Our correspondents in Argentina, Pandi Liquidadores, provides an update on shortages and customs fines relating to Soya Bean imports, after a historically dry season in the country.
Iron Ore Fines Cargoes exported from Sierra Leone have been identified as an area of increasing concern due to a lack of regulatory oversight at loading ports and the potential for excessive wetting and thereby liquefaction and instability.
This is a joint publication of CINS and the International Group of P&I Clubs outlining updated guidlines for the safe carriage of seed cake in containers.
As there is a wide variety of liquid cargoes carried and many different types of ships involved, the subject of sampling is very wide. This article deals with the general principles of how to ascertain the apparent order and condition of liquid goods when they are shipped and, just as importantly, how to preserve the evidence.
Following a rise in the number of enquiries relating to the transport of metal scrap in containers, the Association would like to bring Members' attention to the CINS Metal Scrap Carriage Guidelines, which were published in January 2018.
The UK Club routinely advises Members on the implications of proposed carriage of cargo on deck. The Club usually advises on both the contractual aspects, i.e. risk allocation under the Bills of Lading and Charterparties, as well as from a loss prevention/ or practical perspective. Carriage of cargo on deck exposes the cargo to a variety of extra risks from the elements, such as sea-spray and wind, as well as the potential risk of being washed off or falling overboard due to bad weather conditions or inadequate lashing/stabilising. Depending on the cargo, there may also be issues with the stability of the vessel itself, for example, the carriage of wing blades on top of hatch covers.
The UK P&I Club and the TT Club have recently been advised that a consignment of aluminium pellets (or dross) was found at the port of loading with the doors and sides of the container blown out. The terminal arranged for samples of the commodity to be tested by a laboratory, on the basis that there was no evidence that the unit had been dropped during handling.
The Club has recently been notified by New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) of a cargo hold fire caused by the lighting system in a vessel hold. Members are advised that alternative LED lighting should be considered, to reduce the potential risk to ship safety posed by lights that radiate high levels of heat.
The vessel loaded a full cargo of soya beans in North America for discharge in the Far East. The voyage was performed in the Northern Winter season during which orders were received to stem fuel oil bunkers at an intermediate port.
Members are advised that the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a new marine notice (2018/3), reminding vessel owners, operators and masters of the need to stow and secure cargo containers in accordance with approved arrangements.
During cargo operations, the duty deck officer noticed the presence of a large quantity of water within one of the holds. He immediately informed the master and arrangements were made to transfer the water into a holding tank using the hold bilge pumping system.
