THE International Maritime Organization (IMO) has cautioned ship masters of the possible dangers associated with carriage of bauxite.IMO explained that the development is based on investigation over the loss of the 10-year-old Bahamas flag bulk carrier, Bulk Jupiter that carried 46,400 tonnes of bauxite when it sank rapidly with 18 fatalities in January 2015.
The circular approved by IMO’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Containers and Cargoes (CCC), warned ship Masters not to accept bauxite for carriage unless the moisture limit for the specific cargo is certified as less than the indicative moisture limit of 10 per cent and the particle size distribution as is detailed in the individual schedule for bauxite in the 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 cargo has been assessed as not presenting Group A properties.
The circular noted that bauxite is currently classified as a Group C cargo (cargoes that do not liquefy or possess a chemical hazard) under the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, adding that there is a need to raise awareness of the possible dangers of liquefaction associated with bauxite.
Also, If a Group A cargo (cargo which may liquefy) is shipped with moisture content in excess of its transportable moisture limit (TML), there is a risk of cargo shift, which may result in capsizing.
However, the mandatory IMSBC Code requires Group A cargoes to be tested before loading and to determine their TML and their actual moisture content. The testing should confirm the cargo is below the maximum moisture content considered safe for carriage.
The Sub-Committee was informed of the marine safety investigation into the loss of the Bulk Jupiter, which has uncovered evidence to suggest liquefaction of cargo led to loss of stability.
Also, ongoing research to evaluate the properties of bauxite is being carried out by Australia and Brazil, while an ongoing research project in China suggests that bauxite has various behaviours, based on the parent rock and how the materials weather.
The Sub-Committee has established a correspondence group to evaluate the properties of bauxite and coal (some types of coal may liquefy) and consider any necessary amendments to the IMSBC Code.
Liquefaction occurs when a cargo (which may not appear visibly wet) has a level of moisture in between particles. During a voyage, the ship movement may cause the cargo to liquefy and become viscous and fluid, which can lead to cargo flowing with the roll of the ship and potentially causing a dangerous list and sudden capsize of the vessel.
IMO said special consideration and precautions should be taken when loading a cargo, which may liquefy.
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