According to the World Shipping Council (WSC), the number of cargo clearance violations continued to grow in 2024, reaching 11.39% of all shipments checked. For comparison, the figure was 11% a year earlier, and only 6.5% five years ago, in 2019. This is reported by Splash with reference to the latest report of the organization.
The main problem is related to incorrect or intentionally hidden declaration of dangerous goods. These categories of goods require special transportation conditions, since if handled improperly, they can pose a threat to the crew and the vessel, for example, they can self—ignite or even explode when exposed to external factors. Failure to comply with the rules for their accounting and transportation jeopardizes the safety of maritime transportation.
Another frequent violation is the distortion of data on the weight of containers. Incorrect information can lead to heavy loads being placed in the upper rows, increasing the pitching and overloading the stacks. This situation increases the risk of their destruction and containers falling overboard, which not only damages the carrier, but also threatens the environment and safety.
Experts note that the increase in violations reflects ongoing problems in international trade and logistics. Despite the development of control technologies and increased requirements for carriers, a significant part of shippers still make mistakes or deliberately distort data in order to save time and money.
The WSC emphasizes that increasing discipline in cargo declaration is a key factor in ensuring the safety of maritime transportation. The organization calls on market participants to actively implement digital control systems, as well as strengthen responsibility for incorrect paperwork.
