In 2024, 8,850 maritime shipments of Misdeclared goods on a total of 77,688 shipments inspected by the Government Authorities of Finland, Canada, Holland, Chile, Germany, Republic of Korea and USA. The 11.39% of irregular shipments found in 2024 is the highest in the last seven years. The highlights a report presented today by the World Shipping Council (WSC), the international association representing the main global container shipping companies, which emphasizes how this percentage of irregular shipments includes goods misdeclared or undeclared hazardous waste, documentation incorrect or inadequate packaging, factors that can lead to serious accidents to ships, including the outbreak of fires. The report of the WSC, which takes up the data series on inspections of goods collected in the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) International Maritime Organization (IMO), data collection that the IMO stopped last year, is based on port State inspection data.

"Given that more than one in ten shipments has shortages - noted the president and CEO of the World Shipping Council, Joe Kramek - the message is clear: it is far too widespread insufficient security of loads. Irregularities of cargoes that put crews, ships, cargo and the environment at risk. By continuing to carry out this reporting, we can identify the trend and take appropriate measures in order to improve the safety of maritime transport. Since currently only seven port states provide data, there is the opportunity for more governments to contribute with their data, strengthening the global picture and helping to making maritime transport safer for everyone".