Dangerous Goods Loading
Operational Simplification Improving Logistics Efficiency
In international logistics, even seemingly minor changes can have a significant impact on the entire operational chain. This is the case with the regulatory update affecting dangerous goods loading procedures in Italian ports, which has introduced greater flexibility in the management of authorisations.
A simple yet meaningful change that has helped streamline logistics flows and reduce some of the most frequent operational bottlenecks.
What Is Meant by Dangerous Goods
The term dangerous goods refers to any substance or article that, if not handled correctly, may pose a risk to people, means of transport, other shipments, or the environment.
The list is broader than one might expect and includes everyday products such as aerosols, perfumes, paints, and devices containing lithium batteries, in addition to industrial chemicals. Dangerous goods are classified into nine classes, each with specific rules governing packaging, labelling, and transport.
The Traditional Loading Procedure
The loading of dangerous goods has always been subject to a complex procedure involving multiple stakeholders: freight forwarders, shipping agents, carriers, port authorities, and the Harbour Master’s Office.
In the past, obtaining loading authorisation required indicating the container number well in advance of the vessel’s arrival. A requirement that often created operational difficulties, as container numbers can change at short notice for logistical, technical, or safety reasons.
Operational Bottlenecks Along the Supply Chain
The need to communicate information in advance generated numerous issues over the years. Equipment changes, road congestion, terminal delays, or incidents during inland transport could render the initially communicated container number invalid.
In such cases, containers carrying dangerous goods risked being denied unloading or loading authorisation, leading to forced stops, delays, and additional costs for all parties involved.
Regulatory Simplification
The regulatory update introduced the possibility of initiating the authorisation process using the booking number or reference number, even when the container number is not yet available.
The final container number must still be communicated at a later stage—before entry into the port area—allowing the procedure to be completed and final loading or unloading authorisation to be issued.
In Genoa, in particular, where the Port System Authority also authorizes entry into the port area at the request of the freight forwarder/transit agent, with issues related to the opening of offices that are not compatible with operating times, work is underway to have the authorization to unload issued by AdSP, including the booking number.
Benefits for Operators
This change has significantly reduced operational pressure across the supply chain, improving coordination among freight forwarders, agents, and hauliers. In complex port environments, where operational windows are often tight, the ability to work initially with a booking number represents an advantage.
A small procedural adjustment that has improved the efficiency of dangerous goods handling without compromising the safety standards required by the sector.
Towards Leaner Logistics
Dangerous goods management remains one of the most sensitive areas of international logistics. However, the evolution of procedures shows that operational efficiency can be improved through targeted interventions—simplifying processes without lowering levels of control and safety.
A clear indication that even in highly regulated environments, innovation can take the form of small but meaningful steps forward.