P&I Clubs

Mark Russell, Vice President, Head of Cargo Claims, Gard P&I Club, presents cases involving cargoes that may liquefy but are not listed in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code as Group A cargoes and therefore are not declared as such.

Group A consists of cargoes which may liquefy if shipped with a moisture content in excess of their Transportable Moisture Limit (TML). In two of the instances the cargoes liquefied endangering the lives of the crew. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, although in one case the vessel sank posing risks to the environment. Continue reading “Beware cargoes which may liquefy not listed in the IMSBC Code”

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”