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Enhancing Safety in Charcoal Transportation: New Regulations Ahead of IMO 2026

The shipping industry is proactively enhancing safety measures for transporting charcoal in anticipation of mandatory International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations set to take effect in 2026. Experts have long warned that misdeclared, poorly handled, and inadequately packed dangerous goods pose significant risks for cargo fires, prompting the industry to address issues related to charcoal loaded in containers.

Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council (WSC), stated:

“We’ve seen too many preventable fires onboard vessels caused by improper handling of charcoal.”

He expressed eagerness for the implementation of new regulations, emphasizing that current practices have not sufficiently ensured the safety of crew, cargo, and vessels.

Fire on the vessel
Fire on Maersk cargo ship
Source: Indian Coast Guard

In the fall of 2024, the Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS), a safety initiative representing container shipping lines and maritime insurance interests, published a comprehensive advisory to inform carriers and shippers about these issues. Additionally, the WSC, in collaboration with IGP&I and TT Club, created a quick reference guide to highlight the new regulations.

WSC cautions that shippers should prepare for carriers to gradually introduce stricter regulations this year, a response to a series of severe fires linked to the mishandling of charcoal. According to their October 2024 advisory, global charcoal production exceeds 50 million tonnes annually, and CINS records indicate at least 68 fire incidents on ships from January 2015 to December 2022, primarily due to misdeclared cargo that left carriers unaware of the associated hazards.

The new regulations mandate that all charcoal shipments be classified as dangerous goods under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, with no exemptions permitted. There are also updated requirements for the treatment, packing, and stowage of charcoal shipments.

Kramek added, “Treating all charcoal as dangerous goods ensures uniform safety standards and provides everyone involved—from shippers to carriers—with the necessary tools and clarity to prevent future tragedies.”

Fire remains a significant challenge for containerships. Allianz’s Safety and Shipping Review 2024 reported that the high incidence of fires continues to be a major concern, with 205 fire incidents recorded in 2023, marking the second-highest total in a decade. Over the past five years, Allianz documented 55 fire-related losses, underscoring fire as a critical safety issue on larger vessels. The report also highlighted the potential threat to life and the severe damage and costs associated with such incidents.

Январь, 18, 2025 44 0
Author
Author photo - Olga Nesvetailova
Freelancer
A creative freelancer with the ability to study source literature and create relevant material. The sea has always attracted me with its unbridledness, mystery, and a love of creativity helped me express my most interesting thoughts and reflections on paper, therefore, now I am doubly interested in studying the world of shipbuilding and writing useful materials for sailors.
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