continue reading “India introduces new requirements for transporting plastic pellets in containers”

Guidance for the safe carriage of cocoa butter in containers

Updated guidance on the carriage of cocoa butter in containers has been published. Photo credit: CINS
Updated guidance on the carriage of cocoa butter in containers has been published. Photo credit: CINS

The International Safe Containerised Cargo Organisation (CINS) has published revised guidelines for the safe carriage of cocoa butter in containers, updating industry practices for one of the sector’s most temperature-sensitive cargoes.

Developed by a working group of CINS members, the updated guidance is aligned with the principles of the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code), which sets out international standards for the safe packing and handling of containerised cargo. Continue reading “Guidance for the safe carriage of cocoa butter in containers”

Key tips for transferring of plastic pellet in containers

Key tips for transferring plastic pellet in containers
Key tips for transferring plastic pellet in containers

Steamship Mutual P&I Club has provided guidance on the risks associated with transferring of plastic pellet in containers and provides practical measures to prevent spillage and protect the marine environment.

Understanding the risks of plastic pellets

According to the Club, in recent years, several high- profile incidents have occurred, such as the Trans Carrier in 2020 and the XPress Pearl in 2021, where containers have fallen overboard and resulted in the release of plastic pellets into seas and oceans with subsequent harm to the marine environment.

While the carriage of plastic pellets in shipping containers is a secure means of shipment, the environmental concern arises when these containers are lost overboard. Once plastic pellets are released, their physical properties of being small and light allow them to travel extensive distances from the initial release location. Continue reading “Key tips for transferring of plastic pellet in containers”

Container ship fires and ports of refuge for the big ship era

Container ship fires and ports of refuge for the big ship era
Container ship fires and ports of refuge for the big ship era

In this article, Tom explores the growing challenge of securing a port of refuge for container ships affected by onboard fires, highlighting the legal, operational and environmental complexities that arise in managing these incidents.

The increasing frequency and severity of fires aboard container ships is a pressing concern for the maritime industry. Recent incidents have highlighted the dangers these fires pose, not only to vessels and their crews, but also to cargo and the surrounding environment. In many cases, the consequences have been catastrophic, with some ships lost entirely and others facing substantial legal and financial repercussions. Continue reading “Container ship fires and ports of refuge for the big ship era”

LNG-fueled vessels lead alternative-fueled newbuild market

LNG-fueled vessels lead alternative-fueled newbuild market
LNG-fueled vessels lead alternative-fueled newbuild market

The latest annual data from DNV’s Alternative Fuels Insight (AFI) platform showed that within the container segment, alternative fuels dominated, with the fuel mix by tonnage approximately 58 percent LNG, 36 percent conventional fuels, and 6 percent methanol.

A total of 275 orders for alternative-fuelled vessels were placed in 2025, representing a year-on-year decrease of 47%. This mirrored a broader drop in the overall newbuild market, which fell to 2,403 orders, from 4,405 in 2024. Continue reading “LNG-fueled vessels lead alternative-fueled newbuild market”

Safe Carriage of Refrigerated Cargo in Containers

Steamship Mutual P&I Club has published guidance highlighting critical aspects and considerations for preventing losses associated with reefer cargo. Reefer cargo carriage otherwise known as refrigerated cargo in containers involves transporting perishable or temperature sensitive goods that require controlled temperature, humidity, and airflow to maintain quality during transit. Proper handling, monitoring, and documentation are essential to prevent losses and ensure cargo integrity, the guidance advises. Continue reading “Safe Carriage of Refrigerated Cargo in Containers”

West P&I Club loss prevention information on wet weather loading Group A cargoes

West P&I Club loss prevention information on wet weather loading Group A cargoes
West P&I Club loss prevention information on wet weather loading Group A cargoes

West P&I Club has highlighted the issue surrounding wet weather loading Group A IMSBC cargoes.

The Club said it has recently seen several instances regarding loading bulk cargoes that are categorised as Group A cargoes under the IMSBC Code during precipitation.

Group A cargoes should never be loaded where it has been determined that the moisture content of the cargo exceeds the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML). It is therefore understandable that some vessels opt to restrict the amount of moisture that the cargo is exposed to by avoiding loading during periods of precipitation. Continue reading “West P&I Club loss prevention information on wet weather loading Group A cargoes”

Key tips for transferring plastic pellets in containers

Carriage of plastic pellets in containers is the subject of new guidance from the Steamship Mutual P&I Club
Carriage of plastic pellets in containers is the subject of new guidance from the Steamship Mutual P&I Club

Steamship Mutual P&I Club has provided guidance on the risks associated with the carriage of plastic pellets in containers and provides practical measures to prevent spillage and protect the marine environment.

Understanding the risks of plastic pellets
According to the Club, in recent years, several high-profile incidents have occurred, such as the Trans Carrier in 2020 and the XPress Pearl in 2021, where containers have fallen overboard and resulted in the release of plastic pellets into seas and oceans with subsequent harm to the marine environment. Continue reading “Key tips for transferring plastic pellets in containers”

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