SAFE T Y
Briefings
Hazards when transporting biological liquid cargo
The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has issued an update for transporting biological liquid cargo following explosion after hot work was carried out near a vent from a tank containing fish silage. Fish silage is fresh fish residue and formic acid. The acid conserves the residue and delays the process of decomposition. When organic material decomposes in environments where there is little air, hazardous gases may form.
In an accident in the summer of 2024, work was carried out with an angle grinder near a vent from a tank containing fish silage. Silage had been stored in the tank in warm summer weather for a couple of weeks. Sparks from an angle grinder then most likely ignited a gas developed in the cargo. This led to an explosion where the hatch was torn loose and thrown many metres up in the air before it landed in the sea behind the boat. Thankfully, none of the crew members were badly injured.
Fish silage that is conserved correctly should not be a hazard to the ship or crew. If the conservation is not done correctly, however, explosive and toxic gasses may form. A decomposition process of the silage may also start if the temperature is right in the tank. The consequences may be lethal.
The development of hazardous gases is not limited to fish silage and should be considered when carrying all types of liquid cargo from a fish farm or fish-processing plant. If the gas is exposed to heat from welding, cutting
torches or angle grinders, it can easily be ignited, and the tank will explode. If anyone enters a tank or other spaces where gas may gather, they could be poisoned and die.
Hot work – Always carry out a risk assessment when planning and carrying out hot work.
– Keep an overview of the cargo on board and any relevant hazards, such as the formation of gas.
– Make sure that the work area is safe considering sparks, the location of cargo tanks, etc.
Correct information about liquid biological cargo – The shipper must provide the master with correct information on the contents and qualities of the cargo. Some of the factors to be documented include
– the correct product name for carriage in bulk – that the cargo is stable – any conditions for the cargo to remain stable – dangerous situations that may occur if the cargo becomes unstable, etc.
– The product name must be listed in chapters 17 or 18 of the IBC Code or in MEPC.2/Circular. Before the cargo is taken on board, the master must ensure that this information is received an that the vessel is certified to carry a cargo with the product name listed in the shipper’s documentation.
Work in tanks
When employees plan to work in a tank that may contain silage remains, it is important to ensure that the atmosphere in the tank is safe before commencing the work.
Essential guide to tanker ship coatings
According to Britannia P&I Club, who have produced this essential guide to tanker ship coatings, tanker ships rely on specialized coatings for their onboard tanks to safeguard against corrosion and contamination. The Club has published a guidance tanker ship coatings which explores the different types of coatings, including stainless steel and pure epoxy, giving details of their properties, advantages, and limitations.
A reliable and effective tank coating prevents water and corrosive agents from coming into direct contact with the metal surfaces, reducing the likelihood of structural damage and preventing cargo contamination during transportation. Therefore, it is essential to understand the significance of tank coatings and how they can impact claims and risk management.
Overall, tanker ship coatings systems demand vigilant monitoring over time and are not to be neglected after application. The demanding environment and harsh conditions to which coatings are subjected to require a continuous and thorough monitoring regime to detect any issues at an early stage. Owners and crews should have a clear understanding of the practical properties and constraints or limitations of the coating system applied. By treating the coating system with care, the risk for coating-related cargo contaminations and associated claims can be minimised. Furthermore, such attentive care contributes to extending the lifespan of the coating system and will therefore be cost effective.
Download the guidance at
https://bit.ly/3Y6Og2Q. THE REPORT | DEC 2024 | ISSUE 110 | 27
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