Issue Summary.
Over recent years Intercargo members have been experiencing increased pressure to load vessels quickly. This problem has escalated with the increased demand for commodities and the commercial pressure to maximise terminal throughput.
Intercargo conducted a survey of ships’ masters to determine the areas of concern, two main areas were identified:
- the implied arrival condition required to meet onerous loading requirements and its detrimental effect on manoeuvrability; and
- the consequences for the structural integrity of the ship.
Intercargo Policy.
Intercargo will engage with all stakeholders including owners and operators, terminals, classification societies, shippers, flag administrations, and insurers to ensure a common understanding of this issue. The aim is to ensure that all bulk carriers are loaded safety in an appropriate manner, taking into account the capabilities of the ship, in accordance with international regulation
Summary of Recent Developments.
Intercargo commissioned a study to investigate the effects of ‘minimum ballast’ on manoeuvrability. The BMT SeaTech study provides objective evidence that the feedback from ships’ masters is correct and quantifies the effects of the minimum ballast condition – confirming that in most cases the safety margin is reduced when manoeuvring in a reduced ballast condition compared with the normal ballast condition. The study was subsequently expanded to include additional scenarios illustrating the consequences of a reduced safety margin.
The concerns with regard to hull structure were investigated by ABS. The ABS study indicates that the identified issues, or a combination of these issues, increases the stress range experienced by a ship and may lead to a over stressing of the hull.
Intercargo made a submission to the 84th session of the IMO Maritime and Safety Committee (MSC 84/INF. 8), in May 2008, informing the committee of these concerns. MSC referred the paper to the 13th session of the sub-committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC 13) which met in September 2008. DSC 13 included the Intercargo paper in the terms of reference of the correspondence group reviewing the BLU Code for consideration.
This correspondence group reported to the 14th session of DSC in September 2009 recommending a draft MSC circular to draw attention to the risks associated with loading at high rates and the potential consequences. The sub-committee agreed that the proposed circular should be forwarded to MSC 87 (May 2010) recommending approval. A copy of the draft circular can be found in the annex of DSC 14/7 below:
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Loading Rates
