LR has issued an alert applicable to all shipowners & operators involved in the carriage of solid bulk cargoes: amendments to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code will enter into force on 1 January, 2015, and may be implemented voluntarily from 1 January, 2014.
There are two key changes which relate to cargoes which may liquefy (Group A cargoes), as follows.
1. Assessment of acceptability of consignments for safe shipment
The amendments to the Code include a more robust assessment of acceptability of Group A cargoes for safe shipment. This is detailed in new section 4.3.3 and involves extra approval from the competent authority of the port of loading before Group A cargoes can be transported. It specifically applies as follows:
The IMO will disseminate the names of the relevant competent authorities through the GISIS database
2. New Nickel ore schedule
The amendments also include a new schedule dedicated to nickel ore, a Group A cargo which may liquefy if shipped at a moisture content in excess of its TML, and a cargo associated with the loss of several bulk carriers, most recently Trans Summer on 14 August, 2013.
Owners and Masters are reminded that cargoes with a moisture content higher than the TML must not be accepted for loading.
For further information on the amendments to the Code, please see Resolution MSC.354(92) at: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12013214/RESOLUTION%20MSC.354%2892%29.pdf.
For more information on voluntary implementation from January 2014, see MSC.1/Circ.1452 at:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/12013214/MSC.1-Circ.1452_-_Early_Implementation_Of_Amendment_02-13_To_The_International_Maritime_Solid_Bulk_Cargoes_%28Imsbc%29_Cod..._%28Secretariat%29%5B1%5D.pdf
Guidance on carrying solid bulk cargoes safely
Lloyd’s Register, the UK P&I Club, and Intercargo have produced a pocket guide for ships’ officers and agents who arrange cargoes for loading.
This outlines the precautions to be taken before accepting solid bulk cargoes for shipment; sets out procedures for safe loading and carriage; details the primary hazards associated with different types of cargo; and underlines the importance of proper cargo declarations. A quick reference checklist and flowchart summarise the steps to be followed which is available at: www.lr.org/imsbc