Tag: liquefaction

Liquefaction of mineral ores, including iron ore fines, may result in cargo shift and loss of stability and this has been the cause of a number of serious casualties in recent years

A new iron ore fines (IOF) Schedule to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code governing the carriage of IOF by sea, and an amended iron ore Schedule, were agreed at the IMO DSC 18 meeting in September 2013.

Recent incidents draw the attention to the problem The London P&I Club says the lifting of an iron ore ban in India, together with the recent total loss of two ships, has put the spotlight once again on the problem of cargo liquefaction.In the latest issue of its StopLoss Bulletin, the club says, "There are specific challenges involved in the export of iron ore fines from Indian ports during the monsoon season which can increase the moisture content of the cargo to levels where liquefaction can occur. This can result in severe loss of a ship's stability and, sometimes, in the vessel sinking. Other cargoes such as nickel ore are also prone to liquefaction."Last month, the Indian Supreme Court lifted the ban imposed in 2010 in Goa on the mining, storage and export of iron ore, and allowed the e-auctioning of 11.5m tonnes of excavated iron ore which has been lying unused since the ban was introduced. The process will be supervised by a committee set up by the court. A separate committee was also appointed to advise how much iron ore can be extracted each year, and it is due to report its recommendations by 15 February, 2014. It ...

The London P&I Club announces that the latest edition of its loss prevention publication StopLoss is now available both in English and Chinese.

The Swedish P&I Club issues Monthly Safety Scenario for January 2014 regarding cargo liquefaction in heavy weather

Assessment of acceptability for safe shipment Lloyd's Register (LR) issues statutory alert No. 26/2013 regarding amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code that will enter into force on 1 January, 2015, and may be implemented voluntarily from 1 January, 2014.There are two key changes which relate to cargoes which may liquefy (Group A cargoes), as follows. 1. Assessment of acceptability of consignments for safe shipmentThe amendments to the Code include a more robust assessment of acceptability of Group A cargoes for safe shipment. This is detailed in new section 4.3.3 and involves extra approval from the competent authority of the port of loading before Group A cargoes can be transported. It specifically applies as follows:The shipper must establish procedures for sampling, testing and controlling the moisture content of the cargo to ensure that it is less than the transportable moisture limit (TML) when it is on board the ship.The competent authority of the port of loading must confirm that the procedures comply with the provisions of the IMSBC Code and the Guidelines for Developing and Approving Procedures for Sampling, Testing and Controlling the Moisture Content for Solid Bulk Cargoes which may Liquefy (MSC.1/Circ.1454) before granting approval.The competent ...

The London P&I Club has issued news alert for danger of liquefaction of Indonesian Bauxite. The primary focus of concern has been in respect of the carriage of iron ore fines from India and Brazil, as well as nickel ore from the Philippines and Indonesia.

Cargo Liquefaction Incident

Liquefaction Risks - Iron Ore from Indonesia

Liquefaction of Bulk Bauxite Cargoes