Transport of dangerous goods on passenger and car ferries at centre of safety investigation

“The aluminium dross cargo carried on a vehicle combination began to emit smoke on the car deck. The self-heating reaction of the cargo resulted in a demanding extinguishing and cooling operation on board the vessel and later in the port of Mariehamn. This situation was made more dangerous by the fact that there was another vehicle carrying a battery cargo next to the vehicle. There was a risk of a much larger accident,” says Mirva Salokorpi, Investigator in Charge.

“This investigation provides us with access to the chain of events that led to the incident, i.e. the labelling and transport of hazardous recyclable material on passenger and car ferries. Labelling refers to the accurate documentation of cargo content in transport documents and marking the cargo unit with appropriate placards. This investigation provides an opportunity to examine the entire chain from the storage and transportation of dangerous materials, related information flow and loading to extinguishing and rescue operations, as well as other activities by the authorities,” Salokorpi adds.

The purpose of the safety investigation is to improve public safety and prevent new accidents and incidents. Matters of guilt and liability will not be addressed in the investigation.

The duration of the safety investigation is approximately 9 to 12 months.

Inquiries:

Mirva Salokorpi, Investigator in Charge, tel. +358 2951 50730

Tiina Bieber, Head of Communications, tel. +358 2951 50714