APMT launches hazardous cargo tool

The Hazardous Documentation Vault (HazDV) online portal streamlines the documentation process, adding clarity and reducing the risk of errors.

Around 10% of container trade is in hazardous material, including items such as lithium-ion batteries which pose a substantial risk of explosion and fire if not handled correctly.

Yet a recent study by the National Cargo Bureau in partnership with Maersk, Hapag Lloyd and MSC found that more than half (55%) of inspected containers were non-compliant, 43% containers held poorly secured dangerous goods and 6.5% contained mis-declared goods.

Mis-declarations can have a significant impact on terminal operations and supply chains. Incorrect declarations also increase the risk of accidents in the terminal yard.

APM Terminals’ HazDV helps reduce these dangers by carrying out a number of checks to ensure that the correct IMDG codes have been applied, so mistakes in documentation are identified.

The new tool has already been rolled out at the company’s US terminals in Port Elizabeth, Mobile, and Miami, with plans for four further terminals in the coming months.