For over 55 years, Hapag-Lloyd has been a pioneer in Dangerous Goods, combining a dedicated DG organization with a global network of experts and standardized processes.
Safety and compliance come first: every shipment is reviewed end to end - from initial feasibility checks through final stowage - supported by advanced systems, smart automation, reliable processes, and commercial excellence. Book here!
Hernan Martinez, SD Global Reefer, Special Cargo & DG
"DG is a core segment for us - & one we are committed to growing. For more than 55 years, we’ve built dedicated expertise in handling DG safely and reliably. "
Manuel Weber, Global DG Safety Advisor
"Our experts are there to ensure that your Dangerous Goods are transported safely to almost every destination in the world, all with a high level of service."
Dangerous Goods We Move
At Hapag-Lloyd, we are committed to transporting Dangerous Goods across all DG classes. (With the exception of DG Class 6.2). Our restriction list is intentionally limited, enabling us to support a wide range of DG cargo. If you have any questions, our experts will be happy to support you in finding the right solution for your cargo.
Helium is essential for critical industries like healthcare, semiconductors, and research, with limited global supply. It is classified as Dangerous Goods because it is a pressurized (or cryogenic) gas that can cause cylinder rupture, asphyxiation in confined spaces, and cold-burn hazards. So it must be correctly classified, packed/secured, temperature/pressure-managed, and shipped with the required Dangerous Goods labels and documentation.
Charcoal is carbon material shipped as Dangerous Goods because it may self-heat and potentially ignite during transport. Therefore, correct classification, dry and ventilated stowage, and compliant packaging, marking, and documentation must be ensured. Dangerous Goods compliance and proper stowage and packing reduces incidents and protects crew, cargo, and vessel.
For temperature-sensitive Dangerous Goods, reefer transport helps maintain safe conditions and prevent incidents. They are Dangerous Goods because they still present risks (e.g., flammable/ toxic/ corrosive or self-reactive) and temperature deviations can increase those risks. We also ship Double Engine Reefers that provide enhanced temperature security with two independent refrigeration units to keep your cargo within the required range, even if one unit is unavailable. For certain commodities it is mandatory, ensuring physical stability and safeguarding cargo quality. It is important to consider that Hapag-Lloyd does not provide Double Engine Reefer.
Energy Storage Systems are a cornerstone of the energy transition, enabling renewables, grid stability, and e-mobility at scale. They (often lithium-battery based) store electricity for later use, such as in containers, vehicles, backup power, or industrial applications. Due to the inherent risks associated with lithium-based battery technologies, such as thermal runaway, fire hazards, and electrical shock, they are often regulated and classified as Dangerous Goods. As a result, proper handling, storage, transportation, and compliance with safety regulations are essential.
How we assure safe Hazardous Good transportation
Cargo Patrol
Hapag-Lloyd pioneered cargo-screening technology designed to identify potentially undeclared Dangerous Goods and other Sensitive Cargoes. Since 15 years we ensure the highest possible level of protection for our crew, vessels, cargo, and the environment.
Today, we actively use and contribute to NCB HazCheck Detect to screen our entire booking environment to identify potentially undeclared Dangerous Goods and suspicious items before loading. Powered by ~5,200 search terms, the system generates up to 450 alerts per day for expert review and helps us identify ~5,000 improperly declared shipments each year.
Simplifying Dangerous Goods Shipping
We make Dangerous Goods shipping safe, transparent, and easy to plan. Through the Gemini network and Hapag-Lloyd operated services, DG customers benefit from a minimized number of partner-specific restrictions, a broad range of accepted UN numbers, and reliable vessel capacity with regular sailing options. Smart, automated EDI communication enables fast processing, validation, and DG approval, while our DG experts proactively support technical clarifications whenever required.
Safe & Responsible Transport
We transport a wide range of Dangerous Goods, while certain high-risk commodities remain restricted. Our restricted commodity list clearly distinguishes between prohibited cargo and shipments that may be accepted under specific conditions. Based on dedicated risk assessments, additional safety measures may exceed IMDG Code requirements, including enhanced stowage guidelines, cargo monitoring, and handling procedures. These measures further strengthen transport safety and support loss prevention for our customers. Safety is never compromised, and our strong safety performance in recent years reflects this commitment. Book here!
