Container explosion throws spotlight on cargo risk

Container explosion throws spotlight on cargo risk

With our large portfolio of international freight forwarding and logistics services, and commitment to safe transport of cargoes, Davies Turner is always conscious of the need for regular and comprehensive risk analysis when deciding whether to accept a proposed cargo booking.

Last week's explosion on a Yang Ming ship in the port of Ningbo-Zhoushan, which raised serious safety concerns, was a timely reminder of the need for such analysis, as well as robust safety procedures to be in place in regards to the loading and unloading of containers.

Container ship fires are alarmingly regular and leading injuries and loss of life, and huge amounts of damage to cargo and vessels. According to the 2023 Allianz Safety and Shipping Review, there were 64 reported fires on containerships in the previous five years, while insurer TT Club estimates a serious ship fire occurs every 60 days

Whilst it doesn't appear to have had a major impact on the port's activities, there has been a lot of editorial coverage about the powerful explosion, which you can read more about here:

https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/explosion-at-ningbo-zhoushan-port-in-china-raises-further-serious-safety-concerns-in-ocean-container-shipping/

https://theloadstar.com/container-explodes-on-yang-ming-box-ship-in-chinese-port/

https://tinyurl.com/5c73xtfj

For more information about Davies Turner’s global freight forwarding and logistics services, our commitment to the safe transport of cargoes, and the insurance services we offer, please contact ocean@daviesturner.co.uk or visit the relevant pages of this website.