WSC launches industry-first Cargo Safety Program to prevent ship fires

The programme combines AI-powered cargo screening and common inspection standards to identify misdeclared and undeclared high-risk shipments before they are loaded.

Ship fires are at their highest level in more than a decade, according to Allianz’s Safety and Shipping Review 2025. Misdeclared dangerous goods are a leading cause of ship fires, and are thought to be responsible for more than a quarter of all cargo-related incidents.

“We have seen too many tragic incidents where misdeclared cargo has led to catastrophic fires, including the loss of life,” said WSC president and chief executive Joe Kramek. “The WSC Cargo Safety Program strengthens the industry’s safety net by combining shared screening technology, common inspection standards, and real-world feedback to reduce risk.”

At the heart of the programme is a digital cargo screening tool powered by the National Cargo Bureau’s technology. It scans millions of bookings in real time using keyword searches, trade pattern recognition and AI-driven algorithms to identify potential risks. Alerts are reviewed by carriers and, when needed, verified through targeted physical inspections.

The programme also establishes common inspection standards for verifying shipments and an incident feedback loop to ensure lessons from real-world cases strengthen prevention. At launch, carriers representing more than 70% of global TEU capacity have joined the programme.

“By working together and using the best available tools, we can identify risks early, act quickly and prevent accidents before they happen,” Mr Kramek said. “The Cargo Safety Program is a powerful new layer of protection, but it does not replace the fundamental obligation shippers have to declare dangerous goods accurately. That is the starting point for safety and it is required under international law.”

WSC said the programme will continue to evolve, with regular updates to its technology and standards to address new and emerging risks.