
The potential liquefaction of bauxite cargoes has been the subject of a number industry bulletins in recent years. These concerns have been renewed following the recent sinking of the bulk carrier Bulk Jupiter, which was reportedly carrying 46,400 MT of bauxite loaded at Kuantan in Malaysia.
Writing in the April issue of the London P&I Club’s bulletin StopLoss, Dr Martin Jonas, Brookes Bell LLP, Liverpool, makes the following observations.
Similar to other unprocessed ores, such as iron ore fines and nickel ore, grades of bauxite that contain a high proportion of fines capable of retaining significant moisture are potentially at risk of liquefaction, resulting in cargo shift which may cause the capsizing of the carrying ship. Such Continue reading “Carriage of bauxite cargoes and liquefaction risks”