Brazil: Warning - Bulk cargo wrongly described
The club is aware of Iron Ore Sinter Feed cargo presented for loading at Ponta da Madeira that has been described as Group C cargo in documents presented by shippers.
It has come to our attention that at least two cargoes have subsequently liquefied during the voyage.
Members are advised that Sinter Feed is listed as MINERAL CONCENTRATE in the IMSBC Code. This is a Group A cargo and therefore subject to liquefaction if carried with excessive moisture present.
Group A cargo should not be loaded until the master has received all of the cargo documents required by the IMSBC Code. These include a certificate of moisture content for the cargo to be loaded and a certificate showing the permitted Transportable Moisture Limit (TML).
The club is also aware of Sinter Feed cargo presented for shipment at Santana Port with high levels of moisture present in the cargo.
Masters are recommended to follow the advice contained in our loss prevention briefing on liquefaction and perform can tests at regular intervals during loading once it has been determined that the cargo is safe to load.
Members are advised to contact the club should they require further information.
Click here for our loss prevention briefing on liquefaction.