The World Shipping Council (WSC) has announced plans to develop a new Cargo Safety Program for the transport of dangerous goods, with the not-for-profit organisation National Cargo Bureau (NCB) to act as the independent provider of the initiative’s digital platform.
NCB’s Hazcheck software is already used for the detection, inspection, and validation of dangerous cargoes. The WSC Cargo Safety Program system will be an evolution of that platform, made up of a Common Screening Tool, Verified Shipper Database, and a Database of Approved Container Inspection Companies, provided and operated by NCB as an independent third-party vendor.
The system encourages standardisation and a unified approach to cargo screening and inspection, including a feedback loop for inspection results, so that safety procedures are consistent.
“WSC and NCB have a shared commitment to the safety of life and cargo at sea,” said John Butler, President and CEO of the WSC.
“With NCB’s considerable expertise and experience, the Cargo Safety Program is a substantial new tool for making workplaces safer for ship crews, transport workers, and communities, as well as enhancing operational efficiency for shippers.”
The core functionality of the system will be to screen booking information against a keyword library and risk algorithm. High-risk bookings will be flagged for further investigation or inspection, with an emphasis on identifying and correcting suspected problems before containers with dangerous cargoes are introduced into the supply chain.
