Bulk Cargoes - Soya Beans - Cargo Damage Claims

There has recently been a number of claims for damage to soya bean cargoes at the discharge port – mainly in China.

Grain cargoes in general – and soya beans in particular – have a high risk of going mouldy on board the ship during the voyage. Most if not all the cargoes are loaded in apparent good order and condition but there is an inherent vice – the soya beans have a tendency to deteriorate unless cargo loading temperatures are low and average moisture content is low.

The reason why soya bean cargo damage claims are frequent is that the contractual moisture content is stated usually as ‘14%  maximum’ and most cargoes are shipped above the 11.5% needed for stability.

*The reported average moisture content of 12.6% for recent cargoes from Brazil is high risk – the risk of self-heating is high. Most cargoes outturn in apparent good order and condition and are accepted without claim. But many cargoes will self-heat before arrival at the discharge port and there will be cargo damage. If the voyage is delayed this risk increases.

Click here to see North’s Loss Prevention Briefing – Soya Beans Cargo Damage Claims which includes:

• Notes on how the damage is caused
• Notes on how the claims develop and typical costs
• Example of suggested ventilation log – part completed
• Suggested form of ventilation log for three degree rule (blank) – which can be accessed here

Click here to see North’s Loss Prevention Briefing – Carriage of Grain Cargoes.

Any Member who would like more information or help should phone +44 191 2325221 and ask for loss prevention or email loss.prevention@nepia.com.

Thanks to Brookes Bell Group for providing assistance with this loss prevention initiative.

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