- Misdeclared dangerous goods drive rise in cargo incidents.
- AI-powered screening tool scans millions of bookings.
- Common inspection standards and a feedback loop were introduced.
On September 15, 2025, the World Shipping Council (WSC) rolled out its Cargo Safety Program, a proactive initiative led by the industry to tackle the issue of misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods. The aim? To curb ship fires, ensure the safety of crews and vessels, protect customer cargo, and keep our marine environment safe, reports World Shipping Council.
Rising Fire Risks at Sea
According to Allianz’s Safety and Shipping Review 2025, ship fires are at their highest point in over ten years. A significant contributor to this alarming trend is misdeclared dangerous goods, which account for more than a quarter of all cargo-related incidents.
“We have seen too many tragic incidents where misdeclared cargo has led to catastrophic fires, including the loss of life,” said Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council. “The WSC Cargo Safety Program strengthens the industry’s safety net by combining shared screening technology, common inspection standards, and real-world feedback to reduce risk.”
Digital Cargo Screening
At the heart of this program lies a digital cargo screening tool crafted with the expertise of the National Cargo Bureau (NCB). This innovative system scans millions of bookings in real-time, utilising keyword searches, trade pattern recognition, and smart AI algorithms. When potentially high-risk shipments are identified, alerts are triggered for carriers to review, and if needed, these shipments undergo targeted physical inspections.
Common Standards and Feedback Loop
This program sets forth common inspection standards to verify shipments and establishes a feedback loop for incidents, ensuring that lessons learned from real-world experiences help improve prevention strategies. At its launch, carriers representing over 70 per cent of global TEU capacity have come on board with this initiative.
“By working together and using the best available tools, we can identify risks early, act quickly, and prevent accidents before they happen,” Kramek said. “The Cargo Safety Program is a powerful new layer of protection, but it does not replace the fundamental obligation shippers have to declare dangerous goods accurately. That is the starting point for safety, and it is required under international law.”
Building on Maritime Safety Efforts
The introduction of this program is a continuation of WSC’s dedicated efforts to enhance maritime safety, which includes developing cargo handling regulations and supporting environmental protection initiatives. The initiative is set to evolve further, with regular updates to its technology and standards to tackle new and emerging risks.
“Ocean carriers transport the goods vital to the flow of global trade, and we have a responsibility to move them safely,” Kramek added. “By raising the bar on cargo screening, we are protecting lives, safeguarding the environment and improving the integrity of the global supply chain.”
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Source: World Shipping Council
