Loss Prevention Advice
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A circular informing about the guidelines for handling and transporting Direct Reduced Iron (DRI).
Direct reduced iron (DRI) is formed by passing hot reducing gases, such as hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide, over iron ore, which is usually in the form of lumps or pellets. This produces a highly porous iron material which has a very large internal surface area available for re-oxidation. The principal hazards associated with DRI are its ability to undergo self-heating through oxidation and its ability to generate hydrogen from reaction with water/moisture. When stowed within the confines of a cargo hold, hydrogen produced by reaction with water can form an explosive atmosphere inside the hold, presenting a risk of explosion.
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A guide on shuttle tankers, offering comprehensive recommendations to ensure safe, flexible, and efficient operations, including detailed fire safety guidelines.
As explained, engine room fires are one of the major hazards on oil tankers. To prevent and reduce the consequences of an engine room fire, requirements related to oil systems, as well as thermographic scanning of hot surfaces on engines and other hazardous objects, ensure that the ship is delivered and operated in a safer condition than a standard ship. Independent main fire extinguishing systems and fixed gas fire extinguishing systems for the main switchboard space (if not part of the main engine room) provide additional safety beyond SOLAS requirements.
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Direct reduced iron (DRI) in various forms is described in the International Maritime Sold Bulk Cargo (IMSBC) Code, (hereinafter, the Code). The latest addition, which becomes a mandatory part of the Code from January 2025, is the entry for the Type D, by-product fines with a moisture content of at least 2%. This entry runs over multiple pages and contains a large amount of important information and guidance. In this Circular, the main points of the Type D entry are summarised, and, where appropriate, additional guidance and observational notes have been added.
Full advisory at the following link.
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An investigation report into an incident where a crew member was severely scalded by steam onboard a chemical tanker.
The incident
On 28 January 2024, an able-bodied seafarer (AB) on board Chemical Hunter was severely scalded by steam. The accident happened during cargo tank washing and steaming operations. Chemical Hunter had just left the port of Altamira, Mexico, when the accident occurred. The vessel returned to port where the injured crew member was transferred to a hospital. Despite the first aid given on board and the more specialized treatment in the hospital, the injured crew member succumbed to his injuries about two weeks after the accident.