I am pleased to introduce an update on the “Book it right and pack it tight” publication, which reflects the mandatory application of the latest amendment to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code from 1 January 2024.

As I consider the journey that has led to this most recent amendment to the IMDG Code, I think it is worth reflecting on how far we have come as an industry. Modern regulations and guidance, here expanded and improved, that maintain the safety of maritime transport have their roots in international treaties negotiated over one hundred years ago. Then, as now, the disparate nature of maritime transport and its stakeholders required an exceptional level of coordination as governments, shippers, port operators and invested businesses sought to eliminate loss of life and cargo at sea. As the level of international commerce has grown, so too has the need for ever closer coordination between these diverse stakeholders.

This very coordination has always been the greatest challenge facing participants in the global freight supply chain. The temptation is always to view our own organisation, our own business, our own role in isolation from the larger network of the supply chain as we seek to meet our own unique goals. Fortunately, we are reminded from time to time of our larger responsibilities towards the partners and counterparties with whom we work, the environment in which we operate, the societies whom we ultimately serve.

The modern supply chain reflects an ever changing tapestry of risk and efforts to combat it. Every incident we experience reflects a breakdown in these efforts which results from actions and decisions taken by individual participants. As stakeholders, we must constantly be reminded that such unfortunate outcomes may only be combated through furthering education and communication of the procedures and regulations that protect us all. For this reason, I am pleased to lend my support to this guide presented by UK P&I Club and TT Club, and I would like to encourage its wider distribution to all stakeholders operating in the intermodal supply chain who might draw benefit from it. It is worth remembering that it is often the actions of the shipper who initiates a transport and his appointed container packer that drive the outcomes we seek to avoid.

As we review the changes implemented within Amendment 41-22 of the IMDG Code, which are presented in this guide, it is a perfect opportunity to be reminded of our larger responsibilities and to consider our place in making the supply chain safe and secure. The messages contained in this guide represent the cumulative work of generations. As we press onward with the unflagging business of moving goods around the globe, we must remember to remain ever vigilant as we seek to maintain the standards presented herein.

Ken Rohlmann

Hapag-Lloyd
Senior Director & Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor

World Shipping Council
Coordinator of the Safety and Security Council
“Dangerous Goods and Containership Fires” working group

IVODGA
Executive Committee Member
September 2023