Shipping companies around the world are using artificial intelligence (AI) to assess cargo risk in a bid to reduce the number of deadly fires at sea, the World Shipping Council (WSC) said, reports the Financial Times.

According to WSC data, the number of major ship fires in 2024 reached a decade-high, driven by an increase in cargo containing batteries and other flammable materials. Among the main causes of these fires, the WSC cited the reluctance of shipping agents to declare dangerous goods. This is done either by accident or to avoid higher fees for dangerous goods.

There have been far too many tragic cases where misdeclared cargo has led to catastrophic fires, including fatalities, said Joe Kramek the President and CEO of WSC.

The new AI-based tool will enable shipping companies to scan millions of orders in real time using image recognition and algorithms to identify risks. And information about fires will be shared with carriers, who can conduct in-person inspections if necessary.