Skuld loss prevention advice on liquefaction risks from bauxite cargoes

IMSBC Code provisions

The Skuld P&I Club warns about the risks of liquefaction that come with the carriage of bulk mineral ore cargoes.

This risk can arise from cargoes that may at present be described as Category “C” in the IMSBC, particularly where the cargo actually tendered for loading is of a different composition than that described in the IMSBC.

Loss prevention advice

The advice to operators must therefore be as follows:

1. just because a cargo is described as Category “C” in the IMSBC and in cargo documentation, does not mean the cargo actually tendered for loading is of such nature
2. the Association has seen a number of cases where cargoes were mis-described including:
   a. mis-description as to the particle size and composition of the cargo
   b. mis-declaration of cargo as being Category “C”, even though the IMSBC listed it as Category “A”
   c. failure to provide moisture content information
   d. failure to provide proper TML and / or FMP information
   e. failure to follow the IMSBC with respect to sampling, testing and cargo certification in advance of loading
   f. cargoes given different names to disguise their true nature
3. Members should carefully check in advance where their cargo will be loaded and the description of the cargo as declared
4. Members should ask for clear and full cargo declaration descriptions to be incorporated into the fixture
5. Charterparties should contain suitable liquefaction risk clauses, which address issues that include:
   a. apportionment of risk of liability, time, cost and other delay factors
   b. use of surveys and arrangements for testing
   c. liberties to refuse loading unsafe cargoes and to take action to protect a vessel experiencing a risk scenario
6. Masters and chief officers to be instructed to refuse to load cargo that is not properly documented and / or which appears to come with a visible issue or have an issue ascertained by can testing
7. Masters and crew should be educated as to the possible risks and carefully monitor loading, being instructed to refuse to load any cargo that appears to have an issue, it is important to watch out for:
   a. obvious signs of accumulated water on barges and cargo stockpiles
   b. splatter of cargo in the holds during loading
   c. failed can tests
   d. free water accumulation on top of cargo in the holds
8. Members are encouraged to contact the Association in advance of loading so that suitable arrangements can be made for surveying and other assistance as may be required

Source:The Skuld P&I Club