Angola, Malongo Oil Terminal - Entrance

Baltic ice code

Providing an explanation of how the four-digit Baltic Ice Code is interpreted.

What is a shipper’s responsibility when shipping solid bulk cargoes under SOLAS, MARPOL and the IMSBC Code?

In our solid bulk cargo section, we give an overview of these statutory obligations as well as the detailed requirements which you as a shipper need to comply with .

IMSBC Code group B cargoes

A Group B cargo is one which possesses a chemical hazard which could give rise to a dangerous situation on a ship.

Dangers associated with the carriage of palm kernel shells

Palm kernel shells are not to be confused with palm kernel expellers which is listed in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes ( IMSBC) Code under the generic entries of the various categories of seed cakes. Palm kernel shells are not listed in the IMSBC Code at the moment due to ongoing investigation about the actual properties of the cargo which does not in any way mitigate the dangers that these cargoes carry should one decide to go ahead and fix a shipment on it.

Maritime Labour Convention – what are the latest amendments adopted in 2022?

With the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2020 , it has inevitably brought about all possible delays and impact ed every sector of the shipping industry. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise as the Maritime Labour Convention’s amendments were timely to take into account the experiences which the shipping industry has had in particular with seafarers . BIMCO sees th is as a major step to improving the protection of seafarers especially for cases where they have been abandoned or are in need of medical assistance or basic entitlement to internet access on board ships as well at ports.

Dangers associated with the carriage of direct reduced iron (C ) fines

A cargo that is extremely highly reactive in the presence of water, reacting with air to produce hydrogen, a flammable gas and heat. The explosion and tragic loss of life on "Ythan" in 2004 as well as the deliberate sinking by the French Authorities of the “Adamandas” (2003) with her cargo and bunkers on board culminated into a new cargo entry called Direct reduced iron ore fines in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes ( IMSBC ) Code.

IMSBC Code group C cargoes

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.

IMSBC Code group A cargoes

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.

Dangers associated with the carriage of iron ore fines

Iron ore fines, if not carried safely under the requirements of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes ( IMSBC) Code, can be extremely problematic due to its liquefaction tendencies and can risk stability to ship and safety of crew.