Transport of Dangerous Goods by Sea on Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax Vessels – Application of IMDG Regulations in Practice

The aim of the study was to examine the implications of the transport process of dangerous goods (DG) by sea on Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax vessels, with particular emphasis on the practical application of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. The research focuses on legal frameworks, operational requirements, and safety procedures, addressing the problem of how effectively IMDG regulations are implemented in daily maritime practice.The study employs legal regulation analysis, process modelling on the Gdańsk– Nynäshamn route, statistical evaluation of 2024 voyage data, and qualitative data from shipowner documentation and expert interviews. Methods include the Delphi approach and FMEA risk analysis. The findings indicate recurring errors in Dangerous Goods Notes (DGNs), such as missing UN numbers, hazard classes, or “marine pollutant” designations. Statistical results show that Class 9 materials, especially lithium-ion batteries, dominate DG shipments, while correlation analysis highlights potential risks when certain classes are transported together. FMEA results point to improper storage and documentation deficiencies as the most significant hazards. The study concludes that compliance with IMDG standards ensures a high safety level, but continuous improvement is required. Enhancing documentation accuracy, crew training, and monitoring systems, along with adapting regulations to new technologies, is essential for safer and more efficient DG transport on Ro-Pax vessels.