West of England issues Loss Prevention Bulletin
The carriage of rice in bags and in bulk is an established trade. However, claims for damage and/or shortages frequently arise. The reasons why rice may deteriorate need to be understood so that, so far as possible, action can be taken to deliver the cargo in a sound condition. Endeavouring to minimise shortages is equally important as in addition to claims for short delivery, some countries may impose a heavy fine.
Preparation Prior to Loading
Hold Cleanliness
Prior to arrival the holds should be thoroughly cleaned, washed and dried. Any traces of previous cargo should be removed and close attention should be paid to making sure that areas which are difficult to reach (eg underdeck framing) are free of such residues. After washing down with seawater, the holds should be rinsed with fresh water to eradicate all traces of chlorides from the steelwork. This is particularly important as chlorides may combine with any sweat (condensation) that may develop on passage. If a silver nitrate test is subsequently carried out, the results are likely to be positive and may provide cargo interests with an opportunity to allege that seawater entered the holds during the voyage and caused cargo damage.
Pre-Loading Checks
Cargo hold bilge wells should be inspected, cleaned and tested, ensuring that all bilge well non-return valves are functioning correctly. Bilge line isolation valves in the machinery space should always be kept shut when the hold bilge pumping system is not in use.
Moisture Content, Temperature and Sampling
Moisture Content
The moisture content of rice is an important factor in its successful carriage. Rice is a hygroscopic commodity that can either absorb or release moisture. Excessive amounts of inherent moisture reduces storage life and increases the risk of mould, discolouration, decay, malodour and caking (ie when rice grains stick together). Moisture migration from the warmer to the cooler parts of the cargo may also occur, possibly causing the cargo to deteriorate in the latter areas. It is therefore important that the rice is not unduly moist when presented for shipment and is kept as dry as possible throughout loading, on passage and during discharge.
Temperature
The surveyor should check and record the temperature of the rice regularly throughout loading. Rice delivered to the vessel directly from the mill after processing may be significantly warmer than rice has been stored in a warehouse, possibly resulting in cargo deterioration or self-heating on passage. If concerns arise during loading that the temperature of the rice may be excessive, the Club should be contacted for advice.
Sampling
Representative samples of rice taken periodically during loading can be of assistance in defending claims if the cargo deteriorates on passage. However, a full time sampling team would need to be present throughout the entire loading process for the samples to be truly representative of the cargo as a whole.
Rain
Since rice is highly susceptible to water damage, it is good practice to keep all hatch covers closed during cargo operations other than the holds being worked. The weather conditions should be monitored closely throughout, ideally using the 3 cm radar (if permitted by the port) to provide early warning of approaching rain so that cargo operations can be suspended and the hatch covers closed in good time. The use of tarpaulins or hatch tents over open hatches is not recommended as they often fail, resulting in water pouring on to the cargo.
You may view the Loss Prevention Bulletin by clicking below:
Source: West of England P&I Club