Cefic launches redesigned ICE website to strengthen emergency response support for chemical transport incidents across Europe

Cefic launches redesigned ICE website to strengthen emergency response support for chemical transport incidents across Europe

(IN BRIEF) Cefic has launched a redesigned website for its Intervention in Chemical Transport Emergencies (ICE) programme to improve access to emergency response information during chemical transport incidents across Europe. The new platform introduces a more user-friendly structure and updated visual identity while supporting closer collaboration between industry emergency response teams, European authorities and public emergency services. ICE continues to provide chemical incident support through a three-level operational system offering remote advice, on-site expert assistance and full intervention team deployment when required.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRUSSELS, 19-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Cefic has unveiled a newly redesigned website for its Intervention in Chemical Transport Emergencies (ICE) programme, introducing a more modern and user-focused platform intended to help emergency responders access critical information more quickly during chemical transport incidents across Europe.

The updated website has been developed to improve usability and navigation for emergency services, public authorities and industry stakeholders operating in high-pressure situations where rapid access to accurate information is essential. Alongside the technical redesign, ICE has also introduced a refreshed visual identity aimed at strengthening the programme’s communication and operational visibility.

According to Joost Naessens, Cefic Director for Transport and Logistics, the new platform reflects ICE’s continued focus on safety, preparedness and collaboration while supporting emergency responders with reliable expert guidance whenever incidents occur.

The website launch also highlights the continuing expansion of ICE’s cooperation network across Europe. In addition to the long-established MAR-ICE scheme — developed in partnership with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to support maritime chemical incident response since 2008 — ICE has recently strengthened collaboration with the BASF Site Emergency Response Team and the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), which operates under the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.

Cefic said the cooperation framework, which officially began in March 2025, has enhanced ICE’s ability to respond more rapidly and effectively to chemical emergencies throughout Europe by improving coordination between industry expertise and public emergency services.

ICE operates through a three-level emergency response structure designed to adapt to the scale and complexity of individual incidents. The first level provides substance-specific information and expert advice remotely by telephone or email. The second level enables trained specialists to travel directly to incident sites and support emergency operations on location. The third level involves the deployment of full intervention teams and specialised equipment to provide direct operational assistance during more severe emergencies.

The staged support model is intended to ensure that emergency responders receive appropriate assistance depending on the nature and severity of the incident while enabling rapid escalation when necessary.

For more than 25 years, ICE has supported emergency services dealing with chemical transport incidents by providing access to technical expertise, chemical substance information and coordinated on-site assistance. The programme operates as a collaborative framework linking chemical industry emergency response schemes with national authorities and public emergency services through national chemical federations across Europe.

The latest digital upgrade reflects wider efforts within the European chemical and logistics sectors to improve emergency preparedness, strengthen cross-border coordination and modernise access to operational safety information in increasingly complex transport environments.

Media contact:
media@cefic.be

SOURCE: Cefic