Can you carry dangerous goods?

Yes, we can carry most classes of dangerous goods in accordance with the IMDG CODE as we have dedicated freight vessels on the following routes: Dover/Calais, Dover/Zeebrugge, Tilbury/Zeebrugge, Teesport/Europort, Teesport/Zeebrugge, Cairnryan/Larne, Troon/Larne and Liverpool/Dublin.

All hazardous shipments must comply with the following points:

For transport by sea all dangerous goods, irrespective of quantity, must be declared.

All dangerous goods must be accompanied by a Dangerous Goods Note (DGN). The driver is responsible for ensuring the correct paperwork accompanies the load.

All dangerous goods must be accompanied by a signed packing certificate (this certificate may form part of the DGN). The driver is responsible for ensuring the load is secure and the correct paperwork accompanies the load.

All freight containers carrying dangerous goods must have a valid safety approval plate. It is the driver's responsibility to ensure this is the case.

The CTU* must be visually checked for signs of possible damage or leakage prior to loading. This is the driver's responsibility.

The CTU must be visually checked to ensure the doors are properly secured. This is the driver's responsibility.

The CTU must be visually checked to ensure it is properly placarded prior to loading. Placards must be secure, durable and unobstructed. Irrelevant placards, signs and marks must be removed. This is the driver's responsibility.

Drivers must not smoke or introduce any other sources of ignition, e.g. cooking equipment, when flammable or explosive substances are being carried.

Propane and butane carried for private use must not exceed 47kg (the gas supply should be shut off at the cylinders), and all cylinders should be adequately secured against the movement of the ship, away from sources of ignition and heat.

If you see something dangerous or unsafe please let our port operatives know immediately or contact the MCA on: Tel 023 8032 9367, email: dangerous.goods@mcga.gov.uk. All information will be treated in strict confidence.

*A CTU or Cargo Transport Unit is a road freight vehicle, railway freight wagon, freight container, road tanker or tank container for the transport of goods.

For further information on the IMDG CODE, please visit the hazcheck website.

We accept online bookings for dangerous goods only on our Dover / Calais service. On all our routes, dangerous goods require special arrangement and therefore need to be booked direct with the relevant freight office.

Compressed Air

Full / Empty SCUBA tanks can be carried as Tourist. However, they are classified as Dangerous Goods and must be declared and shipped under the IMDG Code. Please go to the following web site https://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/blank_dgn-2.pdf to obtain the correct document which should be completed in advance of travel.

Should you wish P&O Ferries to check your completed documentation please e mail to Freightsales.dover@poferries.com within 5 working days of travel.

Whilst Tourist rates are applied to the booking you will be required to follow Freight check in procedure by following the Freight signage, including Weigh Bridge. Please check in minimum 1 hour prior to sailing.”

Our freight office staff will be happy to answer any dangerous goods related questions you may have. Please contact us.