Dangerous cargo

Dangerous goods are categorized into the following categories according to international regulations of IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods code):

Category 1: Explosives

Substances and articles at risk of mass explosion.
Substances and goods that have a risk of explosion but no risk of mass explosion.
Substances and goods that have fire hazard, are at a low risk of explosion, have a minor explosi hazard, or both, but not posing a risk of mass explosion.
Substances and articles which present no significant hazard.
Very insensitive material at risk of mass explosion.
Very insensitive goods with no risk of mass explosion.

Class 2: Gases

Flammable gases
Non-flammable, non-toxic gases
Toxic gases

Category 3: Flammable gases

Category 4: Flammable Solids

Flammable solids, self reactive substances and desensitized explosives.
Spontaneous ignitable substances
Substances emit flammable gases in contact with water

Category 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides

Oxidizing substances
Organic peroxides

Category 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances

Toxic substances
Infectious substances

Category 7: Radioactive Material

Category 8: Corrosive Substances

Category 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous Substances and Articles

No dangerous goods under ESL Bill of Lading are allowed to be loaded on ESL vessels without prior acceptance from ESL Dangerous Cargo Office.

Dangerous Cargo Offices only accept dangerous goods that comply with IMO Rules, national and local regulations, ESL Policy, Lines instructions, and Ship Manager/Planner comments.

Shippers are responsible for providing the Dangerous Goods Declaration and the packing certificate duly signed to the local agent.

Shippers are fully responsible for any consequences arising from their negligence or the negligence of any person working for them directly or indirectly.

Refer to the full list of Prohibited & Restricted Cargo List for ESL

Ensuring the safe transportation of cargo is our commitment at ESL. To keep our seafarers and the sea safe, and to minimize losses or damage at sea, we adopt the code of practice for packing of cargo transport units (CTU code), a non-mandatory international law which is a reference from the IMDG code.

Essential characteristics of packaging for safe packing of dangerous goods include:

Strong enough to withstand the shocks and loading to transport and all types of handling
Designed to prevent loss of content owing to variations in pressure, temperature, or humidity
Not be weakened by contact with contents
Not react with the contents to cause a dangerous reaction, or affect the quality of the product

Packaging used for dangerous goods shouldbe confirmed to be ‘UN tested’ or ‘UN approved’ packaging, which has successfully met the UN package test standards described in IMDG code part 6, ‘Requirements for the construction and testing of packagings’.

DGs should be packed in compliance with the following guidelines:

Pack only packages that are in sound condition without damage and leak should be loaded into a cargo transport unit (CTU).
Place DGs closer to the door, with labels facing the door, when packing a CTU with a mixture of dangerous goods and non-DG.
Pack solids over liquids, provided the drums are strong and can bear the weight. Liquids are typically heavier than solids, and light goods should always be stowed above heavy goods. Furthermore, if the drums leak, the released liquid will first be drawn downwards by the force of gravity.
Distribute the weight of the CTU’s contents evenly in the container.
Place solid pieces of plywood between layers of drums/jerrycans to prevent sliding.

Please AVOID the following when packing DGs:

Packing damaged and leaking packages into a cargo transport unit (CTU).
Placing the dangerous goods on the side of the CTU away from the door.
Packing liquids over solids.
Placing all the weight at one end of the CTU. This may cause the CTU to be unbalanced during load/unloading operation and result in accidents.
Stowing drums/jerrycans containing dangerous goods ‘on the roll’. This is forbidden as drums have closures at the top which are not designed to be below the liquid level.

In general, please also:

Never use sawdust or any other combustible material to absorb moisture in case of a leakage. Sawdust reacts with many solid and liquid dangerous goods and the reaction can lead into an explosion.
Fill any void space of more than 15 cm in total (side to side) with dunnage like air bags, foam, timber, etc. For more information:CTU code 2.3.6
Include dangerous goods placarding and labelling For more information:IMDG code chapter 5.2 (Marking and labelling of packages including Intermediate Bulk Container IBC); IMDG code chapter 5.3 (Placarding and marking of cargo transport units and bulk containers)

At ESL, we ensure that our relevant teams are properly trained and certified in handling dangerous goods. This includes drivers, handlers, and other personnel who may come into contact with the goods. Our seafarers are also trained in responding to unforeseen incidents involving dangerous goods.

On the shipper’s end, here are some best practices for ensuring safety compliance on a clean Bill of Lading:

Classification and Identification: Accurately classify and identify the dangerous good being shipped and ensure that they are labeled and marked according to regulations.
Documentation:Ensure that all necessary documentation is completed accurately and submitted in a timeline manner. This includes the bill of lading, shipping papers, and other required documents.
Security in packing: Pack the dangerous goods being transported in a secure manner. For specific details, please refer to the section above.

Types