Recent incidents

Since early October 2026, several container fires have involved UN 3378 sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, commonly called sodium percarbonate, loaded at the Chinese ports of Qingdao and Lianyungang. In the cases reviewed, the cargo was correctly declared under its proper UN number, class, and packing group. Members carrying this type of cargo from these ports of loading should treat it with heightened caution. 

Properties of the cargo

Sodium percarbonate is generally stable, but certain factors can destabilise the product and may initiate or accelerate decomposition. Decomposition generates heat and oxygen, which may be sufficient to ignite combustible packing materials.

Operational advice

Container integrity. Keep containers in sound condition and protect them from water or moisture ingress.

Monitor temperature trends. Where safely accessible, check container surface temperatures regularly using an infrared thermometer or thermal-imaging camera. Take initial readings after loading or once underway to establish a baseline. Record later readings at consistent locations and compare them with earlier readings, ambient conditions, and nearby containers exposed to similar conditions. Look for a sustained or unexplained rise, especially compared with neighboring containers. Sunlight, container color, weather and nearby heat sources can affect readings.

Warning signs. Increase monitoring if temperatures rise unexpectedly. Report abnormal heating, vapor, smoke, bulging or other signs of decomposition immediately under the Company’s emergency procedures and consider appropriate precautionary or emergency measures.

Prepare suitable equipment. Where practicable, have a Hydro Pen, piercing nozzle or equivalent device available, with crew familiar with its safe use. This equipment allows water to enter a container without opening its doors.

Firefighting. Common firefighting strategies, such as shutting down ventilation and activating a carbon dioxide fire suppression system, may not be effective during the initial stages of a fire involving this cargo since it generates its own oxygen during decomposition. Water is the principal method of extinguishment for a fire involving UN 3378 Sodium Percarbonate, and a fire involving this type of cargo may require extended periods of boundary cooling and container flooding. Keep personnel at a safe distance and do not open container doors solely to fight the fire. If the fire spreads beyond the container, the Master should use the vessel’s available firefighting systems as appropriate, following emergency procedures and considering the stowage location, surrounding cargo and risk of fire spread. Should a fire spread beyond the container of origin, all firefighting strategies available to the vessel should be considered in order to stop the spread.

Notification

If you are carrying UN 3378 loaded at the Chinese ports of Qingdao or Lianyungang, and observe the warning signs mentioned above, contact the Club immediately.

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We thank experts Brookes Bell for their assistance in preparing this advice www.brookesbell.com