Risk Management for Dangerous Goods in Maritime Transport: Assessment of Container Scanning Methods as Means of Risk Mitigation

Abstract

Maritime transport is crucial for international trade. No less than 14 million containers, including containers with not correctly declared cargo, are shipped on high seas worldwide. The risk of transporting hazardous goods is very high, predominately when there are undeclared or misdeclared. The project on Container Scanning by Muon-based Imaging using Cosmic rayS (COSMICS) was initiated by the Institute of Maritime Infrastructures and the department of Maritime Security Technologies. Aim of the project is to design a harbour muon container scanner with low economic impact and for safe container inspection. This thesis investigates how container scanning can prevent accidents due to dangerous goods in maritime transport. The thesis provides a qualitative risk assessment that suggests control measures for customs and port operators applicable during container inspections. This assessment is based on a review of 51 dangerous goods accidents. Secondly, a single server queuing model is used for assessing the container scanning process. The model calculates the time-related impact of performing container scanning. The model is used for estimating the scanning performance and the detectability likelihood of undeclared or misdeclared dangerous goods. Finally, expert’s interviews were conducted to assess the practical aspect of container scanning.