In its initial
release, this global tool significantly reduces the steps required for crucial
safety tasks. The incorporation of auto-completion and drop-down
fields featuring standard IMDG terminology enhances clarity, accelerates
processes, and minimizes the likelihood of errors.
Annually, around 60 million TEUs travel the globe,
with approximately six million containing hazardous cargo. TheHazDV is particularly crucial in handling such cargo, which poses
elevated risks if not managed correctly, especially with the surge in items
like lithium-ion batteries.
A study conducted by the National Cargo Bureau, in
collaboration with major shipping companies such as Maersk, Hapag Lloyd, and
MSC, revealed alarming statistics. Of inspected containers, 55% were
non-compliant, 43% failed due to insecure dangerous goods, and 6.5% carried
mis-declared goods, often stemming from a lack of familiarity with the
International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. APM Terminals’ HazDV
incorporates logic checks to validate the application of correct IMDG codes,
identifying and rectifying documentation mistakes.
Providing information about hazardous cargo to ports
and terminals is imperative for Health, Safety, and Resilience teams. This data
aids in emergency preparedness, yard planning, segregation, cross-checking in
Terminal Operating Systems, and compliance with local regulations. The HazDV
expedites and simplifies this information flow.
Mis-declarations
can significantly impact Terminal Operations and customer supply chains, leading to truck delays during the gate-in process. Incorrect
declarations heighten the risk of accidents in terminal yards due to unsafe
storage practices and increase the potential for accidents involving carriers
due to unsafe stowage.
APM Terminals has
successfully implemented HazDV at its US terminals in Port Elizabeth, Mobile,
and Miami. As part of APM Terminals’ global digital solutions,
it can be rapidly deployed to other ports and terminals, with plans for
expansion to four additional terminals shortly.