NorthStandard correspondent Brazil P&I issued a circular stating that Brazil is experiencing unusually heavy and persistent summer rainfall this year, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo and São Paulo.
These regions export large quantities of Iron Ore Fines which is a Group A cargo. The increased volume of rainfall can significantly increase the moisture content of Iron Ore Fines and other Group A bulk cargoes prone to liquefaction.
The conditions are driven by the South Atlantic Convergence Zone, and are raising the likelihood of increased moisture content and potential cargo noncompliance at key export ports including Itaguaí, Sudeste and Tubarão.
Heavy rain can affect the cargo whilst in storage if this is not monitored and controlled correctly. Shippers / mines should have procedures in place approved by the competent authority to control the condition of any cargo which includes stockpile management as well as sampling and testing the cargo to ensure it is safe for safe transportation. However, Masters and operators are urged to remain vigilant to any signs of a high risk cargo.
Recommendations include:
- Monitoring of the weather and precipitation volumes immediately prior to and during loading.
- Note the moisture content test date and note if there has been significant rainfall since this date of sampling. If there has been significant rainfall since the sampling date, ensure a new moisture content test is completed.
- Ensure the TML certification date is less than 6 months old since the date of testing.
- Carefully assess exposure of ore stockpiles to rain and how the shipper implements operational measures to minimise moisture absorption – this can be difficult as stockpile access is often restricted on the grounds of safety.
- Conduct regular can tests to check for signs of a high-risk cargo.
- Check for obvious signs of moisture in the cargo including spattering of cargo on the bulkheads of the hold.
- Check for slumping or flattening of the cargo in the hold.
Brazil P&I’s circular reminds members that liquefaction remains a leading cause of fatal bulk carrier losses worldwide, reinforcing the need for independent cargo surveyors and strict adherence to IMSBC requirements during the current weather pattern.
Source: NorthStandard
