The high volume of rain is having a dangerous impact on the behaviour and appearance of a number Group A cargoes being exported. The materials seeing the most impact are Mineral Concentrates, Nickel Ore, Iron Ore Fines and Bauxite Fines.
In the IMSBC Code, the cargoes have been divided into three groups. Group A consists of cargoes that may liquefy. Group B are cargoes with a chemical hazard. Group C cargoes are neither liable to liquefy nor to possess chemical hazards.
There may be a number of local shippers / mines whose cargoes are affected and who also have unsuitable sampling and testing regime to cope with these potential issues.
What is cargo liquefaction?
Liquefaction refers to the process where a solid bulk cargo, typically a granular or powdered material, transforms into a liquid-like state due to the presence of moisture and the effect of vibration during transport. This phenomenon can occur when water penetrates the cargo, reducing the friction between particles, and causing the cargo to behave like a liquid under certain conditions, such as the movement of a ship.
It is recommended that operators increase their awareness / vigilance of the risk associated with these early rains and request Shippers provide evidence of their compliance with MSC.1/Circ.1454/Rev.2 (Guidelines for developing and approving procedures for sampling, testing and controlling moisture content for cargoes which may liquefy or undergo dynamic separation).