Tag: IMSBC Code

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 ...

In May 2010, Gard addressed the carriage of Distillers Dried Grain focusing on the risks involved The Gard P&I Club issues Circular regarding the loading of Dried Grain with Soluble (DDGS) in US ports as follows:In May 2010, Gard addressed the carriage of Distillers Dried Grain (DDG and DDGS),1 focusing on the regulations and the risks involved.Gard has received further requests for advice related to the shipment of Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS) from the United States one of the main exporters following charterers/shippers provision of a letter of authorisation issued by the USCG.This letter purports to authorise the carriage of DDGS as non-hazardous (Group C) cargo pursuant to section 1.3 of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code).For more information, click here.Source: The Gard P&I Club

A need for careful implementation of IMSBC Code To ship dry bulk cargoes safely it is vital that ships masters receive clear, accurate and reliable information on the properties and characteristics of cargoes and the required conditions for safe carriage and handling. This is a SOLAS requirement reinforced in significant detail in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code), mandatory since 1 January, 2011.But there is increasing evidence that this is not happening in every case.The consequences of failing to meet these requirements were seen last year when 44 seafarers lost their lives within 39 days in three casualties: Jian Fu Star (27 October: 13 fatalities); Nasco Diamond (10 November: 21 fatalities) and Hong Wei (3 December: 10 fatalities).Typical problems experienced by our members include:- Using cargo trade names and not the Bulk Cargo Shipping Name (BCSN);- Confusing cargo identification and correct identification of cargo group whether a cargo is a Group A (prone to liquefaction), Group B (representing a chemical hazard) or Group C (not prone to liquefaction or representing a chemical hazard) for example declaring a cargo as a Group C cargo (not prone to liquefaction) but providing a Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) indicating that the ...

Carriage of Solid Bulk Cargoes The Republic of the Marshall Islands has issued the following Marine Notice intended to bring to the attention of shipowners, ship operators, companies, charterers, shipmasters and all other parties concerned the requirements governing the transport of solid bulk cargoes. The Notice implements the IMSBC Code which became mandatory on 1st January 2011.To view the Marine Notice please click hereSource: Republic of Marshall islands

Environmentally Hazardous Substances A recent submission by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to the IMO has highlighted that some metal sulphide concentrates can be classified as Environmentally Hazardous Substances (EHS) UN 3077 under the IMDG code, and that such classification is missing from the IMSBC Code at present.AMSA have issued an M-Notice explaining their position on such cargoes.Unfortunately Members have experienced difficulties in gaining approval for the carriage of cargoes described as UN3077. UN3077 cargoes will not be listed on the document of compliance due to their absence from the IMSBC Code.Despite the attached M-Notice appearing to suggest that carriage as per the nearest IMSBC Code schedule should be sufficient in the interim, approval for carriage from authorities has proved difficult to obtain.Significant delays to the vessel can occur whilst approval is sought from the authorities locally, those of the flag state and those at the port of discharge. Additionally, the authorities may not all see the situation in the same light which has the potential for further lengthy delays to occur.Members should check in advance with charterers which cargoes they intend for the vessel if directed to Australian ports. If the cargo is to be declared UN3077 then ...