Following recent explosions and fires on container ships Northern Juvenile, Maersk Frankfurt, and YM Mobility, China’s Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has called on liner operators to exercise more stringent supervision over the transportation of dangerous goods.
MSA emphasised that shipping lines must learn from these incidents, draw relevant inferences, and take concrete measures to prevent such accidents from recurring. The administration stressed that safety should always be the top priority, as lives are at stake.
The recent incidents include a fire on the Northern Juvenile on May 26, which is currently undergoing repairs; an explosion on the Maersk Frankfurt on July 19, resulting in one fatality; an explosion on the YM Mobility on August 9 in Ningbo port and an explosion on the MSC Cape Town III on August 11 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
MSA’s advisory highlights the need for operators to recognise the severe and complex situation surrounding dangerous goods transport, especially during summer; eliminate complacency and strengthen monitoring and rectification of hidden dangers and enhance crew members’ safety awareness and sense of responsibility.
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