Container shipping needs earlier action to prevent cargo fires

The container shipping industry needs to identify dangerous cargo before it reaches the ship, rather than finding problems after containers are already onboard, Splash 247 reports.

A new report from Thetius and Tigris Systems says dangerous goods remain a major fire risk despite existing international rules. In 2024, 250 vessel fires were recorded, up 20% from the previous year and the highest level in a decade. The World Shipping Council says undeclared and wrongly declared dangerous goods are still the main cause of container fires.

The report points to a simple problem: cargo information is often spread across emails, PDFs and different systems. As a result, carriers, terminals and crews may not have the same or most recent information.

Thetius and Tigris Systems call for stronger digital checks at the booking stage. Systems could compare dangerous goods declarations with safety documents and flag problems with UN numbers, cargo classification, packaging and quantities. They could also provide key information on temperature limits, cargo separation and firefighting.

This is especially important for cargo such as lithium-ion batteries and charcoal, where the real fire risk may be greater than the basic cargo classification suggests.

The report also recommends using digital records throughout the container's journey. If a cargo declaration changes, the updated information must reach terminals, planners and ships.

The message for container shipping is clear: fire prevention must start before a container reaches the vessel. Better cargo data, early screening and stronger digital systems can help stop dangerous containers before they become a serious safety risk.

 

Picture: Canadian Coast Guard