Issue Summary

The IMO “Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes” (BC Code) has been under review at the IMO through its sub-committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC). This has included a review of the schedules for Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) a potentially dangerous cargo which has caused very serious casualties such as the Ythan and Adamandas.

Intercargo Policy

Considering the various incidents connected with DRI, including the consequent scuttling of the “Adamandas”, the loss of life on the “Ythan” and a more recent incident in the Suez Canal, together with a number of other undocumented cases, Intercargo considers that the chemical composition of certain types of DRI makes carriage unsafe in all but the most carefully planned operations. Reaction with moisture and alleged incorrect pre-loading inconsistencies makes the carriage of certain types of DRI a risky enterprise.

Intercargo will work with IMO to ensure that the safety of seafarers and ships is accorded the highest possible priority.

Summary of Recent Developments

Intercargo called for a review of the carriage of this commodity and has submitted papers to IMO’s DSC 12 with the support and assistance of the Marshall Islands and Malta and in line with the views of Intercargo’s CASTEC (Technical) Committee. More recently a further paper was submitted to DSC 13 co-sponsored by the International Group of P and I clubs (DSC 13/4/5).

At the IMO Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers 13th session between 22 and 26 September,  we successfully influenced the debate and the agreed amendments are consistent with our 'safety first' position. The amended IMSBC Code (the re-named BC Code) was subsequently submitted to MSC 85 where it was adopted (including the revised DRI schedules). A summary of the amended schedules is given below.

At the most recent DSC meeting (DSC 14, Sept 2009) further attempts where made to allow the shipment of DRI (C) Fines with a higher moisture content than that stipulated in the IMSBC Code schedule. However, this was not successful. We have have reports of some parties claiming that DRI Fines with a high moisture content (~12%) is a different cargo to that in the DRI(C) schedule (where a moisture content of less than 0.3% is required for shipment). Intercargo believes it is clear that moisture content is not part of the cargo description, but is in fact a carriage requirement and if DRI(C) (which includes DRI Fines) is to be carried under conditions other than those expressed in the IMSBC Code schedule (following entry into force) then it must be done under a tripartite agreement (section 1.5). Members please login to read full article