How Do Carriers Review and Approve Hazardous Cargo Bookings?

Shipping hazhipping lines assess hazardous cargo space based on the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and the vessel’s own safety regulations. The review and allocation process follows these key principles:

1. Hazardous Cargo Review Process

Document Submission and Initial Review

Shippers or freight forwarders must provide a complete set of documents, including:

• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in both Chinese and English
• Dangerous Goods Packing Certificate (or Boiler Inspection Certificate, Limited Quantity Certificate)
• Booking Form, specifying precise details such as package count, gross weight, volume, UN number, and packing group

Shipping lines focus on verifying key information in the MSDS, including the UN number, primary and subsidiary hazard classes, packing group (PG I/II/III), and flashpoint (for flammable liquids) to ensure compliance with transportation regulations.

Initial Documentation Review

• Completeness Check: The carrier first ensures that all required documents are submitted. If any key documents are missing, the shipper or forwarder is notified immediately for resubmission.
• Information Consistency Verification: The shipping line cross-checks the MSDS, Packing Certificate, and Booking Form for consistency. The description of goods, UN number, hazard classification, and other key details must be identical across all documents. The booking form must also be correctly filled out with shipper, consignee, and notify party information.
• UN Number and Hazard Classification Confirmation: The carrier verifies whether the cargo falls within its transportable range according to the IMDG Code and whether special conditions or restrictions apply.

Detailed Compliance Assessment

• MSDS Review: The carrier conducts an in-depth evaluation of the cargo’s physical and chemical properties, including flashpoint, ignition temperature, explosion limits, toxicity, and radioactivity. For flammable liquids, flashpoint is a critical safety factor, while for toxic substances, toxicity levels and protective measures are carefully assessed.
• Packaging Compliance Verification: Based on the Packing Certificate and other supporting documents, the shipping line verifies that the packaging meets IMDG Code requirements, ensuring that materials, specifications, strength, and labeling adhere to international standards. Proper packaging helps prevent leakage, damage, or other hazards during transit.
• Special Handling Requirements Check: For specific hazardous cargo such as radioactive materials and infectious substances, the carrier confirms compliance with additional transport requirements, such as special transport permits or the need for escorts and monitoring equipment.

Multi-Level Approval Process

Shipping lines follow a three-tier approval process involving headquarters, transshipment ports, and destination ports to validate cargo suitability and regulatory compliance. For example, battery shipments require a UN38.3 test report, and stowage positions are assessed to avoid direct sunlight exposure.

The standard review process takes 1-3 business days, but high-risk cargo (e.g., Class 4.2 self-heating substances) may require a longer approval period.

Data Accuracy Requirements

• Booking details must match customs declaration data exactly. Any modification could result in a new approval process or amendment fees.
• Certain carriers, such as HMM and MSC, strictly prohibit modifications to hazardous cargo bookings once submitted.

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2. Hazardous Cargo Stowage Allocation Principles

Segregation Rules (IMDG Code)

Cargo is stowed according to hazard classification (e.g., Class 3: Flammable Liquids, Class 4.3: Substances that Emit Flammable Gases on Contact with Water) and follows IMDG segregation table requirements:

• Segregation Levels:
  • Level 1: Away from
  • Level 2: Separated from
  • Level 3: Separated by an entire compartment
  • Level 4: Separated by an entire hold fore and aft
• Special Requirements:
  • Acids (Class 8) must be kept away from bases
  • Oxidizers (Class 5.1) must be isolated from flammable solids (Class 4.1)
  • Certain hazardous materials must be protected from heat and water exposure

Vessel Structure and Suitability Considerations

• On-Deck vs. In-Hold Stowage: High-risk cargo such as Class 4.3 (water-reactive substances) and Class 2.1 (flammable gases) are generally only permitted on deck for proper ventilation. Some carriers prohibit explosives (Class 1) and radioactive materials (Class 7) altogether.
• Restricted Stowage Locations: Hazardous cargo must not be stowed in the bow or stern peak compartments and must maintain safe distances from crew accommodations and engine rooms. Separation may be achieved through buffer compartments or void spaces.

Container Stowage Standards

• Bay-Row-Tier System: Containers are assigned positions based on their Bay (B), Row (R), and Tier (T) numbers.
  • In-hold stowage follows an even-tier numbering system.
  • On-deck stowage follows even-numbered tiers (e.g., 82, 84).
• Segregation Distances: Lateral separation is required for specific hazard classes. For example, SG26 requires at least two container slots of lateral separation from Class 3 flammable liquids.

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3. Operational Considerations

Minimum Charge and LCL (Less-than-Container Load) Restrictions

• LCL shipments of hazardous cargo often require a minimum volume (e.g., 2-3 cubic meters).
• Certain substances cannot be consolidated, such as acids and bases (Class 8), and Class 4.1 flammable solids with Class 8 corrosives.

Dynamic Stowage Adjustments

The actual loading plan must balance the vessel’s stability, cargo safety, and port handling efficiency while ensuring compliance with segregation requirements.

Conclusion

Shipping lines rigorously review hazardous cargo documents and allocate stowage positions in accordance with the IMDG Code, vessel safety certifications, and cargo characteristics. Shippers and freight forwarders should plan ahead, submit accurate documentation, and work with experienced carriers to avoid delays or non-compliance issues that may lead to shipment rejection or accidents.

By ensuring full compliance and proactive planning, hazardous cargo shipments can be transported safely and efficiently across global supply chains.