Top container lines in joint safety project

Top container lines in joint safety project    Five of the world’s largest container carriers have joined forces to create a database for sharing information about cargo and container-related accidents “in order to improve safety in the transport chain.”
   The Cargo Incident Notification System Network (CINS) was established by Mediterranean Shipping Co., Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd and Evergreen. They have created a Web portal for sharing information about incidents, which will be managed by the Container Owners Association.
   Information on operational accidents and incidents, excluding all commercial information, from seaborne carriers will be entered into the database and access will be limited to participating carriers, protection and indemnity insurers and TT Club.
   In a presentation last month to the Container Owners Association, the group said the initiative aims to “highlight risks posed by certain cargoes and/or packing failures in order to improve safety in the liner shipping industry. This will be done by analyzing the database and looking for specific incidents which may require immediate action or assessing incident trends.
   “Once areas of concern become apparent, these will be addressed to relevant authorities for amendments to IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) Code or other relevant recommendations or advice. This may include advice on training issues on the packing and securing of cargo in containers.”