Hapag-Lloyd maintains a restricted Dangerous Goods list for safety on its vessels. Some commodities are never accepted, including
- Class 6.2
- carcinogens such as asbestos
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Others are only accepted under strict conditions, e.g. calcium hypochlorite under temperature control and bromine in tank containers or steel cylinders. The list is regularly updated to ensure safety of crew, vessels and environment.
Kindly find the latest Hapag-Lloyd DG restricted list
here
.
For further information contact your local Hapag-Lloyd Sales representative for clarification.
To provide clarity and planning security, we communicate the DG Premium transparently so you can understand early when it applies and plan your costs with confidence. Place your booking!
Ship Dangerous Goods with confidence: global DG experts, standardized processes and smart screening (Cargo Patrol) ensure safe, compliant and efficient end‑to‑end transport.
Our Offer
- One of the first liner shipping companies to set up a dedicated dangerous goods department
- A global network of regional Dangerous Goods experts make sure your cargo gets the special attention it needs
- An excellent IT-setup developed for smooth processing of dangerous goods shipments
- Our outstanding “Cargo Patrol” software provides an extra layer of security by automatically identifying undeclared or suspicious bookings
- Standardised global processes and strict internal guidelines that in some cases go beyond legal requirements
- Comprehensive global service network
- Online quotation for your Dangerous Goods product
- Online booking for your Dangerous Goods Cargo via our website
Your Benefit
- Get comprehensive advice from Dangerous Goods experts
- Additional layer of security ensured by Hapag-Lloyd’s internal regulations with multiple safety checks on land and at sea
- Receive an educated response as to whether a dangerous goods shipment is feasible
- Smooth and efficient shipment handling
- Hapag-Lloyd will make sure your Dangerous Goods shipment arrives safely at its destination
[email protected]
Did you know that you can use Quick Quotes for DG transportation? Get your instant, competitive quote for transportation services to and from DG locations combined with a sea shipment in just a few clicks.
News & Updates
Talk to a Dangerous Goods Expert
Our global network of regional DG specialists ensures safe, compliant handling of every declared shipment. We provide:
- End-to-end feasibility assessments, including four-eye compliance and stowage checks
- Continuous expert coverage (weekends and public holidays) and 24/7 access to a Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor
- Technical DG support for complex questions and routing or packaging advice
Need help? Contact our Dangerous Goods team at [email protected] or reach out to your local Hapag‑Lloyd sales office!
Benefit from an integrated transport feasibility check covering country, port, and terminal restrictions, as well as vessel operator and owner limitations - helping to ensure transparency and planning reliability from the very beginning.
Dangerous Goods Shipping FAQ
If you need further assistance or a manual review, contact local Hapag-Loyd representative [email protected]
The easiest way to book your dangerous goods shipment is via our online Web Booking tool (Login to your user account | Hapag-Lloyd). You’ll be guided step by step through the booking process, and your DG details are automatically checked for feasibility. This helps ensure a correct booking and supports faster booking acceptance.
To speed up booking acceptance, please:
- Provide complete and accurate DG details upfront – even small discrepancies are a common reason for delays.
- Keep all information consistent across the booking, shipping instructions/documents, and package labels/marks.
- Inform us about any changes as early as possible (e.g., different product, packing, quantities, or routing) so we can re-validate quickly and issue the booking confirmation without delay.
Transparency is part of our commitment. We provide a Restricted Commodities List that clearly shows:
- items prohibited for carriage,
- items that are restricted and may only be carried under specific conditions, and
- items that can be accepted without restrictions.
While we transport a wide range of dangerous goods, some commodities remain strictly off‑limits - safety is never compromised. Please consult our Restricted Commodities List for full details and the specific conditions that apply. If you’re unsure whether your cargo is affected, contact our Dangerous Goods team at [email protected] or your local Hapag‑Lloyd sales office.
The required documentation depends on the substance, packaging, and routing. In general, you must provide complete and accurate dangerous goods details for the shipment, along with any declarations, certificates, permits, or approvals required under applicable regulations and by local authorities.
If you book via our Web Booking tool, you’ll be guided step by step to ensure all required DG information is provided. If you’re unsure what applies to your shipment, our Dangerous Goods experts can support you throughout the process.