Tag: Intercargo

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.

INTERCARGO says there are significant problems with the implementation of the Ballast Water Management regulation that need to be resolved immediately, considering that the Convention will be effective in less than five months.

Considering that a newbuilding vessel case is totally different than retrofitting an existing vessel, while a bulker carrier is also a different case than other types of ships, INTERCARGO cites some of the technical and operational difficulties faced by bulk carrier owners and operators with regards to BWMC implementation.

Dr. Kostas G. Gkonis, Secretary General of INTERCARGO, provides his insight into the trends that casualty data have revealed for the shipping industry over the last ten years. Dr. Gkonis says that cargo shift and liquefaction continue to be a great concern for the life on board and the safe carriage of dry bulk cargoes over this period.

INTERCARGO’s Technical and Executive Committees held their semi-annual meetings on 6 and 7 March and re-iterated INTERCARGO’s commitment to a safe, efficient, high quality and environmentally-friendly dry cargo shipping industry and its support for an industry governed by free and fair competition. Amongst the main topics were the upcoming implementation of the BWM Convention, the Safe Carriage of Cargoes, Air Emissions, Port State Control transparency and anti-corruption practices.

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.

When bulk cargoes shift, liquefy, catch fire or explode due to poor loading procedures, the consequences can be critical – ships could capsize, lose stability or sustain severe structural damage. Occasioned by this kind of incidents the UK P&I Club has offered some good advice regarding the safe carrying of bulk cargoes.

Lloyd's Register, the UK P&I Club, and INTERCARGO have produced a pocket guide for ships' officers and agents who arrange cargoes for loading. This pocket guide outlines the precautions to be taken before accepting solid bulk cargoes for shipment; sets out procedures for safe loading and carriage; details the primary hazards associated with different types of cargo; and underlines the importance of proper cargo declarations.

Some 200 representatives of classification societies, shipbuilders and shipowners came together in Tokyo last week for their annual ‘Tripartite Meeting’ on issues of common interest.

BIMCO, ICS, INTERTANKO and INTERCARGO have jointly released an updated version of ‘Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Masters for Protection Against Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea Region.’