Philippines – Vigilance Needed When Loading Nickel Ore *Update*

10 May 2017 *Update*

P&I correspondents (Pandiman Philippines) have issued a circular in which they report growing political uncertainty over the leadership of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DNER).

There are also concerns that there may be violent repercussions against vessels calling at ports on the island of Mindanao (Surigao and Tubay) to load Nickel ore.

The outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) are concerned over the political developments.  Their armed movement, the New People’s Army (NPA), has previously attacked nickel ore mines in the Surigao region in October 2011. 

Members with vessels loading nickel ore at ports on the island of Mindanao should at all times be vigilant, implement robust in-port security measures and restrict all shore leave.  The vessel’s engine room should be permanently manned, the engines kept on standby and ready for a quick departure.

We would also remind Members of the importance of undertaking independent analysis of the pre-loading condition of nickel ore, so as to avoid the potential of loading cargo with a high moisture content.

A copy of the Pandiman Philippines circular can be read here.

13 April 2017

Concerns remain regarding the condition of nickel ore cargoes presented for loading at ports in the Philippines due to recent periods of heavy rainfall as reported by North’s P&I Correspondents in Manila, PANDIMAN Philippines Inc.

Stockpiles are reported as being left open to the elements and, in some cases, the cargo is not stockpiled and is loaded straight from the mine pits.

North’s correspondent reports that the majority of samples that they have sent for independent laboratory analysis have failed. They also report inaccuracies of as much as 10% in the FMP and TML as declared by the shippers. Certificates issued by shippers should also be regarded as unreliable.

North continues to recommend that Members retain an independent laboratory to test any nickel ore cargoes to be loaded in the Philippines so as to ensure that loading is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the IMSBC code. Vessel Masters should also conduct on board checks of nickel ore cargoes presented for loading in the Philippines.

We would take this opportunity to remind Members fixing to load Nickel Ore of their obligation to report this to the Club in accordance with Club Circular 2012/23. We would also draw attention to the Club Circular 2011/009 relating to the safe carriage of nickel ore from the Philippines.

For more information on nickel ore in the Philippines we recommend reviewing the Loss Prevention Briefing and Hotspots on the loading and carriage of nickel ore cargoes.