Marine insurer TT Club has called for greater diligence around dangerous goods transportation following a spate of container ship fires in the past four months.

TT risk management director Peregrine Storrs-Fox says the causes remain under investigation but there are strong indications explosive chemicals and fire accelerators such as lithium-ion batteries may be involved in at least two cases.

“As with historic incidents, it is likely that various errors occurred as the shipments were initiated and the exact nature of the cargoes was communicated to supply chain counterparties, giving rise again to ‘perfect storms’,” he said. “Every participant in the process needs to act in the best interests of safety at every point in these cargoes’ journeys.”

Explosions and fires have affected vessels including the Northern Juvenile in the South China Sea in May, the Maersk Frankfurt in the Indian Ocean, and more recently the MSC Cape Town III in Colombo and the YM Mobility in Ningbo.

TT says emergency services responded quickly to minimise damage and loss of life in cases where the ships were berthed, although pollution and berth blockage risks emerged, but more serious consequences can develop at sea. A crewman lost his life in the Maersk Frankfurt fire, which burnt for several days, and the ship remains with salvors.

The number of containers of dangerous goods that are shipped annually is difficult to estimate due to mis- and non-declaration, TT says. Two years ago, the International Maritime Organisation amended inspection program guidelines for cargo transport units, but consolidated results from eight countries, or 5% of signatory states, for last year show continuing safety concerns.

Care of every shipment requires good communication along the supply chain, due diligence by every player and a culture of “know your customer and operating partner”, TT says.

“In this regard, we applaud the recent statement by China’s Maritime Safety Administration that underlined shippers’ responsibilities, in addition to those of the carriers,” Mr Storrs-Fox said.

“Such warnings and encouragements by regulatory authorities are to be welcomed. However, TT would reiterate the statement that regulations merely set the baseline.”