Statutory Alert: Carriage of bauxite – warning about possible dangers of liquefaction.
16 March, 2016
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
For further information
Speak to one of our experts at your local Lloyd's Register Group office.
Or contact us via:
statutorysupport@lr.org