Maritime Safety at Risk as Nations Fail to Report Container Inspections

The Cargo Integrity Group (CIG), an industry collective dedicated to improving safety in the global supply chain, is sounding the alarm on a critical gap in maritime safety protocols.

According to the group, less than 5% of 167 national administrations are regularly submitting container inspection results to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), despite a two-decade-old agreement to do so.

This lack of reporting is undermining global efforts to improve the safety and sustainability of sea shipments. The CIG warns that insufficient data prevents the IMO and industry from drawing reliable conclusions about safety standards.

“Common and consistent reporting of inspection findings is essential to help target communication and training programs aimed at improving awareness of the requirements and recommended safe practices for the transport of goods in containers,” the CIG stated.

Cargo Integrity Group Identifies ‘Cargoes of Concern’ to Boost Global Supply Chain Safety

The group’s concerns are heightened by recent fires and explosions aboard container ships, potentially linked to poorly packed or misdeclared cargo. Adding to the urgency, the CIG reports that the IMO is considering discontinuing the collation and publication of these reports in an easily accessible form.

In response, the CIG is calling for action on two fronts:

1. National administrations to fully implement their agreed actions on submitting container inspection findings to the IMO.
2. The IMO to continue publishing the reported findings in a form that facilitates understanding of where efforts to improve compliance with mandatory regulations should be directed.

As the maritime industry grapples with these challenges, the CIG’s call to action serves as a reminder of the critical role data plays in maintaining safety at sea. The coming weeks may prove pivotal as the IMO decides on the future of this essential reporting function.

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