Applicability: All shipowners and operators involved in the carriage of solid bulk cargoes
The IMO’s Carriage of Cargo and Containers (CCC) Sub-Committee has published circular CCC.1/Circ.2 on Carriage of Bauxite that may Liquefy.
This urges ship Masters not to accept bauxite for carriage unless:
- the moisture limit for the cargo to be loaded is certified as less than the indicative moisture limit of 10% and the particle size distribution is as detailed in the individual schedule for bauxite in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code; or
- the cargo is declared as Group A (cargoes that may liquefy) and the shipper declares the transportable moisture limit (TML) and moisture content; or
- the Master is presented with an assessment that the cargo does not present Group A properties.
This advice follows findings from the Bulk Jupiter accident investigation, which have triggered the re-assessment of the cargo. The conclusions of this re-assessment will be included in future amendments to the IMSBC Code. Currently, bauxite is assessed as a Group C cargo (cargoes not liable to liquefaction) under the Code.
Guidance on carrying solid bulk cargoes safely
Lloyd's Register, the UK P&I Club, and Intercargo have produced a pocket guide for ships' officers and agents who arrange cargoes for loading.
This outlines the precautions to be taken before accepting solid bulk cargoes for shipment; sets out procedures for safe loading and carriage; details the primary hazards associated with different types of cargo; and underlines the importance of proper cargo declarations. A quick reference checklist and flowchart summarise the steps to be followed.
A PDF of both the pocket guide and flowchart can be downloaded at www.lr.org/imsbc and printed copies of the pocket guide can be ordered from the LR webstore
Related news: Two bodies recovered, 16 still missing from the capsized Bulk Jupiter
Source: Lloyd's Register