To prevent cargo damage, it is essential to first understand its causes, and to grasp the processes and details that lead to these causes. Only then can one correctly and profoundly understand the causes of cargo damage and take targeted measures. There are numerous causes of cargo damage discovered on board, which can be summarized into the following nine categories:
- Damage existing before loading or with latent potential causes;
- Damage during loading and unloading operations;
- Inadequate loading site conditions;
- Improper stowage on board;
- Improper storage after loading, during voyage, and before unloading;
- Natural disasters;
- Other accidents;
- Theft;
- Others.
