201701 Wet nickel ore cargo problems

 

As edited from UK P&I Club Alert Bulletin 1113 - 10/16

Recently, the port of Surigao Philippines has experienced abundant rain. Mariners should be aware that unsafe wet nickel ore cargo is nonetheless being presented for loading at this port. A number of ships that have recently loaded this cargo at Surigao have experienced problems. Extra vigilance is necessary should your vessel call at this port to load nickel ore cargo.

Lessons learned (as in MARS 201560)
- Although crew can use ‘can’ tests to validate suspicions that the moisture content of the ore may be above the certified TML, the ore should also undergo an oven drying test in a laboratory.
- The Intercargo guide for transporting nickel ore, published in 2012, states: ‘Where there is doubt concerning any cargo declaration information, or suspicion that the cargo has been misrepresented, independent cargo testing to determine the Flow Moisture Point (FMP), Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) and actual moisture content of the cargo to be loaded should be carried out.’
- Cargo that appears wet and/or splatters when loaded may raise suspicions that the moisture content of the ore is above the certified transportable moisture limit.

More information is available in The Nautical Institute’s Knowledge Library: http://www.nautinst.org/en/forums/bulk-carrier-safety/ liquefaction/index.cfm