Transportation and storage

Strategy

In 2014, we had already nearly achieved the BASF Group goal of reducing the number of worldwide transportation accidents per 10,000 shipments by 70% from 2003 to 2020. Therefore, in our reporting on transportation incidents, we have focused since 2015 on dangerous goods spillages that significantly impacted the environment. We report on dangerous goods leaks of BASF products in excess of 200 kilograms on public transportation routes, provided BASF arranged the transport.

Transportation incidents

We recorded two incidents in 2016 with spillage of more than 200 kilograms of dangerous goods (2015: 2). None of these transportation incidents had a significant impact on the environment (2015: 0).

Accident prevention and emergency response

• Dangerous goods inspections expanded in contract management system
• Inspection program introduced for container barges

In order to ensure that our processes are even safer and create globally uniform standards, we introduced extended dangerous goods checks into our order management system in 2016.

We broadened the training opportunities for our employees and added new e-learning modules, such as the introduction of a multilingual training module in Europe on the road transportation of hazardous goods.

We stipulate worldwide requirements for our logistics service providers and assess them in terms of safety and quality. In 2016, we evaluated around 370 companies in all regions. Our experts use our own evaluation and monitoring tools as well as internationally approved schemes.

We added container barges to our existing inspection program in 2016. This includes not only evaluating the vessels themselves, but also the management systems of the shipping companies to review their safety standards.

We regularly evaluate the risks in transporting raw materials with high hazard potential using our global guideline. It is based on the guidelines of the European Chemical Industry Council, CEFIC.

Activities in external networks

We are actively involved in external networks, which quickly provide information and assistance in emergencies. These include the International Chemical Environmental (ICE) initiative and the German Transport Accident Information and Emergency Response System (TUIS), in which BASF plays a coordinating role. In 2016, we provided assistance to other companies in 176 cases worldwide. We apply the experience we have gathered to set up similar systems in other countries: For example, we intensified our activities in South America in 2016.