BULK CARGOES AND ITS GROUP:

CARGO GROUP
Ammonium Nitrate B
Charcoal B
Coal B (and A)
Gypsum C
Lead & Zinc A
Scrap Metals C
Timber B
Logs (Wood Products) B
Corn Gluten B or C

LIQUEFACTION:

 It is a phenomenon in which a material is abruptly transformed from a solid dry state to an almost fluid state.
 It can occur due to the vibration which occurs during a voyage.
 Such cargoes are identified as Group A cargoes in the IMSBC code.
 Cargoes such as iron ore fines, nickel ore, copper concentrate and various mineral concentrates are the example
of materials that may liquefy.

HAZARDS OF LIQUEFACTION:

 If liquefaction occurs onboard a vessel, the stability will be reduced due to the Free Surface Effect and cargo
shift, possibly resulting in capsizing of the vessel.
 The ship structure may also be damaged due to increased cargo pressure.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN:

 Moisture content prior to loading by taking the sample.

 Increased moisture during loading and during voyage.
 Closing the holds in case of rain or checking the signs of liquefaction risk, such as flattening of cargo or fluid flow.
 By taking weather information in order to avoid excessive motions/ vibrations during voyage.
 Properly trimming must be done to avoid shifting.

TML (Transportable Moisture Limit)

It is the maximum Gross Water Content (GWC) by weight that a Group A cargo may contain while being transported on a
bulk carrier without it being at risk of liquefying.

SOLAS Chapter VI Part B, Regulation 6.2, states that “Concentrates or other cargoes which may liquefy shall only be
accepted for loading when the actual moisture content of the cargo is less than its TML”.
HAZARDS OF COAL:

1. Spontaneous Heating.
2. Emission of Methane.
3. Corrosion.
4. Liquefaction.

Spontaneous Heating:

Coal absorbs oxygen, forming peroxides which breakup into carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Emission of Methane:

Methane is a flammable gas and when mixed with air forms an explosive mixture. It is lighter than air and
therefore accumulates in the upper regions of the hold.

Corrosion:

‘Pond Coal’ has a high moisture and sulphur content. This type of coal releases high temperatures from self
heating and the sulphur content reacts with water to give off sulphuric acid resulting in corrosion of the ship’s hull. The
ship should have instruments for measuring the P.h. content of bilge water and must be checked regularly.

Liquefaction:

It is a process where the moisture in the cargo migrates to the surface due to compaction (flattening of cargo) and
vibration resulting in the development of a flow state.

HAZARDS OF GRAIN CARGO :

1. Angle of Repose.
2. Cargo Shifting.

Angle of Repose:

Bulk granular materials when poured on a flat surface will create a conical pile. The internal angle between the
surface of the pile and the horizontal surface is called as ‘Angle of Repose’.

PRECAUTIONS WHEN LOADING GRAIN CARGO:

As per the ‘Grain Code’

 Make sure all holds are completely full.

 In case they cannot be completely full, make sure minimum holds are partly full.
 Make sure that even if the grain shifts, the angle of heel will not exceed 12 degrees.
 All partly full compartments to be properly trimmed before departure.
 In case the stability criteria is not acceptable, then other means of over stowing such as with bagged grain or by
other means such as strapping/ lashing is required.
HAZARDS OF TIMBER DECK CARGOES:

1. Timber deck cargoes being stowed too high may cause stability problems.
2. Due to ice accretion and absorption of moisture the vessel may have stabilityproblem.
3. Weight of water trapped in broken spaces and slack tanks can cause stability problems due to Free Surface
Effect.
4. Lashings not properly secured could be dangerous to persons onboard.
5. Timber being a good fuel for fire may cause problem.