P&I Clubs

Deadly hydrogen sulphide risks (H2S) are widely recognised as one of the most serious hazards associated with enclosed spaces aboard ships. However, recent casualty investigations indicate that the danger can arise even before anyone enters a space, according to Gard Club as Hiroka Suzuki, Loss Prevention Executive explains.

A review of fatal incidents reported to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) found that many seafarers were overcome by H₂S while carrying out routine maintenance and inspection work outside enclosed spaces. Continue reading “Gard warns of deadly hydrogen sulphide risks beyond enclosed spaces on ships”

The volume of seaborne cement traded continues to grow, with the most recent annual figure estimated to be over 145 million tonnes.

Cement is carried on board ships either in bulk or in bags. And Britannia P&I Club’s loss prevention team has provided guidance on the carriage of cement.

Bulk cement

Risk factors of loading cement in bulk include solidification of the cargo due to water ingress, mainly through hatch covers or the Continue reading “Britannia P&I Club guidance on transporting cement”

The Swedish Club has shared a case study in which grain beneath a leaking cargo hold hatch was damaged after a vessel encountered severe weather conditions.

In late November, a geared bulk carrier was loading grain at a U.S. West Coast port, with Asia as the discharge destination. Prior to commencement of loading, the cargo holds were inspected and passed by a surveyor in accordance with current USDA/FDA standards. The vessel’s crew had also prepared the cargo holds and hatch covers in line with ISM requirements and industry guidelines, which included cleaning the hatch coaming channels and hose testing of the hatch covers. No signs of water ingress were detected during the pre-loading inspection. Continue reading “The Swedish Club shares case study on leaking cargo hold hatch”

Gard P&I Club has provided key recommendations to mitigating accidents during fumigation operations, especially while in transit. Fumigation of cargo holds using aluminium phosphide tablets, which release phosphine gas, is essential to protect products from infestation and ensure they arrive in good condition. The heavier-than-air phosphine gas penetrates the cargo to eliminate insects and pests.

However, according to Gard, despite the existence of industry best practice recommendations, fumigation-related incidents continue to occur. While it remains uncertain how many fatalities could have been prevented through stricter adherence to the current IMO guidance, many incidents have been linked to the absence of vessel-specific procedures, underestimation or lack of awareness of the risks involved, or decisions influenced by commercial pressures. Continue reading “Key considerations for mitigating accidents during fumigation”

NorthStandard P&I Club has issued guidance on the rising fire risks associated with scrap metal cargoes, particularly those coming from East Coast USA and Ghent, Belgium. They highlight the need for strict vigilance.

Scrap metal cargoes: Follow the code

‘SCRAP METAL’ is a bulk cargo shipping name (BCSN) found in the IMSBC Code. It is a Group C cargo but it must not contain fine metal turnings known as ‘swarf’. If it does contain swarf, then it would likely fall under the schedule Continue reading “Beware of the fire risks in scrap metal cargoes”