Members should be reminded of the inherent dangers of carrying ore cargoes with tendencies to liquefy. Previous LP bulletins have been issued by the Club with regard to cargoes loaded in new or young mines in areas such as India and Indonesia.

Two incidents this week resulted in one vessel having to return to its Indian load port due to the development of a dangerous 20 degree list and another vessel capsizing off the Taiwanese coast. Two weeks ago another Bulk Carrier capsized in similar circumstances.

Both capsized vessels were preceding north though the South China seas after loading Nickel Ore cargoes from Indonesia. Both cases resulted in the tragic loss of life. The most likely cause of both incidents was the liquefaction of the cargo and subsequent sudden loss of stability.

The Club would like to remind Members of bulletins previously issued on Nickel Ore; 417 - 06/05 & 602 - 09/08.

Members should be extremely careful if required to carry such cargoes from these areas and should not hesitate to contact the Club directly or local Club correspondents for advice/assistance. Further, Masters should NOT accept cargoes where the moisture content (MC) exceeds the flow moisture content (FMC) for that cargo.

If the Master is in any doubt a properly qualified and experienced cargo surveyor should be appointed to assist.

Source of information:

Loss Prevention Dept.

lossprevention.ukclub@thomasmiller.com