Charcoal Related Ship Fires Lead To New Regulations
Shipments of charcoal have come under scrutiny due to their contribution to multiple fires on cargo ships, leading the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to amend their IMDG Code.
The World Shipping Council have decided that charcoal must be declared and transported as dangerous goods without exception from 2025, a rule that will become mandatory from 2026.
During the past eight years, 68 fires on containerships have been documented as being caused by improperly handling charcoal. According to a recent study, these fires typically arise due to the tendency of charcoal to self-heat.
Charcoal now has new treatment, packing, and stowage requirements, and a reference guide can be found HERE.
Changes that come into effect this year include that charcoal must undergo a weathering process after production, or a specific process after pyrolysis, and must not exceed a temperature of 40°C on the day of packing.
During loading the container, a 30 cm gap must be left between the cargo and the top of the container. Bulk shipments in containers are prohibited.
Evolution Forwarding specialise in dangerous goods movements, by air, ocean and road. We provide complete solutions for packing, documentation, compliance and training for dangerous goods products, including lithium batteries. For further information please email info@evolutionforwarding.com or call 0800 4346244.
