Captains Naveen Singhal and M.M. Saggi’s Recommendations to Tackle Misdeclared Cargoes
Captain Naveen Singhal and Captain M.M. Saggi have suggestions on how to clamp down on the scourge of misdeclared cargoes.
Containerisation has revolutionized the transportation of goods, but in recent years, dishonest shippers and freight forwarders have compromised the safety and efficiency of containerized cargo by falsifying container weights, contents, and packaging. This unethical practice has led to several container ship accidents, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations and enforcement.
Notable container ship accidents in recent years include the MSC Flaminia, APL Austria, Maersk Honam, ONE Apus, Maersk Essen, Maersk Eindhoven, XPress Pearl, and MSC Messina, among others. Misdeclared cargo, including incorrect weight and contents, has been identified as a significant contributing factor to these accidents by Lloyd’s Register.
Under-declared container weights can lead to stability issues, making vessels vulnerable to capsizing. Improper stowage of hazardous materials can result in fires, explosions, and environmental disasters. Despite the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandating verified gross mass (VGM) declarations, non-compliance persists, putting lives at risk and imposing financial burdens on shipowners.
To address this issue, Captain Singhal and Captain Saggi propose several key measures:
- Appointment of an independent body to verify contents, weight, and packaging at the stuffing stage
- Mandatory IMO numbers for shippers and freight forwarders to track container ownership
- Compulsory training for handling hazardous cargo in the maritime sector
- Legal penalties and fines for misdeclaration to deter non-compliance
They advocate for collaboration between the World Customs Council and IMO to combat this growing threat to container ship safety. By implementing these recommendations, the industry can strengthen oversight, improve compliance, and enhance the safety of maritime transportation.