Mediterranean Shipping Company
MSC, a privately owned, global organisation operating a network
of over 480 offices in 150 countries, employs a team of more than
60,000 people. Its fleet of 460 container vessels has an
intake capacity of circa 2.75 million TEU and the company's
extensive network of sailing schedules spans 200 routes, calling at
315 ports, and enabling them to deliver all types of cargo, safely
and swiftly, almost anywhere in the world. Among its many
cargo specialisms, MSC is a highly experienced expert in chemical
transportation.
Staff based in agency offices around the globe, have first-hand
experience of local requirements and regulations regarding
chemicals/dangerous goods in ports worldwide. Their focus is
ensuring that the highest level of safety and environmental
standards are met. MSC also has a specialist chemical support
department based at its Antwerp home port, in Belgium. It is
this department which ensures shipments meet the stringent
compliance requirements of the International Maritime Dangerous
Goods Code, and it provides any necessary contingency plans en
route.
Specialist chemists ensure the chemical cargo (and the box it
sits next to) is stowed and shipped in-keeping with the necessary
legal and safety requirements.
MSC was looking for an IMDG Code training solution which could
be rolled out globally across its network of offices. The
company purchased the SCORM version of IMDG Code e-learning to
allow students to train using the company's learning management
system. The project team implemented the Amendment 37-14 last
year and will be implementing the Amendment 38-16 training
programme over the next few months. This programme utilises a wide
range of the IMDG Code e-learning courses available, to ensure that
staff are receiving the most appropriate training for their job
role.
MSC is also incorporating the 49 CFR training module into the
programme, which looks at the additional requirements in 49 CFR
when shipping into/from the USA under the IMDG Code provisions.
To date, the company has successfully trained 21,000 people
working as part of the worldwide MSC network. This includes agents,
fleet operators and terminals.
For several years, MSC has also been using Exis Technologies
Hazcheck compliance system to check shipments against the
International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.
Dirk Vande Velde, Corporate Senior Director, MSC
Chemical Transports, has been working closely with Exis
Technologies to implement IMDG Code compliance solutions for many
years.
Dirk commented: "For some time now, we have been
working very closely with Exis to replace our existing training
with the Exis Dangerous Cargo training across our global network.
We have been really pleased with how the relationship has
developed, how well they have understood the complex needs of our
business, and how their specific training tools have performed in
terms of our requirements.
We look forward to continuing the implementation of the
current training programme."

From left to right Cdt., Dirk Vande Velde- MSC CSO,
Mr., Nicola Privato - DNV-GL, Mr., Claudio Bozzo - MSC COO,
Mrs Valeria Fazio - DNV-Gl and Mr., Diego Russo - DNV-GL during the
ceremony of the handing of the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 26000
certificates at the MSC Geneva Head Quarter. Training is an
important part of the certification process.