Glossary
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Example H2
Supply Chain Glossary
Trade lane
Transit time
Transloading
Transportation Management System (TMS)
Transportation lead time
Transshipment
Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU)
Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs)
Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)
Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
Vessel
Vessel Sharing Agreements (VSA)
Vessel bunching
Vessel call sign
Vessel omit
Vessel rotation
Vessel schedule
Voyage
Warehouse utilization
Work order
Yard management
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International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC)

What is the International Convention for Safe Containers?

‍The International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) is an international treaty established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1972. It aims to ensure the safety of containers used in global shipping by setting uniform standards for container design, testing, inspection, and maintenance. The CSC helps prevent accidents and ensures the containers are safe for transportation on ships, trains, and trucks worldwide.

Why Was the CSC Established?

‍The CSC was established to enhance safety in the transport and handling of shipping containers and to promote efficiency in international container transport. Before the convention, there were no standardized rules, leading to safety risks and inefficiencies. The convention set global regulations to prevent accidents caused by poorly constructed or maintained containers, ensuring consistent safety across all modes of transport.

CSC Certification and Inspection Requirements

‍Under the CSC, all containers used in international shipping must undergo strict testing and certification before being placed into service. Containers are inspected for structural integrity, including their ability to withstand stacking and securing forces during transport. After certification, containers must be periodically inspected, usually every 30 months, to ensure they remain safe and compliant with CSC standards.