The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is introducing new regulations for the carriage of charcoal on merchant ships. They will be voluntary from January 2025 and mandatory from January 2026.
The German Shipowners’ Association (VDR) supported the immediate implementation of the changes, emphasizing their importance for the safety of crews and cargo. According to the VDR, 68 fires involving charcoal occurred on container ships between 2015 and 2022.
The updated IMDG Code requirements include a minimum 14-day storage of the charcoal or its packaging in inert gas, a maximum packaging temperature of 40°C, a gap of 30 cm between cargo in transport blocks, as well as strict labeling and storage rules. These measures are aimed at reducing the risk of spontaneous combustion and increasing the safety of maritime transport.