Surigao, Tubay and Davao where the traditional dry season is usually from November to April. However, global warming and fluctuations in weather patterns have long since extended the rainy season and shortened the traditional ‘dry season’.
Like the Philippines, the dry season for loading in Indonesia at ports such as Buli, Gebe and Pomalaa runs from November to April, but this too has been curtailed due to changing weather patterns.
One major difference between the nickel ore loading industries in these two countries is, however, that while IG Clubs have been able to establish close connections with their approved and qualified local correspondents/surveyors in the Philippines throughout the years, such connections remain less developed in Indonesia since
the ban of nickel ore exports in 2014. This ban was only lifted in 2017. It will therefore take time to establish the same intelligence level as in the Philippines.
What is the IMSBC Code?
The IMSBC Code is the convention that governs the safe carriage of solid bulk cargoes. This became a mandatory instrument under SOLAS Convention in 2011.
To address any new risks arising from the carriage of solid bulk cargo/enhance the safety in such carriage, the IMSBC Code is revised from time to time to ensure any prominent risks to the crew and the ship are properly managed and safeguarded. The latest edition of the IMSBC Code was published in 2016.
What are Group A Cargoes?
Under IMSBC Code (2016 edition), solid bulk cargoes can be classified into three categories and among these, Group A cargo is that which may liquefy if shipped at a moisture content (MC) in excess of their transportable moisture limit (TML).
Is nickel ore a Group A cargo?
By its nature, nickel ore is a cargo which may liquefy if the MC of the material exceeds its TML. As such, this belongs to the Group A cargo under the IMSBC Code (2016 edition).
What sections of the IMSBC Code are relevant?
For easy reference we set out herewith the relevant sections of the IMSBC Code (2016 edition) below:
Photo from
www.skuld.com
SECTION 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS 1.4.1. The provisions contained in this Code apply to all ships to which the SOLAS Convention, as amended, applies and that are carrying solid bulk cargoes...
1.4.2
...this Code is legally treated as a mandatory instrument under SOLAS Convention...
Nickel ore mines in Indonesia Stockpiles in the Philippines
SECTION 4 – ASSESSMENT OF ACCEPTABILITY OF CONSIGNMENTS FOR SAFE SHIPMENT 4.2.1. The shipper shall provide the master or his representative with appropriate information on the cargo sufficiently in advance of loading to enable to precautions which may be necessary for proper stowage and safe carriage of the cargo to be put into effect.
4.3.1. To obtain the information required in 4.2.1, the shipper shall arrange for the cargo to be properly sampled and tested. The shipper shall provide the ship’s master or his representative with the appropriate certificates of test, if required in this Code.
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www.skuld.com
4.3.2. When a concentrate or other cargo which may liquefy is carried, the shipper shall provide the ship’s master or his representative with a signed certificate of the TML (Transportable Moisture Limit) and a signed certificate or declaration of the moisture content, each issued by an entity recognized by the Competent Authority of the port of loading
56 | The Report • September 2018 • Issue 85
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