MSC Cape Town

Some of the world's most prominent shipping lines have teamed up to operate a new cargo incident database, that is designed to highlight cargo incidents.

CMA CGM, Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk and MSC set up the Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) system at the end of 2010 to collaborate on and fund the project, and have now gone live with CINSnet, which records information on poorly-stored cargo, incorrect packaging and inaccurate weight declaration.

IFW reported that any data collected by the system will help identify areas that might require more training for cargo handlers, or amendments to codes such as the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.

'The original idea was to focus on hazardous freight, but CINSnet will now cover all incidents,' said project chairman Dirk Van de Velde, an executive at MSC. 'Rather than restrict the aims of CINSnet, the founder members have decided to let the scheme evolve in whatever direction seems appropriate.'