Universidad Nacional Experimental Marítima del Caribe

Unidad Curricular: Estabilidad del Buque II, Sección A

Cadete: William Hernández

C.I: 26.696.746
Liquifaction

Liquefaction is a phenomenon that can occur when certain types of bulk cargoes, such as
mineral ores, are transported by sea. In the maritime context, liquefaction occurs when the
cargo is exposed to moisture, either during loading or during the voyage. The moisture can
cause the small spaces between the individual particles of the cargo to fill with water, which
can cause the cargo to become fluid-like and unstable.

This can be a serious safety issue, as the instability of the cargo can cause the ship to become
unstable and potentially capsize. In addition, liquefaction can cause the cargo to shift during
transport, which can damage the ship's structure and potentially lead to the loss of the vessel.

To prevent liquefaction, it is important to properly test and classify the cargo before loading
and to ensure that the moisture content is within safe limits. The International Maritime Solid
Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code provides guidelines for the transport of solid bulk cargoes,
including regulations for the testing and classification of cargoes and recommendations for
cargo handling and transport.

Liquefaction can occur when certain types of cargo, such as iron ore fines or nickel ore, have a
high moisture content and are exposed to vibration or movement during transport. The
movement can cause the cargo to settle and the spaces between the individual particles to fill
with water, causing the cargo to behave like a fluid rather than a solid.

This can lead to a phenomenon known as "free surface effect," which is when the cargo moves
freely within the hold of the ship, causing the ship's stability to be compromised. The instability
caused by liquefaction can also lead to the ship rolling excessively, which can cause damage to
the cargo and potentially lead to the loss of the vessel.

There are several specific loading and stowage procedures that can help prevent liquefaction
during maritime transport of bulk cargoes. Some of these procedures include:

1. Pre-loading moisture testing: Conducting moisture content testing of the cargo prior to
loading can help determine the likelihood of liquefaction occurring. This can be done using a
number of different methods, such as the Proctor/Fagerberg test, which measures the TML of
the cargo.

2. Correct stowage: Ensuring that the cargo is properly stowed in the ship's holds is critical to
preventing liquefaction. This involves evenly distributing the cargo throughout the hold,
avoiding overloading or underloading, and ensuring that the cargo is properly trimmed and
secured. The IMSBC Code provides detailed guidance on the proper stowage of bulk cargoes.

3. Ship's stability: It is important to ensure that the loading and stowage of the cargo does not
compromise the stability of the ship. This involves calculating the ship's stability and ensuring
that the cargo is loaded in a way that does not exceed the ship's stability limits.

4. Avoiding excess moisture: Preventing excess moisture from entering the cargo during
transport is key to preventing liquefaction. This can be done by avoiding exposure of the cargo
to rain or seawater during loading and transport, and by ensuring that the cargo is properly
covered and protected from moisture.

5. Regular monitoring: Regular monitoring of the cargo during transport is important to detect
any signs of liquefaction. This may involve measuring the angle of repose of the cargo,
monitoring the temperature and humidity in the hold, and checking for any signs of cargo
shifting or instability.

In summary, liquefaction is a serious safety issue that can occur when certain types of bulk
cargoes are transported by sea, and it is important to take proper precautions and follow
established guidelines to prevent it from happening.