World Shipping Council Launches AI Cargo Safety Program

The World Shipping Council has announced the launch of its Cargo Safety Program, an initiative aimed at detecting misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods using artificial intelligence. This program seeks to prevent ship fires, protect crews, vessels, and the marine environment.

The Cargo Safety Program integrates AI-powered cargo screening with common inspection standards to identify high-risk shipments before they are loaded. A digital cargo screening tool, powered by the National Cargo Bureau's technology, scans millions of bookings in real time using keyword searches, trade pattern recognition, and AI-driven algorithms to identify potential risks. Alerts generated by the system are reviewed by carriers and verified through targeted physical inspections when necessary.

The initiative also establishes common inspection standards and an incident feedback loop to enhance prevention strategies. At its launch, carriers representing over 70% of global TEU capacity have joined the program. The World Shipping Council emphasizes that while the program adds a layer of protection, shippers are still fundamentally obligated to declare dangerous goods accurately, as required under international law.