ZIM deploys AI to combat mis-declared hazardous cargo

Cargo shipping company ZIM reports that it has developed and implemented a new AI-based screening software to detect and identify incidents of mis-declared hazardous cargo before loading on to the company’s vessels.

The new ZIMGuard system scans shippers’ cargo declarations at an early stage and flags potential cases of wrongly declared cargo in real time.

The system harnesses Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning capabilities, to analyse the documentation presented and alert operations personnel of occurrences of omission, concealment or erroneous declaration of hazardous cargo.

The company says that the technology has already proven its worth on numerous occasions since its introduction, having now been implemented in major ports in China, the US and Israel. The technology is expected to be deployed by all ZIM lines before the end of 2020.

“Developing this innovative system exemplifies the creative and unique approach we cultivate in everything we do in ZIM – our secret ingredient,” said Eli Glickman, ZIM President and CEO.

“Since launching ZIMGuard, we were alerted to dozens of cases of mis-declared cargo. In view of ZIMGuard’s potential contribution to the safety of the global supply chain, ZIM is willing to commercially offer licensing this system to parties who may be interested in utilising it.”

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Rob O'Dwyer
Rob O'Dwyer

Rob is Chief Network Officer and one of the founders of Smart Maritime Network. He also serves as Chairman of the Smart Maritime Council. Rob has worked in the maritime technology sector since 2005, managing editorial for a range of leading publications in the transport and logistics sector. Get in touch by email by clicking here, or on LinkedIn by clicking here.

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