Tag: IMSBC Code

IMO informed that its Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers, being held from 11 to 15 September, will consider the latest research results on the potential instability of bauxite when carried as a ship’s cargo, that may lead to changes in industry rules about how such cargoes should be handled.

The West P&I Club informed that it has recently experienced a cargo liquefaction case, involving a full cargo of Ball Clay loaded in Lumut, Malaysia for discharge in Chittagong, Bangladesh, similar to another case experienced in 2013. In view of this, the Club urges operators to pay attention when loading a clay cargo.

The Association of Bulk Terminal Operators has called for a complete overhaul of the cargo sampling and liquefaction testing protocols for raw ores and less common cargoes, such as nickel ore, fine wet coal and bauxite, pointing out that the current methods for danger identification are inadequate, specially in ports where conditions are inclement.

IMO informed that on its Maritime Safety Committee, from 7-16 June, will set for adoption amendments on safety requirements, to ensure new-build passenger ships remain afloat after a major incident.

BIMCO has issued a cargo alert to its members to advise that loading of nickel ore from Philippines still poses danger. Therefore, best practices should be taken into consideration to prevent liquefaction incidents. Nickel ore is listed in the IMSBC Code as a Group A cargo that may liquefy.

In this article, Mr. John Wilson, Technical Services Asia, American P&I Club (Hong Kong Office), explains why nickel ore is considered as ‘the world’s most dangerous cargo'.

The RMI informs on procedures to be followed when loading cargoes that may be subject to liquefaction and new safety and cargo declaration information, including the need to potentially determine the flow moisture point (FMP), transportable moisture limit (TML), and actual moisture content (MC) of the cargo to be loaded.

Kostas G. Gkonis, Secretary General, Intercargo, says the 2016 topics and concerns continue in 2017, therefore, liquefaction remains a major problem for dry bulk shipping as well. Dr. Gkonis said that the Association is looking into future amendments to the IMSBC Code and plans to develop a new guide for masters on cargoes that may liquefy to increase awareness on that important topic.

The safe carriage of potentially dangerous cargoes is the focus for the Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC), which is meeting for its 3rd session at IMO Headquarters.

The IMSBC Code is now under its fourth revision process referring to amendments 04-17, expected to be finalised in 2017.