The shipping industry is taking a decisive step toward greater safety at sea with the launch of the Cargo Safety Programme, an ambitious initiative by the World Shipping Council (WSC). The programme is designed to reduce the risks of shipboard fires caused by misdeclared or undeclared dangerous goods, a problem that has plagued the maritime sector for decades. With over 70% of global container capacity already signed onto the initiative, the programme represents one of the most coordinated safety efforts in the history of container shipping.
Also read: Uganda to lead Africa’s oil and gas liquids storage growth by 2030
A Persistent Challenge: Fires at Sea
Maritime transport carries more than 80% of global trade, making it the backbone of the world economy. Yet, as ships grow larger and carry more containers, the risks associated with misdeclared cargo have also grown. According to Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, cargo misdeclaration is responsible for more than a quarter of cargo-related incidents, many of which result in catastrophic fires.
Ship fires not only threaten the safety of crews and cargo but also lead to extensive environmental damage, costly salvage operations, and disruptions to global supply chains. In recent years, several high-profile incidents have underscored the need for systemic action.
“Accurate declaration of dangerous goods is both a legal requirement and the foundation of safe shipping,” said Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the WSC. “The Cargo Safety Programme introduces a new layer of protection to address risks that could otherwise lead to devastating shipboard fires.”
How the Cargo Safety Programme Works
The programme combines advanced technology, industry collaboration, and a feedback-driven improvement system:
- AI-Powered Cargo Screening
Developed by the National Cargo Bureau, the system scans millions of cargo bookings in real time. Using keyword searches, trade pattern recognition, and advanced algorithms, it flags shipments that may be misdeclared or undeclared. These high-risk cases are then subject to further review or physical inspection. - Standardised Inspection Protocols
For the first time, the programme introduces common inspection standards across carriers. This creates consistency in how inspections are conducted and ensures that flagged cargo is handled in a uniform, systematic way across the industry. - Incident Feedback Loop
Lessons learned from past incidents are fed back into the programme. This enables continuous improvement, ensuring that the system adapts to emerging risks, evolving trade routes, and new types of cargo.
Industry-Wide Collaboration
One of the most significant aspects of the Cargo Safety Programme is its scale of adoption. Carriers representing over 70% of the world’s container capacity joined the initiative at its launch. This level of participation demonstrates a shared recognition across the shipping industry that cargo safety is a collective responsibility.
The programme also builds on the WSC’s earlier efforts in maritime safety and environmental protection. Previous initiatives have focused on container handling, ship design, and environmental standards. The Cargo Safety Programme adds another crucial layer to this framework, directly addressing the root causes of ship fires.
Protecting Lives, Cargo, and the Environment
The consequences of ship fires go far beyond the financial cost of lost cargo. Crew members face life-threatening risks, marine ecosystems suffer from pollution, and ports experience severe disruptions when stricken ships require emergency assistance.
By preventing misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods from slipping through the system, the Cargo Safety Programme aims to:
- Enhance crew safety by reducing the risk of on-board fires.
- Protect vessels and cargo from catastrophic loss.
- Preserve the marine environment by preventing pollution from damaged ships.
- Improve supply chain reliability by reducing delays caused by incidents at sea.
Looking Ahead: Evolving with Emerging Risks
The WSC has made it clear that the Cargo Safety Programme is not static. Regular updates to both the technology and inspection standards are planned, allowing the initiative to evolve with changing trade patterns and emerging risks.
This adaptability is crucial in an era of rapid globalisation, where cargo types, shipping routes, and trading partners are constantly shifting. The inclusion of AI ensures that the programme can process massive amounts of booking data and adjust to patterns that human inspectors might miss.
A New Era of Cargo Safety
The launch of the Cargo Safety Programme marks a turning point in how the maritime industry addresses one of its most pressing safety challenges. By blending cutting-edge technology, industry-wide collaboration, and continuous improvement, the WSC has created a system capable of reducing ship fires and strengthening global supply chain resilience.
For the shipping industry, the message is clear: preventing ship fires begins long before cargo is loaded on board. With widespread adoption of the Cargo Safety Programme, the maritime sector is setting a new standard for safety—one that prioritises the well-being of crews, the security of goods, and the protection of the environment.
Quick Facts
- 70%+ of global container capacity signed up at launch
- Ship fires caused by misdeclared cargo: 25%+ of incidents
- AI-powered system screens millions of bookings in real time
- Programme builds on WSC’s history of safety & environmental initiatives
