Search

Container Ship Fires Prompt New Fines from Carriers

Posted on 8/12/2019 by Roger Marks

To address an increase in fires aboard shipping vessels, major carriers have announced new fines and security procedures aimed at reducing the number of misdeclared hazardous cargo shipments.

According to the Loadstar, the Evergreen Line has announced fines as high as $35,000 for misdeclared dangerous goods. Hapag-Lloyd will impose a $15,000 fee for each misdeclared box. Hong Kong-based OOCL will also impose fees and strengthen its dangerous goods inspection and verification policies.

OOCL released a statement to customers on July 31, 2019, which reads in part:

“Any inconsistencies between the declared cargo in the documents and what is physically inside the container will result in a Hazardous cargo Misdeclaration Fee. Depending on the type of deficiencies found in such a shipment, the container may be put out of service and the cargo may be put on hold where penalties may be imposed, and charges associated with the misdeclaration will be on the shipper’s account.”

Maersk Line revised its procedures for stowing dangerous goods aboard its vessels in September 2018, following a deadline fire aboard the Maersk Honam that killed five crew members.

According to experts in the field, a fire aboard a shipping vessel occurs about once every 60 days.

The latest edition of the IMDG Code (2018) is available in our online bookstore.

Undeclared Dangerous Goods Put Crews at Risk

Industry experts believe that undeclared dangerous goods are to blame for many of the container ship fires that have made headlines in 2019. In many cases, rogue shippers may be failing to declare their dangerous goods in order to avoid higher fees for hazardous cargo. When dangerous goods are not properly declared or labeled, they may be loaded onto vessels improperly—often in hard to reach areas. In the event of a fire, crews may not be able to promptly reach the at-risk container, allowing the fire to spread.

Even if crews can reach the fire, without proper information about the hazardous materials inside, they are ill-equipped to respond properly and may be unknowingly putting themselves in harm’s way while doing their best to respond.  

IMDG Code Compliance is Critical

Hazardous materials/dangerous goods vessel shippers must ensure compliance with the latest International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) requirements. Mandatory compliance with the 2018 edition of the IMDG Code starts on January 1, 2020.

Lion makes it easy to keep your hazmat training certifications up to date to ship by ground, air, and vessel. The Complete Multimodal Hazmat Shipper Certification Workshops coming to Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, San Diego, Kansas City, Detroit, and Cincinnati in September and October 2019.

Can’t join us live? Check out convenient online hazmat training options in our catalog here.
 

Tags: fines and penalties, hazmat shipping, IMDG, IMDG Code

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

The instructor made the class very enjoyable and catered to the needs of our group.

Sarah Baker

Planner

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

Lion is easily and consistently the best option for compliance training. I've learned new information from every instructor I've had.

Rachel Mathis

EHS Specialist

I love that the instructor emphasized the thought process behind the regs.

Rebecca Saxena

Corporate Product Stewardship Specialist

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.