Monday, 19th July 2010
Kalimantan, Indonesia - Consulting Scientists Burgoynes have issued a briefing note on overheating coal cargoes following a number of recent incidents at different suppliers in the region.
Inadequate declarations provided by shippers often misrepresent cargo characteristics or provide no information on hazardous properties.
The briefing note outlines steps that can be taken by the crew to avoid problems associated with cargo self heating during the voyage.
Click here for the Burgoynes briefing note.
Click here for more information on the gas detection equipment required to be provided on board when carrying coal cargo.
26 September 2005: The possible dangers in the carriage of coal have recently been highlighted by reports of fires in Indonesian coal cargoes.
Coal cargoes may emit methane. To disperse methane normal practice is to surface ventilate all holds for the first 24 hours after departure from the load port.Methane is lighter than air and may find its way into adjacent spaces. Access to these spaces should be strictly controlled.
Some coals are subject to self heating. Once surface ventilation is complete, hatches should be kept closed. To monitor for a self heating situation hold temperatures and concentrations of carbon monoxide should be recorded. A rise in either will indicate possible self heating.To reduce surface area exposed to air, coal cargoes should be trimmed level prior to departure. This aspect is sometimes ignored in the rush to sail but untrimmed holds can contribute to self heating during the voyage.
Full guidance on the carriage of coal is contained in the UK MCA Marine Guidance Note 60 a copy of which is available below.