I think many transport companies was in such a situation when crossing with ADR load was rejected by the ferry operator. And they didn’t even understand why.

Everything was legal according to ADR regulations and still not okay. What’s wrong?

Dangerous Goods have different regulations on the sea, on the road, in the air, on the rail, and inland waterways.

Road ——> ADR

Sea     ——> IMDG

Air      ——> ICAO DGR

Rail    ——> RID

Inland waterways ——> ADN

It would be very difficult to explain the differences here. But the most important is IMDG has different stowage, segregation, and many other rules.

It means you have to think before you leave the sender’s yard with dangerous goods and start a trip including one or more ferry crossing.

The one of the most important is the document. You need a multimodal transport document so-called DGN (Dangerous Goods Note) with the vehicle/container packing certificate. Without this docket nothing you can do in the port.

Make sure you get this from the consignor. Even if you have the right paperwork, it’s not sure the load 100% compliant with IMDG code. Let me give you few example.

ADR mixed loading prohibition, and IMDG segregation rules are different. To transport different dangerous goods in the same transport unit could be legal according to ADR and illegal according to IMDG. So you have to stay in the port and solve this problem.

IMDG stowage regulations. Many hazardous substances need an open deck. What about if you go to Fishguard with dangerous goods like that? Yes, the answer is: go to Pembroke. Because that ship has an open deck.

My suggestion is before you start a trip like this ask a Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser or call directly the ferry company to double check whether they take you or not.

One more thing: The Eurotunnel has its own dangerous goods regulations, so it’s highly recommended to make a phone call before you go there.

Question? Ask me on the forum.