Maersk, ABS Study Finds Hazards Affecting Safety on Boxships

Hazards associated with dangerous goods stowage on containerships were identified on a range of boxship designs, a study conducted by Maersk Line and ABS showed.

The Danish shipping major selected ABS to lead a comprehensive Hazard Identification (HAZID) study in the aftermath of the Maersk Honam fire on March 6, 2018.

The workshop, which was launched in an effort to identify and evaluate potential hazards from dangerous cargoes stowage, identified hazards on a range of containership designs, many which are not fully addressed by the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code.

The outcome will include recommendations to improve stowage planning and hazard mitigation, leading to better management of risks, according to ABS.

“We are encouraged by the outcome of this workshop which will lead to further safety improvements to be considered for the IMDG Code. With ABS and other leading international partners, we will now work to implement the recommendations we have identified,” Ole Graa Jakobsen, Maersk Line Head of Fleet Technology, said.

Five crew members were lost in the devastating fire aboard Maersk Honam and, as salvage operations continue, Maersk Line said that it is “determined to explore all ways to further improve safety” onboard its vessels.