WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES?
Cargoes that lose stability and flow due to liquefaction or dynamic separation have similar negative consequences for the ship. The effects may produce dangerous angles of list, and in some instances, the resulting loss of stability can be so severe that the vessel and the lives of those onboard are lost. It is therefore imperative that crews are aware of the types and conditions of cargo prior to loading that may give rise to either phenomenon.
HOW ARE THESE CARGOES CLASSIFIED?
In the IMSBC Code, cargoes that can liquefy or dynamically separate are classified as Group A cargoes. The IMSBC Code 2022 definition of a Group A cargo is: “Group A consists of cargoes which possess a hazard due to moisture that may result in liquefaction or dynamic separation if shipped at a moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture limit.”
The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code classifies cargoes into three groups based on their potential hazards:
Group A: Cargoes that may liquefy
These are cargoes which possess a hazard due to moisture that may result in liquefaction or dynamic separation if shipped at a moisture content in excess of their Transportable Moisture Limit (TML). Examples include:
- Iron ore fines - Nickel ore - Bauxite
Group B: Cargoes that possess a chemical hazard These cargoes pose a hazard due to their chemical properties and can include substances that are corrosive, toxic, flammable, or prone to spontaneous combustion. Examples include:
- Coal - Sulphur - Ferrosilicon
Group C: Cargoes that are neither group A nor group B These cargoes do not liquefy (Group A) nor possess chemical hazards (Group B), but may still pose other risks such as dust or mechanical hazards. Examples include:
- Grain - Aggregates - Scrap metal
SOLAS REQUIREMENTS
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter VI – Carriage of Cargoes – provides the general framework for the carriage of all cargoes.
SHIPPER’S DUTIES
In respect of cargoes with particular hazards, such as liquefaction or dynamic separation, SOLAS requires the shipper to provide the master, or his representative, with the appropriate cargo information sufficiently in advance of loading to enable the necessary precautions for safe carriage to be put into effect. The format of such information is provided in the IMSBC Code 2022 Section 4.2.3. A typical form for the shipper’s declaration is also included in IMSBC Code 2023 Appendix 5.
Additionally, there are specific provisions for additional information to be supplied for Group A cargoes in the form of a certificate of moisture content and transportable moisture limit (TML). As such, shippers are obliged to provide appropriate cargo information to the master prior to loading. To obtain this information, the shipper must arrange for the cargo
MASTER’S DUTIES
Section 7.3.1.1 of the IMSBC Code states: “Group A cargoes shall only be accepted for loading when the actual moisture content of the cargo is less than its TML.” Therefore, a master should not accept such a cargo for loading without first receiving the appropriate documentation certifying the moisture content and TML of the cargo, with the moisture content shown to be less than the TML.
THE REPORT | SEP 2024 | ISSUE 109 | 97
to be properly sampled and tested. Physical property tests on the cargo are meaningless unless they are conducted on truly representative samples prior to loading. If such information is not given, the master should not accept the cargo for loading.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148
