Maersk Taps ABS to Help Improve Cargo Safety

Ocean carrier Maersk Line has selected classification society ABS to help identify and evaluate potential hazards posed from dangerous cargoes stowage on containerships.

In order to better understand key risks associated with cargo, ABS lead a workshop that assembled industry stakeholders to conduct a Hazard Identification (HAZID) study to identify hazards associated with dangerous goods stowage on a range of containership designs, many which are not fully addressed by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. The outcome will include recommendations to improve stowage planning and hazard mitigation, leading to better management of risks.

“As a global carrier, safety is critical to our operations and the well-being of our almost 9,000 seafarers. We were tragically reminded of this when the Maersk Honam was struck by a devastating fire on March 6, 2018. Sadly, we lost five colleagues to this tragic incident and, as salvage operations continue, we are determined to explore all ways to further improve safety onboard our vessels,” said Ole Graa Jakobsen, Maersk Line Head of Fleet Technology. “We are encouraged by the outcome of this workshop which will lead to further safety improvements to be considered for the IMDG Code. With ABS and other leading international partners, we will now work to implement the recommendations we have identified.”

“The risks associated with cargo carried on ships can have serious impacts on the safety of the crew and the ship itself if not properly identified and managed,” said Bret Montaruli, ABS Vice President and Chief Engineer. “ABS is always looking for ways to expand safety in the marine industry. Workshops like this leverage knowledge from the industry and provide a foundation for us to refine our own Rules and Guides and consider new guidance.”