Under its Cargo Safety Program, the World Shipping Council (WSC) has introduced a trailblazing artificial intelligence (AI) platform through WPB that detects undeclared and misdeclared hazardous substances in shipping containers. Supported by carriers that have more than 70 percent of the world's combined TEU capacity behind them, the program marks an important step towards lessening maritime accidents, safeguarding seafarers, vessels, and the marine ecosystem.
Misdeclared cargo has long been recognized as one of the primary contributors to shipboard fires, causing over a quarter of cargo incidents, as per Allianz's Safety and Shipping Review 2025. The insurer's research also revealed that fire on board at sea has been happening with the greatest frequency in over a decade, with many devastating examples to illustrate the perpetual threat.
One of such occurrences was when the Marie Maersk successfully contained a fire that broke out from one of its containers while in transit off the coast of Africa. The ship then also reported General Average after suffering enormous expense in putting out the fire. The Wan Hai 503 also suffered a horrific fire and explosions that claimed the lives of four of its crew members and left it seriously damaged. These incidents point to the necessity of more advanced means of prevention in the maritime industry.
Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council, emphasized that too many lives have been lost already due to cargo misdeclaration, making the new Cargo Safety Program "a necessary strengthening of the safety infrastructure of the industry." He added that the program adds an added layer of protection with collaborative screening technology, harmonized inspection procedures, and continual data feedback to enhance, so that lessons of real events are systematically built into preventive measures.
Underlying this new regime for safety is a digital cargo screening system powered by the National Cargo Bureau's (NCB) state-of-the-art technology. Using AI and machine learning, the system processes millions of real-time cargo bookings for dangers using keyword tracking, trade route analysis, and algorithmic pattern matching. Suspect cases are flagged for confirmation and, where appropriate, subjected to targeted searches to confirm their status.
While the WSC mandates that shippers remain primarily responsible for properly declaring hazardous goods, the program establishes standardized inspection criteria and a feedback mechanism that will be used to identify repeat patterns and promote cargo safety globally.
Recent reports from the Council revealed that over 11 percent of containers examined in 2024 had safety deficits — including misdeclared commodities, incorrect labeling, and inappropriate packaging — posting a slight but concerning increase compared to last year.
By integrating AI-driven monitoring, WSC aims to improve maritime resilience, avoid human errors, and prevent horrific accidents before they even happen. The company believes this technology, as with earlier endeavors to educate crews on container collapse and parametric rolling, toward a safer and more sustainable maritime future.
Overall, the World Shipping Council's use of AI-driven screening marks a sea change in marine safety. Through technology, transparency, and cooperation, the worldwide shipping industry is poised to significantly lower the threat of hazardous cargo, making seas safer for both people and the environment.
By Bitumenmag
Shipping, Sea, Technology
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