Enquiries regarding environmentally hazardous substances
The BIMCO Marine Department has received someenquiries regarding mineral concentrates and metal sulphide concentrates in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code.The enquiries centered onwhether these cargoes are considered environmentally hazardous substances(EHS)and thus should be IMO-classed 9(i.e. miscellaneous hazardous substances that are not classifed elswhere in the IMDG Code) and havingUN 3077 listing.
Operators should take note thatenvironmentally hazardous substances are currently not covered in the IMSBC Code for bulk materials and this has been brought to the attention to the relevant committees in the International Maritime Organzation. It was agreedthereatthat this matter needed further investigation.
Operators shouldalso note that notwithstanding the above, there may be stricter requirements at the port of loading/discharg regarding the declaration of mineral concentrates and metal sulphide concentrates in terms of them being EHS.For instance, please see the marinenotice issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority imposing additionalrequirementsto be implemented for these cargoes in respect of their properties that may meet the criteria as EHS under UN 3077.
Therefore, it would be prudent for operators toalways check beforehand, the requirements at the port of loading/discharge when shipping the above-mentioned cargoes so as to ensure that the additional requirements, if anyimposed by these port authorities are adhered to apart from the normal compliance required by the IMSBC Code.
Source: Bimco
