Warning over liquefaction of dry bulk cargoes

The Club has very recently received reports of a number of casualties involving vessels laden with Chinese fluorspar cargo, carried from Hong Kong. The vessels in question are said to have developed severe lists. In one instance, the result was the reported loss of the vessel off Sri Lanka. And in another case it was necessary for the crew to abandon ship.

The information so far available indicates some connection between the casualties and the cargo carried - in particular, its moisture content and flow properties.

As described in the IMO BC Code, mineral cargoes which contain moisture and a proportion of fine particles can undergo liquefaction during ocean transport, if shipped above the transportable moisture limit. Accordingly, to prevent hazardous liquefaction occurring, the IMO BC Code (which includes a non-exhaustive list of other materials capable of attaining a flow state) requires the testing of cargo flow properties and certification by shippers, prior to loading.

However, in the recent cases, it appears that the only information provided by the shippers concerned the moisture content of the cargo and contained no data regarding its flow properties. In the circumstances, members are reminded to be aware of the potential risks involved with the carriage of such cargoes and of the related provisions of the IMO BC Code.