ZIM has developed and implemented an AI-based screening software to detect and identify incidents of mis-declared hazardous cargo before loading to vessel.

The new ZIMGuard™ system scans shippers’ cargo declarations at an early stage and flags potential cases of wrongly declared cargo. The system harnesses AI, including Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities and machine learning, to analyze documentation and alert operations personnel of occurrences of omission, concealment or erroneous declaration of hazardous cargo in real time.

Misdeclaration of hazardous cargo has been at the root of major marine incidents, causing loss of life and severe damages. Last year, several carriers announced the imposition of additional fees as a partial solution for this recurring problem. 

Captain Zadok Radecker, ZIM Global Hazardous & Special Cargos Manager, in charge of cargo security, said: “Coping with misdeclarations of hazardous cargo, which can create a serious risk, is challenging. The new system has proven to be effective and on target. It enables us to identify, investigate and clarify any issue prior to loading, ensuring the safety of the crew and ship, and the safety of the supply chain in general.”