We have recently had problems with a ship discharging scrap steel in Ambarli, Turkey. During discharge, problems were encountered which required an inspection of the cargo. This inspection revealed several shells, believed to be anti-tank ammunition, lying on top of the cargo. Whilst most appeared inert, one later was found to be a live practice round. Investigations are still continuing to try and verify the origin of the shells but it is not impossible that they might have been placed on board at the discharge port for ulterior motives. There have been recent reports of this type of thing happening with other scrap steel cargoes out of the former Soviet Union.

Whether proved or not, we would strongly advise Members be wary of loading steel scrap in the former USSR.

The following recommendations have been circulated to the crews of the Member involved in this incident which might be of interest to others trading in this market :-

"It has come to our attention that cargoes of steel scrap containing munitions have been loaded on board vessels at ports in the former USSR.

If you are loading, carrying and discharging cargoes of steel scrap from ports in the former USSR you should take the following precautions.

1. You should carefully inspect the cargo as it comes alongside your ship to be loaded. If you see any munitions in the cargo you should inform owners and your P&I representative immediately.

2. You should keep a careful watch during loading and report to the owners and the P&I representatives immediately if you see anything suspicious or dangerous in the cargo.

3. You should photograph the top of the cargo in each hold immediately after completion of loading and should put the date on the photograph. If possible the shipper should sign the back of the photograph.

4. When the hatches are opened on arrival at the discharging port(s) you should again take photographs of the top of the cargo in each hold before discharging begins. These photographs should be dated and, if possible signed by the receivers.

You should keep a careful watch during the discharging operations and you should immediately report to the owners and to the P&I representative at the discharging port(s) if you see anything dangerous or suspicious in the cargo."


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