Shipper's responsibility under SOLAS, MARPOL and the IMSBC Code
A Group A cargo is one which possesses a hazard due to moisture that may result in liquefaction or dynamic separation if shipped at a moisture content in excess of its transportable moisture limit.
A Group B cargo is one which possesses a chemical hazard which could give rise to a dangerous situation on a ship.
A Group C cargo is a cargo which is neither classified as group A nor group B. Note: Group A cargoes which possess a hazard due to moisture that may result in liquefaction or dynamic separation if shipped at a moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture limit. Group B cargoes are those which possess a chemical hazard that could give rise to a dangerous situation on a ship.
A Group A and B cargo is one which may liquefy/dynamically separate ( Group A) and possess chemical hazards ( Group B). Note: Group A cargoes are cargoes which possess a hazard due to moisture that may result in liquefaction or dynamic separation if shipped at a moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture limit. Group B cargoes are cargoes which possess a chemical hazard that could give rise to a dangerous situation on a ship
On 5th December 2019, BIMCO held a one-hour long webinar session on the IMSBC Code, highlighting the difficulties that shipowners encounter when they are transporting solid bulk cargoes, together with some BIMCO recommendations put forward that could help improve the situation.
On 21 October 2015, BIMCO held a one-hour long webinar session on the IMSBC Code, highlighting two very relevant issues for members; i.e. on “How to carry bulk cargoes safely – a shared risk?” and “ What is it – identifying cargo hazards under the IMSBC Code”.