Amid an increased discussion surrounding the safe carriage of nickel ore cargoes, the Swedish P&I Club said the mandatory notification requirements for the carriage of nickel ore loaded in Philippines and Indonesia still applies. Nickel ore is a cargo which may liquefy if the moisture content of the material exceeds its Transportable Moisture Limit (TML), which can lead a vessel to lose stability.
Operators considering the carriage of nickel ore from ports in Indonesia and the Philippines should note the recommendations contained in the circular 2541/2012.
Whilst it remains the operators’ responsibility to ensure full compliance with the IMSBC Code and to take any measures necessary to ensure the safe carriage of nickel ore cargoes from ports in Indonesia and the Philippines, operators who plan to fix or charter a ship to load nickel ore from ports in Indonesia and the Philippines, or where under an existing fixture a ship is ordered to load such cargo, must contact the Club and provide the following information:
- Port/anchorage of loading and estimated time of arrival;
- Date of intended loading;
- Charterer/shipper’s details;
- Agent’s details;
- Copy of the shipper’s cargo declaration and supporting certificates.
This will enable the Club to provide operators with relevant information on measures that might be taken to reduce the risk, such as the appointment of a local surveyor to assist the Master, and the appointment of an expert, not necessarily to attend in person, but to liaise and supervise the local surveyor throughout.
If the Master is in any doubt whatsoever as regards the suitability and safety of the cargo, then loading should be stopped and the Club should be contacted immediately. Problems are likely to arise if the loading of unsafe cargo is permitted.
It may, for example, be difficult to discharge the cargo due to the lack of facilities in the loading port or complications arising from local customs regulations.
Members should be aware that they may be prejudicing Club cover if they fail to notify the Club that they plan to fix or charter a ship, or that a ship has been ordered, to load nickel ore from a port in Indonesia or the Philippines,
…the Club noted.
Last week, Indonesia announced a ban on the export of nickel ore, starting on 1st January 2020.
Recently, the American Club provided a reminder regarding the hazards associated with the carriage of nickel ore, as the seasonal export of this dangerous cargo from the Philippines gets underway.
