June 23, 2008 - Work Programme - Definition of a Bulk Carrier

Definition of Bulk Carrier
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V0.2 20080612 / Intercargo Work Programme Priority


1. SUB ISSUES RELATING TO SHORT-TITLE :

This issue essentially concerns the definition of an exemption to the all encompassing definition “intended primarily to carry dry cargo in bulk”. Traditional bulk carriers, with hopper and topside tanks, are not at issue and have a clear definition in the CSR rules and in parts of SOLAS. However, some vessel, such as multipurpose or general cargo ships, occasionally carry dry cargo in bulk and it is argued that they should not have to comply with all of the bulk carrier requirements.


2. SUMMARY COMMENTARY / PROPOSED INTERCARGO STANCE :

Intercargo’s position is that:
1. If a ship is primarily designed to carry dry cargoes in bulk, that is, it is designed in the first instance around dry bulk cargoes, then it should be designated a bulk carrier and comply with the pertinent requirements of SOLAS including chapter XII.
2. When a ship is primarily designed to carry other cargoes, for example designed around containers and break bulk, and only occasionally carries dry bulk cargo then it is not appropriate to use the bulk carrier designation. However, any additional risks associated with the carriage of dry bulk cargoes in such a ship should be identified and appropriately regulated.

3. NARRATIVE, RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, INFORMATION RESOURCES :

In light of these principles Intercargo supports the progress made at an informal working group at DE 51, and put to MSC 84, proposing a resolution for new ships that interprets the term bulk carrier and incorporates certain exemptions including some dedicated ship types (i.e. woodchip carriers) and double hulled ships with B+ freeboards providing certain risk mitigating regulations (as applicable to the cargo being carried) are met.

At MSC 84 in May 2008 there was not sufficient support for this issue to be discussed at Committee level and a formal working group could not be formed. However, there was agreement that the issue should be resolved and a formal working group created; an ad hoc group will now be held on the two days preceding the next meeting (24/25 Nov 2008). The work of this group will then be considered as a formal working paper at MSC 85.





4. FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION BY INTERCARGO COMMITTEE / INDUSTRY :

• Will Intercargo’s B+60 approach be appropriate to meet safety and commercial considerations?
• Which bulk carrier regulations should apply to exemption vessel to mitigate risks associated with the carriage of dry cargos in bulk?
• Will the threat of confusion with regard to PSC interpretations still exist if the MSC meeting reaches a conclusion based on a B+60 / Bulk Carrier with exemption approach ?

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