ONE Raises Penalties As Dangerous Goods Come Under Scrutiny
Major container carrier Ocean Network Express (ONE) has raised its surcharges for misdeclared dangerous goods this month, only days after the owner of the fire-damaged ONE Henry Hudson declared general average.
The carrier’s compensation for breach of agreement (CBA) surcharge now stands at $15,000 per unit for hazardous cargo that is incorrectly declared during a voyage. However, ONE cautioned that when it identifies “a misalignment between the declared information during the usual checking stage for concealment, omission, or misdeclaration of any dangerous goods particulars,” the fee will double to $30,000.
The move reinforces a growing trend among major shipping lines, many of which have recently introduced or strengthened penalties aimed at curbing dangerous goods misdeclaration.
Industry observers noted that the timing of ONE’s announcement serves as a pointed reminder to shippers of their legal and safety obligations, especially in the wake of the recent fire aboard the ONE Henry Hudson. The incident occurred while the vessel was berthed at the Port of Los Angeles, where a fire ignited below deck. Authorities later confirmed the presence of hazardous materials in several containers, which may have exacerbated the blaze.
Following the incident, the vessel’s owners declared general average, a longstanding maritime law principle requiring all cargo interests whose goods were preserved to contribute proportionally to the losses incurred.
Evolution Forwarding provide customers with compliant solutions for dangerous goods, specialising in end-to-end solutions for the safe and transport of these product types by air, sea, and road.
From packaging and documentation to regulatory compliance and staff training, our expertise helps shippers navigate these challenges with confidence. Contact us at info@evolutionforwarding.com or call 0800 4346244 to learn more.
