P&I Clubs

The London P&I Club has continued to see cargo damage claims arising from the carriage of dry chemicals in Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs), more commonly known as “jumbo bags”, which have been stowed in the same holds as breakbulk cargoes. FIBCs have a body of a flexible woven material (typically polypropylene) and is intended for shipping solid materials in powder, flake or granular form.

These claims are almost always on voyages in which handy sized bulk carriers load breakbulk cargoes in China. The stowage plan often appears to have been developed with only the discharge port rotation in mind. Continue reading “London Club sees cargo damage claims from the carriage of dry chemicals in FIBCs”

A new video has been released by West P&I, detailing the correct procedure for performing a rocking test on pedestal-mounted rotating cranes.

Pedestal-mounted rotating cranes are fitted with slewing bearings to allow 360-degree rotation. The slew bearing is subject to high loads and frequently harsh conditions, which can give rise to rapid catastrophic failure and unwanted consequences, including severe injury or fatalities. Regular tilt clearance measurements (frequently known as The Rocking Test) are essential to identify a failing slewing bearing. Continue reading “How to conduct a rocking test on pedestal-mounted rotating cranes”

The Shipowners Club would like to highlight the potential hazards associated with oily engine room bilges and the checks and steps that a ship’s crew should undertake to assist mitigate the associated possible issues. It is common for bilge water to accumulate during the routine operation of machinery in the engine room spaces. However, engine room bilges contaminated with oil can pose hazards if not managed properly and could indicate a wider problem on board. A recent analysis of the Club’s Condition Survey Programme showed a rise in vessels reported as having occurrences of contaminated engine room bilges. Continue reading “Risks associated with dirty engine room bilges”

The London Club published guidance regarding Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) and Dry Chemicals. The guide presents common hazards, as well as lessons learned for a safe operation onboard.

FIBCs have a body of a flexible woven material (typically polypropylene) and is intended to ship solid material in powder, flake or granular form. It is designed to be handled from the top by permanently attached lifting loops/ slings which can be lifted by cranes, hoists or forklifts. They are frequently used to ship foodstuffs, agricultural product chemicals such as fertilisers, and pharmaceuticals.

As the London Club has noted, Continue reading “London P&I Club regarding Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers”

Britannia P&I Club has warned operators and the shipping industry to be vigilant when carrying olive margine. It wanrs about the risks of liquefaction. According to Britannia, it has become aware that the olive margine, sometimes described as “Vegetable Residues” or “Olive Mill Waste Water (OMWW), is being offered for loading at ports in North Africa.

Olive Margine is not listed as a cargo in the IMSBC Code Britannia has been informed by cargo experts that it is prone to liquefaction and can, therefore, threaten ship stability. It also added that Continue reading “Britannia P&I Club issues warning about risks of olive margine carriage”