201227 Cargo damage caused by overheating of fuel in DB tanks

Uncontrolled heating of fuel oil stored in double bottom (DB) tanks has resulted in cargo damage. Soya bean meal cargo in contact with the tank top of No 4 hold was charred and turned into a hard layer at the bottom of the hold. In other holds, where DB tank temperatures were better controlled, the cargo was not affected. Records proved that the cargo damage was attributable to inadvertent overheating of the DB fuel oil tank in way of No 4 hold during the voyage. The ship had to be placed off-hire for three days for removal and disposal of the damaged cargo and a heavy cargo damage claim had to be settled with the consignee.

Experience has shown that grain, soya bean meal and many other kinds of agricultural produce are prone to damage if they come in contact with heated surfaces. There are also several other bulk cargoes like coal, sulphur and direct reduced iron (DRI), which can spontaneously undergo a chemical reaction and ignite/catch fire when in contact with heated surfaces. When transporting such cargoes, besides taking care to control the heating of fuel oil tanks, the recommendations of the IMSBC Code must be strictly followed to prevent a dangerous situation from developing as well as to avoid cargo damage.