Following a number of recent casualties involving bulk carriers in Brazil, a new inspection requirement has been introduced in Brazilian ports, according to the West P&I Club.
Specifically, the Club informed that all vessels of 18 or more years of age that are to load a cargo with a density of 1.78 t/m3 or greater, for example iron ore, are to be subject to an inspection upon arrival, prior to loading commencing.
Foreign flagged vessels will be inspected by Port State Control, with the requirement extending to Brazilian flagged vessels which will be inspected by Flag State surveyors.
The requirement for the foregoing inspection is in addition to the annual mandatory condition survey that is to be conducted on bulk carriers, Oil/Ore (OOs) and Oil/Bulk/Ore (OBOs) of 18 or more years of age.
Recently, a similar requirement was also initiated in China. The country launched a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) focusing on large bulk carriers of more than 10,000 gross tonnage (GT).
