The World Shipping Council (WSC) has raised the alarm over the rising safety deficiencies in cargo inspection programmes globally.
These include mis-declared and undeclared dangerous goods, incorrect documentation and improper packing, all of which can lead to serious safety accidents at sea, including ship fires.
In its newly released report, WSC disclosed that 11.39 per cent of cargo shipments inspected in 2024 were flagged for violations, up from 11 per cent recorded in 2023 and one of the highest levels in recent years.
WSC warned that more than one in every 10 containers inspected worldwide in 2024 was found to be deficient.
For Nigeria, where containerised imports and exports through Lagos and other ports continue to grow, experts warn that poor cargo inspection and declaration could heighten risks for ships operating in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) always points out false and under-declared goods by importers, leading to seizures.
The data, compiled from port state inspections, continues a series previously maintained by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) until its discontinuation in 2023.
The inspection data by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS), showed deficiency rates stood at 8.64 per cent in 2017, dropped slightly to 8.40 per cent in 2018 and 6.54 per cent in 2019, before climbing again to 7.41 per cent in 2020.
By 2021, the figure had jumped to 10.86 per cent, eased to 7.84 per cent in 2022, and then surged back to 11 per cent in 2023 before climbing further to 11.39 per cent in 2024.
The report further revealed that only seven port States currently submit inspection data, underscoring gaps in global monitoring and leaving blind spots in the fight against unsafe cargo.
Under international law, port States may inspect containers to ensure cargo complies with international regulations and standards, including proper declaration and packing of dangerous goods.
The President and Chief Executive Officer of WSC, Joe Kramek, said cargo safety begins with the correct declaration and safe packing of goods.
He said that with over one in 10 shipments showing deficiencies, the gaps in cargo safety remain far too common, stressing that such deficiencies endanger crews, vessels, cargo, and the environment.
“By continuing this reporting, we can identify trends and take appropriate action to improve the safety of shipping. With only seven port States currently reporting, there is an opportunity for more governments to contribute their data, strengthening the global picture and helping to make shipping safer for everyone,” he said.
Kramek stressed that by pairing accurate reporting with better screening, clear standards, and practical guidance, the shipping industry can reduce risks and protect lives, cargo, and the marine environment.
The WSC is also pushing for tighter global enforcement, including its soon-to-be-launched Cargo Safety Programme, aimed at improving cargo screening, inspections, and international standards.
