Five of the world’s largest container shipping lines have started sharing information on cargo-related problems.
CMA-CGM, Evergreen, Hapag Lloyd, Maersk and MSC have gone live with CINSnet, a database to collect and share information on poorly stowed cargo in containers, incorrect packaging or inaccurate weight declaration.
The five set up the Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) last November to collaborate on and fund the project.
Its Chairman, Dirk Van de Velde (an executive at MSC) said the objective of the organisation was to highlight risks posed by certain cargo or packing failures to improve safety in liner shipping.
“The original idea was to focus on hazardous freight, but CINSnet will now cover all (cargo) incidents,” said Van de Velde.
“Rather than restrict the aims of CINSnet, the founder members have decided to let the scheme evolve in whatever direction seems appropriate.”
The data will help lines identify specific problems that might require more training for cargo handlers or even amendments to codes such as the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.
Eventually membership could be extended to non-container sectors, he added, with interest already expressed by some bulker and ro-ro vessel operators.
The lines say they will now have hard facts on which to act, should any clear pattern emerge that might require regulatory intervention. However, Van de Velde emphasised that the project does not breach any anti-trust or competition laws.
The TT Club and International Group of P&I Clubs acted as advisory members of the CINS network.
The London-based Container Owners’ Association is acting as a neutral host for the database, which was developed by Exis Technologies, of Darlington, UK.
Neil Madden | Wed, 21 Sep 2011, IFW News