Re zinc concentrate presented for loading in Bar, Montenegro
Gard’s correspondent in Genoa, Hugo Trumpy, has reported that, over the last months, some cargoes of zinc concentrate1 presented for loading in Bar, Montenegro have been rejected due to high moisture content.
The terminal has, reportedly, implemented measures such as using nylon tarpaulin covers to prevent wetting of the cargo by rain. Members and clients loading zinc concentrate in Bar, Montenegro should be aware of the potential risks of carrying this cargo and should seek to ensure that it is safe for carriage in accordance with the requirements of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code.
Consideration should be given to the appointment of surveyors to take representative samples of the cargo and to arrange for tests to be conducted to determine the accuracy of the transportable moisture limit (TML) and that the actual moisture content is below the TML. To our knowledge, there are currently no independent laboratories in Montenegro able to perform the tests required by the IMSBC Code and samples must therefore be sent to suitable laboratories elsewhere in Europe.
Given the time that this may take, early survey arrangements should be made to avoid delays. For general advice Members and clients should also refer to Gard’s compilation “Cargo liquefaction”, which contains a collection of articles and circulars published by Gard over the years relating to the carriage of cargoes liable to liquefaction. We would like to thank Gard’s correspondent in Genoa, Italy, Hugo Trumpy s.r.l., for their assistance in the preparation of this alert.
Source: The Gard P&I Club
1 Zinc concentrate is listed in the IMSBC Code under the schedule for “Mineral Concentrates”, which is defined as a Group A product: cargoes which may liquefy if shipped at moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture limit (TML).
