Loss Prevention Advice
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The risks associated with the carriage of plastic pellets in containers and provides practical measures to prevent spillage and protect the marine environment.
Understanding the risks of plastic pellets
In recent years, several high-profile incidents have occurred, such as the Trans Carrier in 2020 and the XPress Pearl in 2021, where containers have fallen overboard from container ships and resulted in the release of plastic pellets into seas and oceans with subsequent harm to the marine environment.
While the carriage of plastic pellets in shipping containers is a secure means of shipment, the environmental concern arises when these containers are lost overboard. Once plastic pellets are released, their physical properties of being small and light allow them to travel extensive distances from the initial release location.
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A key information relating to stowaway incidents and loss prevention measures, highlighting the ongoing risks at West African ports and the importance of proactive strategies to protect vessels and crew.
Case studies
As explained, during the 2025 P&I year, the number and geographic distribution of stowaway cases handled by China P&I Club indicate that stowaway incidents remain frequent in Africa, especially at West African ports. The Club has provided three case studies of incidents occurring throughout the year. These are:
Case #1
In February 2025, member vessel A departed from Lagos, Nigeria, bound for Kribi, Cameroon. Before leaving Lagos, the captain reported conducting two stowaway prevention inspections and confirmed safety.
However, several days later, after anchoring at Kribi, a stowaway was discovered at the deck ladder by a duty sailor.
The stowaway stated that he had gone to the vessel’s crane control room after boarding and hid in a corner there.
After discovery, the crew properly accommodated him in a cabin, and with the assistance of the local shipping agent, he was repatriated from Kribi.
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A dangerous goods quick reference guide regarding corrosive substances, outlining do’s and don’ts on handling those Class 8 cargoes.
Class 8 dangerous goods include corrosive substances that chemically damage living tissue and metals. They can react violently, produce heat and gases when mixed with other substances or exposed to temperature deviations. Risks include property damage, cargo damage, injury, environmental harm, insurance invalidation, and potential criminal prosecution.
Examples:
Acids: Sulfuric acid, Hydrochloric acid, Oleum (fuming sulfuric acid), Nitric acid, Hydrofluoric acid.
Alkalis/Bases: Caustic potash (Potassium hydroxide), Caustic soda (Sodium hydroxide), Ammonia anhydrous, some drain cleaners, some bleaches.
Classification is influenced by chemistry (organic/inorganic) and state (liquid/solid).
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A Ukrainian drone attack damaged two vessels, two piers and sparked a fire in a village on the Black Sea coast in Russia’s Krasnodar region, regional authorities said on 22 December.
The damage led to a fire spreading up to 1,500 square metres (1,794 square yards), said authorities. By 0200 GMT the fire was still raging. All crew on the ships at the Volna terminal on the Black Sea have been safely evacuated, the Krasnodar region’s operational headquarters said on the Telegram messaging app.