Today, OOCL (Orient Overseas Container Line) issued an “Important Announcement on the Acceptance of Dangerous Goods in High Temperature Weather.”

OOCL stated that recently, multiple dangerous goods fires and ship fires have occurred one after another. With the arrival of the high-temperature season, to actively address the severe challenges brought by this special period and effectively ensure the safety management of ship-borne dangerous goods, we need to strengthen strict control over all types of dangerous goods, especially flammable and explosive packaged dangerous goods requiring temperature control.

OOCL emphasizes that in case of any underreporting, misreporting, or false reporting of dangerous goods, the company will charge a penalty of USD 30,000 per container.

Full Text as Follows:

Dear Customers and Agents,

 Recently, multiple dangerous goods fires and ship fires have occurred, like heavy alarm bells ringing in our ears. With the arrival of the high-temperature season, to actively respond to the severe challenges brought by this special period and effectively ensure the safety management of ship-borne dangerous goods, we need to focus on strengthening strict control over all types of dangerous goods, especially flammable and explosive packaged dangerous goods requiring temperature control.

Here, we solemnly request all dangerous goods shippers to strictly fulfill their responsibilities for dangerous goods safety management. Before cargo transportation, proper packaging measures should be taken in accordance with relevant regulations, and safety guarantees such as temperature control should be well implemented. At the same time, key information such as the correct transport name, quantity, dangerous characteristics, necessary control and emergency temperatures, and emergency disposal measures of the goods should be timely and accurately communicated to the carrier. In addition, the cargo safety suitability report should be completed as required to ensure the compliance and safety of cargo transportation.

The declaration of dangerous goods allows no carelessness. Incorrect declaration or intentional underreporting may lead to unforeseen serious consequences, endangering life and property safety, causing huge economic losses, and severely impacting the normal operation of the entire trade supply chain. In recent years, several large container ships internationally have been severely damaged and suffered heavy losses due to underreporting or misreporting of dangerous goods. Given the high risk of dangerous goods transportation, countries around the world, including China, have formulated strict and detailed transportation norms and laws and regulations. Customers have the obligation and responsibility to ensure that the declared information on the Commodity，grade, etc., of import and export dangerous goods to our company fully matches the actual situation, and the packaging and transportation temperature must strictly comply with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. Otherwise, customers will bear all consequences arising therefrom.

In case of any underreporting, misreporting, or false reporting of dangerous goods, our company will charge a penalty of USD 30,000 per container. For the definition of cargo underreporting by our company and details of relevant handling measures, please refer to: https://moc.oocl.com/wls_prs_rp/public/ruleTariff/search/display (click Read More) and enter Rule Number S-6 for inquiry.

In addition, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Maritime Code, our company has the right to unload, destroy, or take other measures to make the goods harmless to the public at any time and any place as needed, without assuming compensation liability. If our company suffers losses due to transporting such goods, we will, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, request the judicial authorities to pursue the criminal and civil compensation responsibilities of the relevant responsible persons.

Maritime shipping safety is related to the vital interests of every participant. Here, our company sincerely requests all customers and agents to carefully follow our dangerous goods declaration procedures for correct declaration. Let us work together to maintain the safety and stability of maritime shipping and ensure the intact, timely, and accurate delivery of goods.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Once again, reminding that with frequent maritime accidents recently, it is recommended that freight forwarder friends forward this to customers as a reminder!!!