Handling Dangerous Cargo

Dangerous cargo includes cargo that presents hazardous to the safety of people and the surrounding environment. 

The handling, storage and transport (including transporting as through-cargo) of Dangerous Goods is governed and regulated by various the Port policies, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Marine Orders Part 41 ‘Carriage of Dangerous Goods’, National Codes of Practice, Standards and State legislation (Acts and Regulations).

Common dangerous cargo handled, stored and transported within the Port include:

• Fuel
• Acids
• Ammonium Nitrate
• Gases
• Explosives

Written permission from the Port must be obtained at least 48 hours prior to moving, handling or storing Dangerous Goods on or throughout the Port (including small craft facilities). 

Failure to provide notification in regards to the transportation and handling of dangerous goods within the Port is an offence under Port Notices.  It is an offence for a person to handle, store, transport (including transport as through-cargo) Dangerous Goods without first obtaining written permission from the Port.  Written notification must be given by the owner of the ship, the master of the Ship or the Agent of the Ship’s owner to the Regional Harbour Master, Townsville at least 48 hours prior to the vessel arriving with Dangerous Goods and minimum of 24 hours prior to the loading of Dangerous Goods onto a ship.  Additional notification requirements for Class 1.1 and Containerised Ammonium Nitrate Class 5.1 UN Numbers 1942, 2067, 2069 and 2070 handled, stored and transported through the Port of Townsville also apply under these Port Notices.