The Nautical Institute has issued Mars Report on an accident due to possible spontaneous combustion of charcoal-stuffed containers and highlights lessons learned.
The Incident
A vessel loaded lumpy charcoal in Walvis Bay, Namibia. The charcoal was loaded into bags, which were stuffed into containers and then stowed on deck. Certificates were presented to the vessel attesting that the cargo had passed the UN test criteria for self-heating cargo and it was described as non-hazardous.
About 12 hours after departure, smoke was seen coming from one of the containers of charcoal. The fire quickly spread to adjacent containers and the crew initiated fire suppression action.
The vessel was diverted to the nearest port for assistance. Since the cargo had been loaded on deck, arrangements could be made at short notice to discharge the smouldering containers ashore.
Lesson learned
- Shippers should advise when the cargo sample was tested and when the cargo was stuffed into the containers.
- The IMSBC Code provides that the weathering certificate and UN self-heating test should be carried out not less than 13 days prior to loading on board the vessel.
- Containers containing charcoal should be stowed on deck no higher than the second tier and preferably in a location that permits easy access should a problem arise.
- Containers containing charcoal should be checked at regular intervals.