North P&I Club renews loss-prevention campaign on liquefaction risks

The loss-prevention department of the ‘A’ rated 150 million GT North P&I Club has marked the start of 2012 with a renewed campaign to warn shipowners of the potentially lethal dangers of cargo liquefaction.  The Club’s latest issue of its loss-prevention newsletter Signals is accompanied by a new safety poster and information sheet on the topic.

‘The loss of the bulk carrier Vinalines Queen on Christmas day and three bulk carriers a year earlier, with consequent loss of seafarers’ lives, is a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences that can arise from loading liquefiable cargoes,’ says North’s head of loss prevention Tony Baker.

‘In reality there are very few ships that can safely carry a bulk cargo that can change from a solid to a liquid state. Until our knowledge of the behaviour of liquefied cargo and its impact on ship stability improves, shipowners and masters must take all proper precautions when presented with such a cargo for carriage.’

The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, which became mandatory a year ago, identifies the steps that should be taken when carrying cargoes that can liquefy.

North has previously published comprehensive guidance and advice to its members on liquefaction risks including a 10-page loss-prevention briefing on the topic in March 2010, along with more specific briefings on carrying nickel ore and iron ore fines – the two cargoes apparently involved in the six liquefaction tragedies that have occurred during the last two years. Repeated warnings and recommendations have also appeared in its loss-prevention newsletter Signals and online Industry News pages.

The latest initiatives include a new A3 colour poster – the first in a new series of ‘Cargo Wise’ posters designed for use on members’ ships – and an A4 ‘Hot-Spots’ quick-reference, illustrated  information sheet for ships’ officers and shore-based managers.

Both provide reminders about the importance of not loading potentially liquefiable cargoes without a valid shipper’s declaration together with supporting certificates of transportable moisture limit and moisture content. ‘Can tests’ should be performed throughout loading along with simple visual checks for any signs of splattering. If masters are in any doubt, North says they must stop loading and seek additional advice.

‘Masters need to remember that the risk of liquefaction is a fundamental ship safety issue. As such they are fully backed by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea part V regulation 34, which sanctions any decision necessary in their professional judgement for safe navigation,’ says Baker.

North is a leading marine mutual liability insurer providing P&I, FD&D, war risks and ancillary insurance to 115 million GT of owned tonnage and 35 million GT of chartered tonnage, with 6000 ships entered by 400 members. It is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK with regional offices in Hong Kong, Piraeus and Singapore. The Club is a leading member of the International Group of P&I Clubs, with approximately 12% of the group’s owned tonnage. The 13 group Clubs provide liability cover for approximately 90% of the world’s ocean-going tonnage and, as a member of the group, North protects and promotes the interests of the international shipping industry.

Contact: Andrew Glen +44 191 232 5221