IMO warns on bauxite liquefaction dangers
Following findings from the investigation into the loss of bulk carrier Bulk Jupiter The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has taken action to warn ship Masters of the possible dangers of liquefaction associated with carriage of bauxite, following consideration of findings from the investigation into the loss of the 10-year-old Bahamas flag bulk carrier Bulk Jupiter, which was carrying 46,400 tonnes of bauxite when it sank rapidly with 18 fatalities in January 2015.A circular approved by IMO's Sub-Committee on Carriage of Containers and Cargoes (CCC), meetingat IMO Headquarters, warns ship Masters not to accept bauxite for carriage unless:the moisture limit for the specific cargo is certified as less than the indicative moisture limit of 10% and the particle size distribution as is detailed in the individual schedule for bauxite in the IMSBC Code; orthe cargo is declared as Group A (cargoes that may liquefy) and the shipper declares the transportable moisture limit (TML) and moisture content; orthe cargo has been assessed as not presenting Group A properties.The circular notes that while bauxite is currently classified as a Group C cargo (cargoes that do not liquefy or possess a chemical hazard) under the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, there is ...
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