In November last year, the International Association of
Dry Cargo Shipowners (Intercargo) alerted the
owners and operators of bulk carriers to the continued
dangers of liquefaction associated with the carriage
of nickel concentrate (nickel ore) cargoes.
Nickel ore cargoes, which commonly emanate from
ports and mines in tropical regions such as Indonesia,
often have a very high moisture content and have
previously been linked to a number of serious bulk carrier
casualties involving loss of life due to liquefaction during the
voyage.
Intercargo has great concerns about the testing of nickel
ore cargoes for moisture content and recognizes that
shipowners and operators often have difficulty in obtaining
accurate shippers’ declarations relating to the cargo, prior to
loading. Determining the transportable moisture limit (TML)
and the actual moisture content of individual shipments,
should be conducted in accordance with the
requirements of the IMSBC Code.
Shipowners, operators and charterers should exercise
extreme care when dealing with nickel ore, and Intercargo
and would like to re-iterate the importance of using the
correct techniques when testing cargo, and strongly
advocates the use of an independent cargo surveyor
to check and report both the TML and the actual moisture
content prior to loading.
Intercargo represents over 155 members engaged in the
dry bulk trades. With NGO status at the International
Maritime Organization, Intercargo’s objective is the creation
of a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly dry cargo
sector. Intercargo, founded in 1980, works within the Round
Table of international maritime associations which comprises
of BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping, Intercargo
and Intertanko.