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This article explains how and why moisture migration takes place and discusses to what extent surface ventilation can reduce or eliminate the damage to which moisture migration gives rise. The answer depends on the commodity; with grain in bulk, surface ventilation can do little or nothing; with rice or cocoa in bags, surface ventilation can…
Over the years, a considerable trade has developed in the bulk carriage of relatively small quantities of cereals, oil seeds and their derivatives. Frequently a number of such products may be shipped simultaneously onboard bulk carriers. It is not uncommon for three or more consignments to be stowed in the same hold using separation material…
Read More “The separation of products in the holds of bulk carriers
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It is widely accepted that during the transportation of bulk cargo, some loss will unavoidably occur but when the shortage exceeds a percentage regarded as customary in that trade the carrier is often held responsible. One of the causes of shortage claims is that it is virtually impossible to precisely determine the weight of large…
Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) often concentrate on the precautions that shipowners should take when carrying this potentially hazardous cargo. Less attention on this issue is paid to charterers and the impression may be that this is a matter for shipowners and not a concern for charterers. This is definitely not the case. Claims can and…
The Hazard of Grain Shifting Grain settles by about 2% of its volume. Because of this settling, small void spaces that exist on the top of the grain surface in filled compartments increase in volume. These void spaces permit the grain to shift. The shifting of grain is the greatest hazard involved in the carriage…
Types of Bulk Cargoes Bulk cargoes include Coals, Concentrates, Grains, Fertilizers, Animal foodstuffs, Minerals and Ores. These cargoes constitute a high proportion of seaborne trade. IMSBC code The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (2009) is the revision of Solid Bulk Cargoes code (1965). The IMSBC code is based on the mandatory provisions as contained…
Hold cleaning disputes are not infrequent and can result in the need for multiple surveys and significant delays and costs. This blog discusses some of the practical aspects of cleaning cargo holds, including the factors which will be relevant to the extent of cleaning required, and also how appropriate systems can be put into place to…
Draught survey: Before the start of loading the chief mate will normally undertake a draught survey. If an independent surveyor has been appointed the chief mate will accompany him on his survey, agree soundings and draught readings with him and then complete a separate set of calculations before comparing the final results with the surveyor….
Liquefaction – it’s a term used as a ‘catch-all’ phrase to describe at least two moisture-related cargo failure mechanisms. The results, however, are the same – vessel instability and ultimately the vessel sinking. Classical liquefaction Classical liquefaction occurs when moisture between the cargo particles becomes sufficiently pressurised, causing the particles to separate. “Then the cargo…
Ventilation of bulk grains and oilseeds The ventilation of bulk cargoes, especially agricultural commodities, is a recurring problem . But how does a crew know when to ventilate a cargo, and why should they do it? What is ventilation? Agricultural bulk cargoes are usually hygroscopic; they possess a natural moisture content, and they may absorb,…