The Association has, for several years, been repeatedly advising about the risks of liquefaction that may come with the shipment of bulk mineral ore cargoes. In the light of a recent tragic event, Intercargo has also renewed its own warnings to the Industry.
The Association is grateful to Intercargo for permission to republish their recent news release 01/2015.
The situation
Members will be aware that following a recent tragic sinking of a vessel, said to have been carrying bauxite cargo from Malaysia, there has been a renewed focus on the issue of liquefaction of mineral ore cargoes shipped in bulk.
Intercargo have now issued a news release on this issue, 01/2015, which is republished alongside this advisory with their kind permission.
In this document Intercargo point out that in addition to the well-known issues in relation to iron ore and nickel ore, there must now be increased vigilance with respect to bauxite cargoes too.
Intercargo also explain that cargoes which may be categorised as Group "C" under the IMSBC could have physical properties that cause them to behave as if they were classed as Group "A" (which means being prone to liquefaction). Where cargo is wet / damp and contains fine particles, it should be tested for flow characteristics before loading.
Loss prevention advice
The Association has previously published a number of articles warning about potential issues with iron ore, nickel ore, bauxite and fluorspar shipments from various places around the world.
Members can access all of these advices under 'Bulk cargo liquefaction' and the most recent advices are given in 'Liquefaction risks from bauxite cargoes'.
Given the persistence of this risk, any member considering the carriage of a Group "A" cargo, or indeed a cargo which could have such characteristics is strongly urged to contact the Association soonest. In case of doubt, such contact should be made, too. For specific vessel enquiries, members are asked to contact their usual Skuld business unit.
For further information members are asked to contact the Association.