Following increases in the issues with loading scrap metal cargo and its carriage, NorthStandard P&I Club has highlighted the need for extra vigilance.
The IMSBC Code states that scrap metal should be kept as dry as possible before loading and not loaded in the rain. The main reason for this is that when scrap metal is wet it will accelerate the oxidisation process. Should the cargo contain swarf, turnings, or other contaminants such as timber or rags, this can lead to fire.
From various recent incidents and reports, NorthStandard attributes the causes of these incidents are due to a combination of factors:
– The cargo is sprayed on loading: Stevedores or longshoremen may spray the cargo on load to reduce dust generation. Continue reading “Loading scrap metal warning issued”
Cargo fires are a well known challenge amongst shipping industry stakeholders. Fire onboard can result in major casualties, including loss of life. Yet, fire safety remains the most common ship deficiency area.
Based on a safety risk study on containerized cargo fires, the European Maritime Safety Agency (
A new report by the 
The West P&I Club has noted a number of recent container fire incidents related to containers which were declared as miscellaneous items but actually contained charcoal/carbon. This is a commodity liable to spontaneous combustion. These containers were below deck and when fires broke out there was considerable damage caused to the vessel and other cargo by the fire and the water used to extinguish the fire.