Can dangerous goods be shipped by sea?

Dangerous goods transportation refers to the transportation of substances or items that, due to their special physical, chemical, biological characteristics, etc., may cause harm to humans, animals, plants, the natural environment, etc. This type of substance includes but is not limited to explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidants, toxic substances, radioactive materials, corrosives, etc. Given its potential danger, the safety management of dangerous goods transportation is crucial, and strict regulations must be formulated and implemented to ensure the safety of all aspects of the transportation process.
As an important component of international logistics, whether to allow the transportation of dangerous goods by sea is a complex and strict issue. In fact, dangerous goods can indeed be transported by sea, but the prerequisite is to comply with a series of international and domestic regulations, as well as strict operating procedures and safety measures.
The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) is the core rule that guides the packaging of dangerous goods for global maritime transportation. This rule was developed by an expert working group appointed by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) of the International Maritime Organization and was officially adopted on September 27, 1965. Its main purpose is to ensure the safety of ships carrying dangerous goods and human life and property, prevent accidents, prevent marine pollution, make navigation safer, and make the ocean cleaner.
The content of the International Dangerous Goods Code includes three major sections (7 parts, 2 appendices, and supplementary versions), which provide detailed regulations on the classification, packaging, consignment procedures, transportation operations, and other related provisions of dangerous goods. Dangerous goods are divided into 9 major categories and 20 subcategories, including explosives, gases, flammable liquids, flammable solids, oxidants, toxic substances, radioactive materials, corrosives, and other dangerous goods. Each type of hazardous material has its specific transportation requirements and safety precautions.
For example, explosives are strictly limited to specific packaging and transportation conditions due to their strong chemical reactivity and destructive power. Flammable liquids require special fire prevention measures and ensure that they do not ignite due to temperature rise during transportation. Toxic substances and radioactive materials require strict packaging and labeling to prevent leakage and contamination.
Maritime dangerous goods are not only subject to the International Dangerous Goods Code, but also need to comply with the domestic laws and regulations of each country. In China, the transportation of dangerous goods by sea is regulated by the Maritime Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China and relevant administrative regulations. These regulations require enterprises engaged in the transportation of dangerous goods to have corresponding qualifications, transport ships and equipment must comply with national standards, and be equipped with necessary safety equipment. In addition, personnel engaged in the transportation of dangerous goods must undergo professional training, possess corresponding safety awareness and emergency response capabilities.
Dangerous goods must be loaded and transported in accordance with the prescribed packaging, labeling, and shipping requirements. For hazardous materials with special properties such as flammability, explosiveness, and toxicity, corresponding measures such as fire prevention, explosion prevention, and gas defense should be taken to ensure that the goods are not exposed to hazardous environments during transportation. Transport vehicles and equipment must undergo inspection and certification to ensure their safety performance and reliability, and undergo regular maintenance and repairs.
During transportation, accidents or unexpected situations may occur, therefore it is necessary to establish corresponding emergency plans. Transportation companies should establish sound emergency plans, organize relevant personnel for drills and training, and improve their emergency response capabilities. The government regulatory authorities should also strengthen monitoring and early warning of accidents and emergencies, take timely measures, and protect the safety of people's lives and property.
However, despite a series of strict regulations and measures, there are still significant risks associated with shipping dangerous goods by sea. Therefore, in practical operation, it is necessary to maintain a high level of vigilance and caution, strictly comply with various regulations, and ensure the safety of dangerous goods transportation.