Lines go live with database that identifies risky cargo

The Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS), a database that collects and shares information on operational accidents and incidents from seaborne carriers, has gone live. CMA-CGM, Evergreen, Hapag Lloyd, Maersk and MSC set up the database last November. The five shipping lines collaborated on the project to collect and share information and highlight risks posed by certain cargoes or packing failures in order to improve safety in the liner shipping industry. The original idea was to focus on hazardous freight, but the CINSnet will now cover all incidents that involve cargoes,” according to MSC executive and CINS Organisation chairman Dirk Vande Velde. “Rather than restrict the aims of CINSnet, the founder members have decided to let the scheme evolve in whatever direction seems appropriate.” He added membership could even be extended to the non-container sectors. “For any clear pattern emerging that could require regulatory intervention, the lines will now have the hard facts to support their claims and no longer have to rely on anecdotal evidence when presenting their case,” he said. “CINS members anticipate that, over time, the database will also reveal how widespread unsafe practices are in the industry. This is information that can be used to press for better advice and training, as well as legislative changes.” He emphasised that the project did not breach any anti-trust or competition laws. The CINS organisation selected Exis Technologies to develop the CINSnet database, report processing and network functionality that drives the CINS initiative.