The World Shipping Council (WSC), the international trade association of container and ro/ro shipping companies, has launched the new Cargo Safety Program. Using artificial intelligence (AI), shipping companies will screen cargo data to detect dangerous cargoes that are misdeclared or undeclared. The initiative should reduce ship fires, a problem that has reached its highest level in a decade, according to the Allianz Safety and Shipping Review 2025.

Member shipping companies, accounting for 70% of global capacity, will monitor millions of bookings in real time with AI algorithms, keyword searches and pattern recognition. Suspicious bookings will be further investigated and physically inspected if necessary.

According to WSC CEO Joe Kramek, the goal is to protect crews, ships and the environment and prevent tragic incidents. The program also includes joint inspection standards and a feedback mechanism to avoid future incidents. Shippers' organization Global Shippers Forum supports the initiative, but stresses that shippers remain responsible for proper hazardous cargo reporting.