World Shipping Council announces digital platform for cargo safety

WASHINTON D.C. : The World Shipping Council (WSC) has announced plans to develop a new Cargo Safety Program for the transport of dangerous goods, with the not-for-profit organisation National Cargo Bureau (NCB) to act as the independent provider of the initiative’s digital platform.

NCB’s Hazcheck software is already used for the detection, inspection, and validation of dangerous cargoes. The WSC Cargo Safety Program system will be an evolution of that platform, made up of a Common Screening Tool, Verified Shipper Database, and a Database of Approved Container Inspection Companies, provided and operated by NCB as an independent third-party vendor.

The system encourages standardisation and a unified approach to cargo screening and inspection, including a feedback loop for inspection results, so that safety procedures are consistent.

“WSC and NCB have a shared commitment to the safety of life and cargo at sea,” said John Butler, President and CEO of the WSC.

“With NCB’s considerable expertise and experience, the Cargo Safety Program is a substantial new tool for making workplaces safer for ship crews, transport workers, and communities, as well as enhancing operational efficiency for shippers.”

The core functionality of the system will be to screen booking information against a keyword library and risk algorithm. High-risk bookings will be flagged for further investigation or inspection, with an emphasis on identifying and correcting suspected problems before containers with dangerous cargoes are introduced into the supply chain.

“As an organization founded with the purpose of preventing maritime disasters through the enhancement of safety, we are honoured to be selected to deliver this solution and are excited to witness the collaborative benefits of a global, standardized approach to cargo screening and inspections. This is truly a transformational step for the industry,” says Ian Lennard, NCB President and CEO.”

The Cargo Safety Program will rely on a digital solution made up of a Common Screening Tool, Verified Shipper Database, and a Database of Approved Container Inspection Companies, provided and operated by NCB as an independent third-party vendor.

The core functionality of the system will be to screen booking information against a comprehensive keyword library and risk algorithm. High-risk bookings will be flagged for further investigation and/or inspection, and lessons learned through experience will be used to continuously improve the screening tool.  The emphasis is on identifying and correcting worrying conditions before containers with dangerous cargoes are introduced into the supply chain.

This common safety approach will significantly mitigate the risks associated with non-declared or improperly declared, labelled or packed dangerous goods across the supply chain. At the same time, the system will streamline the transport of compliant dangerous goods in line with national and international regulations.