In June 2023, IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee adopted Resolution MSC.539(107), setting out the latest (07-23) amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, West of England highlights.
As informed, contracting governments to the SOLAS Convention may voluntarily apply the latest amendments in whole or in part from 01 January 2024. Mandatory compliance with the amended IMSBC Code requirements will begin on 01 January 2025.
According to Mark Dunbar, Surveys Manager, MSC.539(107) replaces the entire text of the IMSBC Code. One existing schedule for “FISH MEAL (FISH SCRAP), STABILIZED UN 2216 Anti-oxidant treated “is removed from the Code and replaced by a new schedule for “FISH MEAL (FISH SCRAP), STABILIZED Anti-oxidant treated” – the cargo is no longer classified as UN 2216 but remains a Group B cargo.
In addition, there are 12 new schedules, and CELESTINE CONCENTRATE has been added as a new Bulk Cargo Shipping Name (BCSN) to the existing schedules for:
- Metal sulphide concentrates
- Metal sulphide concentrates, Corrosive UN 1759
- Metal sulphide concentrates, Self-heating UN 3190
- Mineral concentrates
The 12 new schedules are for:
- Baryte, flotation chemical grade – group A
- Brown fused alumina – group C
- Crushed granodiorite fines – group A
- Direct reduced iron (D) (by-product fines with a moisture content of at least 2%) – group A and B
- Dunite – group C
- Dunite fines – group A
- Electric arc furnace dust, pelletized – Group A and B
- Ground granulated blast furnace slag Powder – group A
- Magnesite fines – group A
- Potassium nitrate – group C
- Sodium nitrate – group C
- Sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate Mixture – group C
Other changes include:
- Bulk density must now be declared by shippers and set out in the cargo declaration.
- The list of non-cohesive cargoes has been amended.
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