Nickel ore and other bulk cargoes: risks of liquefaction

London P&I reminds Members of the risks linked to liquefaction in bulk cargoes such as nickel ore, iron ore fines, coal and manganese ore fines, particularly during periods of adverse weather. Incidents continue to occur and can have catastrophic and tragic results.

With a number of typhoons forecast to affect shipping in the East China Sea, the monsoon season in India starting in October, and a recent instance of cargo liquefaction on a bulk carrier that had loaded nickel ore at Surigao in the Philippines, Members are reminded to remain alert to these risks.

Our publication Reducing the Risk of Liquefaction provides general guidance and practical advice for masters, ship owners, shippers and charterers on the loading and carriage of bulk cargoes that may liquefy. It explains the risks involved and the precautions that should be taken to reduce those risks, both before accepting the cargo and during carriage.

An electronic copy of the guide can be accessed here.

For nickel ore cargoes from the Philippines or Indonesia, our circular on the safe carriage of nickel ore cargoes is available here.

Members must also notify the Managers at the earliest opportunity and comply with the Mandatory Notification Requirements. Failure to do so risks prejudicing Club cover. Details of the Mandatory Notification Requirements are available here.