Shipping turns to AI to stop dangerous cargo at source

This prompted calls for tougher enforcement as false declarations threaten vessels.

The shipping industry is expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify misdeclared dangerous goods before they are loaded onto vessels, the World Shipping Council (WSC) said, as container ship fires linked to cargo continue to pose risks to global supply chains.

The World Shipping Council (WSC) said in a media release issued on 24 June that its AI-enabled Cargo Safety Program has already identified thousands of high-risk shipments before loading, including one declared as "hand tools" that was later found to contain lithium-ion battery-powered equipment.

According to the WSC, the Cargo Safety Program uses AI to screen shipment information before cargo is loaded onto vessels. The organisation said the system helps identify shipments that may have been misdeclared or undeclared so they can be reviewed before entering the supply chain.

The initiative comes as Allianz's Safety & Shipping Review 2026 found that a container ship fire occurs every 17 days. Allianz said misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods remain a major contributor to these incidents.

WSC President and CEO Joe Kramek said misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods are a preventable threat to seafarers, ships, cargo, and the marine environment.

He said whilst the vast majority of shippers comply with declaration requirements, a small group of irresponsible actors continue to misdeclare cargo, creating risks across the supply chain and undermining businesses that follow the rules.

Kramek said governments and regulators must enforce existing international rules on dangerous goods declarations, adding that industry efforts alone are not enough to address the problem.

"The vast majority of shippers do the right thing. But a small group of irresponsible actors are cutting corners, hiding risk, and creating danger for everyone in the supply chain," he said.

Separately, Allianz reported that fires on vehicle carriers occur every 37 days. The WSC said it has been supporting updated regulations at the International Maritime Organization to improve fire safety on vehicle carriers, including measures covering the transport of electric vehicles.

According to the WSC, the Cargo Safety Program is part of broader industry efforts to reduce the risks associated with misdeclared dangerous goods by identifying high-risk shipments before they are loaded onto vessels.