North P&I Club warns of liquefaction risk for bauxite cargoes

The ‘A’ rated 170 million GT North P&I Club has warned shipowners carrying bauxite aluminium ore cargoes that they have the potential to liquefy at sea despite being listed in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC) as a low-risk ‘Group C’ cargo.

According to North’s Risk Management Executive Colin Gillespie, entered vessels have recently experienced a number of instances where bauxite cargoes from Brazil and Indonesia have exhibited the liquefaction characteristics of Group A cargoes. Typically the cargoes involved contained a large proportion of fines.

‘Fortunately none of the incidents have resulted in losses to vessels or crew members. However, as seen in high-profile incidents involving liquefaction of nickel and iron ore cargoes, the resulting loss of vessel stability can be fatal,’ he says.

While bauxite is listed in the IMSBC Code as a Group C cargo, meaning it is not known to liquefy or possess a chemical hazard, this categorisation only applies to cargoes that fall within the very specific description included in the Code. According to the Code, bauxite must have a moisture content of 0-10% to be classified as Group C. It must also consist of 70-90% lumps with a size of 2.5-500 mm and 10-30% powder.  Where any of these properties are not met, then the requirements of Section 1.3 of the Code for cargoes not listed should be followed.

‘Conditions which take the cargo outside the Group C specification, such as excessive moisture due to heavy rainfall allied to a high fines content may mean the cargo displays the characteristics of a Group A cargo.’ says Gillespie.

‘Vessels loading bauxite should be aware that the cargo is not always Group C and loading should be monitored for conditions such as splattering in the holds and the failure of can tests. These may suggest that the cargo has the propensity to liquefy.

For further information contact: Colin Gillespie +44 191 232 5221