International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargo (IMSBC) Code categorizes cargoes into three groups, A, B & C:

A = cargoes which may liquefy if shipped at a moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture limit

B = cargoes which possess a chemical hazard which could give rise to a dangerous situation on a ship.

C = consists of cargoes which are neither liable to liquefy (Group A) nor to possess chemical hazards (Group B).

English: Bulk carrier HUMBOLDT CURRENT arrivin...
English: Bulk carrier HUMBOLDT CURRENT arriving in harbour. Français : Vraquier HUMBOLDT CURRENT arrivant au port. IMO-Number: 7819943 MMSI-Number: 376331000 Length: 193 m Callsign: J8FI4 Beam: 20 m (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Liquefaction property of group A cargo is a major concern on safety of ship and its crew. In 2010 vessels Jian Fu Star, Nasco Diamond, Hong Wei and Vinalines Queen sank resulting in total loss of 67 lives at sea. The cargo carried by these four ill-fated vessels was nickel ore.

When liquefaction takes place vessel at sea may experience cargo shifting resulting in sudden loss of stability and capsizing.

When does liquefaction occur? Liquefaction takes place if the moisture content in cargo is above the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML).  Since Nickel ore is not listed by name in IMSBC Code the carriage of nickel ore must be within the scope of section 1.3 “Cargoes not listed in this Code”

Recommendations are submitted to Maritime Safety Committee for implementing binding rules for engagement of National Competent Authority together with qualified laboratories for assessment of moisture content, TML  to ensure cargoes which may liquefy is not loaded if moisture content is above TML.

English: A bulldozer is loaded on a bulk carri...
English: A bulldozer is loaded on a bulk carrier using a crane, prior to unloading. Français : Un bulldozer est chargé sur un vraquier grâce à une grue, avant de commencer le déchargement. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Quote from China’s submission to Maritime Safety Committee (MSC89)

“China, as the country of nationality of the 45 seafarers [who lost their lives], carried out the investigation immediately after the accidents. In view of the fact that the subject ships had sunk and the difficulty to obtain cargo samples from the port of loading, the investigation was mainly based on the interviews with the surviving seafarers.

According to the evidence available, the direct cause of these accidents was the loss of stability as a result of cargo liquefaction and shifting in bad weather. However, the cargo documentation provided to the masters indicated that the moisture content of the cargo samples was lower than the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML)”.

By shashi kallada

25 years in Merchant Shipping, Last 13 years working on Packaged Dangerous Goods Sailor, Ex Manager Global Dangerous Goods Maersk Line * Freelance Photographer *Amateur Cyclist

6 thoughts on “Danger of cargo liquefaction – Bulk Carriers”
  1. Hello mr. Kallada,

    Is it mandatory for a ship to have a certain certificate for the carriage of group A, B (mhb) and C cargoes?
    A document of compliance is mandatory if the cargoes are listed in the IMDG code (according Solas). But for IMSBC cargoes without an UNNO??

    thank you for the reply….

      1. OK clear, but what if the ship is carrying a (e.g.) group B MHB cargo and this particular cargo isn’t mentioned in the DoC of the vessel? Normally you see on the DoC that ‘all group A and C cargoes’ can be carried, and the group B cargoes are listed by name. Does the ship needs an addendum if a group B cargo is missing on the DoC?

        Regards
        Eric

        1. If cargo not mentioned. Then strictly no go. Owners have to go back to the class and check if that is possible. Certain cargo inclusion may involve structural change. if so, not many owners will opt for it unless the charter is lucrative

          1. If cargo not mentioned. Then strictly no go.

            Owners have to go back to the class and check if that is possible. Certain cargo inclusion may involve structural change. if so, not many owners will opt for it unless the charter is lucrative

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