Maritime transport of dangerous goods
This page provides information on safety reports for ports handling dangerous goods, dangerous goods notifications, accident reports and regulatory oversight.
On this page
- Dangerous goods inspections at ports
- Submit a notification of a one-off shipment of dangerous goods at a port
- Submit a notification of dangerous or polluting goods carried by sea
- Report an accident or incident involving dangerous goods at sea or in a port
Dangerous goods inspections at ports
Traficom monitors the transport of dangerous goods by sea and port operations by carrying out inspections at Finnish ports. The inspections check that the transport and temporary storage of dangerous goods comply with Finnish legislation and the requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. The inspections may cover transport documents, packaging, markings, cargo handling, stowage, cargo weights and port safety arrangements. Traficom works with other authorities, such as rescue authorities, Finnish Customs and the police, when necessary.
Inspections are carried out both as part of Traficom's regular supervision and through national and international inspection campaigns. Annual inspection campaigns known as the Baltic Sea Weeks are organised in the Baltic Sea region. During these campaigns, authorities inspect the transport of dangerous goods simultaneously at several Baltic Sea ports, following harmonised inspection procedures. The inspections aim to improve transport safety, harmonise inspection practices and reduce the risks associated with transporting dangerous goods.
In addition, once a safety report for a port handling dangerous goods has been approved, Traficom audits the port to check that its operations match those described in the safety report. The audit takes place no later than one year after the safety report has been approved. At least the rescue authority, the regional economic development centre and the Finnish Supervisory Agency are invited to take part in the audit.
Submit a notification of a one-off shipment of dangerous goods at a port
Traficom has introduced a notification procedure for one-off shipments of dangerous goods arriving at a port that differ from the port's normal operations. The procedure aims to ensure that the risks associated with these shipments are identified and that the port has adequate safety arrangements for cargo handling, any temporary storage and transport within the port area.
To submit a notification, send Traficom a report in the required format. The report must describe, among other things, the goods being transported, handling and storage arrangements and the main safety measures and emergency preparedness arrangements. The notification is not a permit application. It provides the authorities with advance information about an exceptional shipment.
Submit a notification of dangerous or polluting goods carried by sea
You must submit an advance notification of dangerous goods transported by sea before transport begins and before the goods are brought into a port. This allows the port, the ship and the authorities to ensure the safe receipt, handling, stowage and transport of the goods.
A port call notification and a dangerous cargo notification must be submitted no later than 24 hours before the ship arrives at a Finnish port. After the ship arrives, a cargo notification must also be submitted within one hour of the ship berthing.
When dangerous goods are transported by road or rail for onward transport by sea, the consignor must pass on the information required by the IMDG Code to the next parties in the transport chain. The party responsible for the ship's reporting obligations, such as the ship's agent or another party acting on behalf of the ship, then uses this information to submit an advance notification of dangerous goods through the national maritime reporting system.
In Finland, advance notifications are currently submitted through Portnet. Portnet is gradually being replaced by NEMO (National Maritime Single Window). Through NEMO, maritime notifications, including notifications of dangerous goods, will be submitted electronically to the authorities and other parties that need the information.
The notification must include information needed to ensure transport safety, such as the UN number, proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group (where applicable), quantity and any other information required by the IMDG Code. The reporting obligation is based on the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the IMDG Code, EU legislation on maritime reporting formalities and national legislation.
Report an accident or incident involving dangerous goods at sea or in a port
Accidents and incidents involving the transport of dangerous goods by sea must be reported in accordance with the applicable regulations. The reporting requirements cover both accidents and incidents involving the transport of dangerous goods and maritime accidents in general.
Depending on the nature of the event, the ship's master, shipping company or another party responsible for reporting must notify the competent authorities. Reports may be submitted to Traficom, the Safety Investigation Authority of Finland or another competent authority.
Under international conventions, the ship's master or another person responsible for the ship must also report serious accidents and incidents involving dangerous goods transported by sea without delay to the competent authority of the nearest coastal state. A report is particularly required if cargo containing dangerous goods has been lost overboard or is suspected to have been lost overboard, if INF cargo has been released or is suspected to have been released or if a ship carrying INF cargo has suffered damage, failure or breakdown that endangers the safety of the ship or the safety of navigation. The ship's master must also report other events affecting maritime safety or the marine environment in accordance with international regulations.