Tag: IMSBC Code

Exports of iron ore from Sierra Leone are unsafe

The first Specially Constructed Cargo Ship in accordance with the IMO's IMSBC Code The world's largest classification society ClassNK, announced that the world's first specialized vessel for the carriage of Nickel Ore has been built and registered to the NK class.The vessel, the Jules Garnier II, was built by Naikai Zosen Corporation and delivered to Japanese shipping major JX Shipping Co. Ltd on 19 September 2012, and is the first vessel in the world to be recognized as a Specially Constructed Cargo Ship for the carriage of Nickel Ore in accordance with the IMO's IMSBC Code.The announcement followed a monthly meeting of the Society's Classification Committee, which reviewed and officially certified the vessel's registration on 22 October 2012. Nickel Ore cargoes can liquefy during transport, drastically impairing the ship's stability and safety, and these cargoes have been cited as the cause of four vessel casualties and the loss of 66 seafarers in 2010-11. INTERCARGO has since named Nickel Ore "the world's most dangerous cargo" and efforts are underway at the IMO to strengthen the International Maritime Solid Bulk Code (IMSBC), which regulates the loading and transport of bulk cargoes such as Nickel Ore.The ISMBC code currently requires that the moisture ...

IMSBC Code - Draft Amendments and Interim Measures for Early Implementation

Information provided by the Britannia P&I Club The Britannia P&I Club issues bulletin regarding Loading of iron ore fines at Indian ports (pre-loading surveys) as follows:Reference is made to the Association's bulletin of October 2009 dealing with the implementation of a precautionary survey programme and the subsequent circular of December 2010, more generally dealing with the safe shipment of iron ore fines from Indian ports including an overview of incidents involving liquefaction, obligations under the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code), specific problems encountered at Indian ports and the Managers' recommended precautions.Members are reminded of their overriding obligation to ensure that iron ore fines cargoes to be carried comply with the IMSBC Code and the Managers continue to recommend the precautions listedFor more information, click Loading of iron ore fines at Indian ports - protective pre-loading surveysSource: The Britannia P&I Club

Industry Must Unite to Stop This Unnecessary Loss of Life The recent tragic loss of the 2005-built supramax bulk carrier Vinalines Queen and 22 of its crew again underlines the urgent need for greater enforcement of regulations and testing of cargoes that may liquefy.The ship, which was reportedly carrying a cargo of nickel ore from Morowali, Indonesia to China, was reported missing on 25 December, considered lost. Back in December 2010 following the loss of 3 bulk carriers and 44 crew in short succession, all owing to cargo liquefaction, Intercargo took the opportunity to remind the industry of the dangers associated with the carriage of hazardous cargoes - however the loss of the Vinalines Queen demonstrates that the message still isn't getting through.Speaking of the loss, Secretary General of Intercargo, Rob Lomas said "we've previously called on shippers and cargo interests to conduct an urgent review into the testing and safety processes involved in shipping of hazardous cargoes, following the spate of accidents and fatalities in 2010, but clearly more needs to be urgently done to stop this appalling unnecessary loss of life"."Sadly, it seems that some shipowners still do not have the relevant experience or knowledge in interpreting the ...

MPA Singapore issues circular 22/2011 The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular cautioning ship owners and masters concerning the danger of liquefaction when iron ore fines are carried in bulk as follows:This circular informs the Shipping Community of the IMO circularDSC.1/Circ.66 , issued to bring to their attention the danger of liquefactionwhen iron ore fines is carried in bulk.Iron ore fines is currently not specifically listed in the IMSBC Code.A correspondence group has been established by the DSC sub-committee todevelop specific schedules for iron ore fines for inclusion in the IMSBC Code,with particular focus on the phenomenon of liquefaction in some types of iron ore fines.For more information, click hereSource: MPA Singapore

Cargo liquefaction continues to be a serious physical and economic hazard for shipping Around 120 members of the Greek shipping community attended a seminar on cargo liquefaction hosted by the Piraeus office of the 150 million GT 'A' rated North P&I club.According to associate director and head of the Greek office, Tony Allen, 'Cargo liquefaction continues to be a serious physical and economic hazard for shipping worldwide and the high turnout last night shows it remains a particular concern for our Greek owners and operators'.The event at the Piraeus Marine Club focused on the safety, regulatory and practical issues which arise when shipping cargoes prone to liquefy together with the legal and commercial aspects facing masters when suspect cargoes are presented for loading.Allen told delegates, 'North recognises and continues to support the ongoing efforts of its members to ensure the safety of their vessels and crews when shipping cargoes likely to liquefy. We will continue in conjunction with the International Group of P&I Clubs and other industry bodies such as Intercargo and BIMCO to promote prudent and safe practice.'He confirmed North is fully committed to supporting the International Group's initiatives to put pressure on local shippers and authorities in countries ...

The Gard P&I Club issues Alert The Gard P&I Club issues Alert regarding IMSBC Code- Charterparty clause for solid bulk cargoes as follows:Introduction and backgroundReference is made to various circulars and articles published by the Association on the liquefaction of solid bulk cargoe.The Association has seen various charterparty clauses that attempt to weaken, avoid, and/or restrain owners from taking the necessary precautions with regard to cargoes that may liquefy, as set out in theIMSBC Code (which is mandatory under the provisions of SOLAS). With a view to preserving a Member's rights, protecting their interests and to assist in achieving contract certainty on this important safety matter, the International Group of P&I Clubs ("IG") has produced a standard charterparty clause.For more details, click here.Source: The Gard P&I Club

The moisture content is Maximum 0.3 % - a carriage requirement It has come to the attention of the Association that exemption certificates issued by some load port competent authorities to satisfy the requirements Section 1.5 of the IMSBC Code may not be finding their way to the relevant authority of the vessel's Flag State or port of discharge.IMSBC Code Section 1.5 states;QUOTE1.5.1 Where this Code requires that a particular provision for the transport of solid bulk cargoes shall be complied with, a competent authority or competent authorities (port State of departure, port State of arrival or flag State) may authorize any other provision by exemption if satisfied that such provision is at least as effective and safe as that required by this Code. Acceptance of an exemption authorized under this section by a competent authority not party to it is subject to the discretion of that competent authority. Accordingly, prior to any shipment covered by the exemption, the recipient of the exemption shall notify other competent authorities concerned.END QUOTEThe Maritime Authority of Panama recently issued the following statement in connection with a Certificate of Exemption issued by the competent authority of Trinidad and Tobago.QUOTEWe have not been informed/notified by ...

If shipped at a moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture limit The West of England P&I Club issues the following regarding the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code:Those who are familiar with the problems that have been experienced with particular cargoes classified as "Group A" in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. "Group A" cargoes may liquefy if shipped at a moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture limit, and recent incidents involving nickel ore, Indian iron ore fines and Brazilian sinter feed have resulted in the International Group and the Club issuing various Notices and Alerts.Since many of the difficulties are derived from inaccurate test certificates provided by cargo interests, it is often necessary to instruct a surveyor to take samples and send them to a reliable laboratory for analysis and, in certain circumstances, to appoint an expert. However, experience has shown that shippers may hinder access to stockpiles, and charterers may try to prevent ship owners from using their surveyors, experts or laboratories of choice. The International Group has therefore drafted a clause which it recommends is used by ship owners as a standard template for inclusion in charter parties if "Group ...