Citing a notice circulated by Intercargo concerning the increased risks associated with the carriage of nickel ore from Indonesia during the wet season, London P&I Club advised caution during the ongoing period.
“As you will all be aware it is currently the wet season in Indonesia (October to April), you may also be aware of the recent reports of heavy rain in Indonesia which has resulted in significant congestion at both loading and unloading ports in Asia,” Intercargo said.
“The heavy rainfall increases the risk of nickel ore and other Group A cargoes (ie cargoes that may liquefy) being shipped with a Moisture Content (MC) above its Transportable Moisture Limit (TML). The transportation of Group A cargoes with a MC above its TML can lead to cargo failure (liquefaction/dynamic separation) with catastrophic results,” it added.
The organization also noted a case in Indonesia brought to the attention of its Secretariat of the misdeclaration of nickel ore as iron ore.
“In view of the above Intercargo respectively reminds its members to be especially cautious when accepting cargoes from Indonesia and the region during the wet season and times of heavy rainfall,” it concluded.
Nickel ore liquefaction has resulted in a number of bulker casualties in recent years leading to serious loss of life.
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