Coal cargoes loaded at Ciénaga, Magdalena, Colombia are associated with recurring issues that, if not properly managed, present elevated risks during carriage.
The coal parcels loaded at this port have demonstrated inconsistent and unpredictable behaviour. In some cases, cargoes have shown clear signs of self-heating, including elevated carbon monoxide levels and decreasing oxygen concentrations.
At least one incident has resulted in significant operational difficulties during discharge due to a fire within the cargo hold.
In contrast, other parcels have been observed to emit methane without any indication of significant self-heating. This variability means crews cannot rely on a single behavioural pattern and must instead apply enhanced monitoring and strict compliance with the IMSBC Code throughout the voyage.
Coal loaded at Ciénaga, Magdalena is typically shipped with very limited ullage space, allowing any internal reactions within the cargo to become apparent relatively quickly through gas measurements. While shippers provide carriage instructions, these have not always been sufficiently clear, which can lead to confusion or inconsistent onboard practices.
Before loading
- Submit cargo documentation including the cargo declaration for review.
- Confirm the crew is fully familiar with IMSBC Code requirements for the carriage of coal.
Equipment & preparations
- Ensure the crew are familiar with the gas detection equipment on board.
- Ensure the vessel is equipped with a suitable gas detector for low‑oxygen atmospheres (infrared sensors rather than catalytic is preferable).
- Carry out a bump test on gas detection equipment prior to use.
- Securely de‑energise all electrical equipment within the holds, except for equipment certified as safe by appropriate Ex rating, with isolation points outside the hold.
- Display no‑smoking signage and strictly enforce compliance.
- Prohibit hot work on deck or in spaces adjacent to the cargo.
During carriage
- As the cargo is usually declared as being liable to self-heat and emit methane, follow code requirements and ventilate for 24 hours unless expressly told otherwise.
- Conduct gas sampling of the ullage space using IMSBC Code methodology.
- Take and record regular gas samples start with every 12 hours as a minimum plotting trends for methane, carbon monoxide, and oxygen levels.
Escalation
- Seek expert assistance without delay if:
- Methane levels rise significantly, or
- Carbon monoxide increases across 3 days continuously above 50ppm, usually in conjunction with falling oxygen levels.