APM Terminals has designed a new online portal to simplify the process of managing hazardous cargo documentation for shipping lines. The first iteration of the new global tool reduces the number of steps needed to complete the important safety task.
Non-Compliant Goods
A study by the National Cargo Bureau carried out together with Maersk, Hapag Lloyd, and MSC found that 55% of inspected containers were non-compliant, 43% of containers failed due to poorly secured dangerous goods, and 6.5% were found to be carrying goods that had been mis-declared by the cargo owner.
This is often caused by a lack of knowledge of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. APM Terminals’ HazDV carries out several logic checks to ensure that the correct IMDG codes have been applied, so mistakes in documentation are identified. Information provided about hazardous cargo to our Ports and Terminals is essential for our Health, Safety and Resilience teams to prepare for emergencies, yard planning/segregation, and cross-checking in our Terminal Operating System or Export Arrival Lists.
Terminal Delays
Mis-declarations can have a significant impact on Terminal Operations and ultimately customers’ supply chains, such as truck delays due to issues during the gate-in process. Incorrect declarations also increase the risk of accidents in the terminal yard due to unsafe storage practices, and the increased potential for accidents involving carriers due to unsafe stowage.
APM Terminals’ HazDV has already been rolled out at the company’s US terminals in Port Elizabeth, Mobile, and Miami. As with other APM Terminals global digital solutions, it can be quickly rolled out to other Ports and Terminals – with plans for four further terminals in the coming months.
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Source: IndiaShippingNews
