Skibsteknisk Selskab

Kbenhavn, 21st September 2009

International Maritime Safety Bulk Cargo Code

Background, Features & Application

Gijsbert de Jong
Product Manager Bulk Carriers
AGENDA

INTRODUCTION
IMSBC CODE LAY-OUT
EXAMPLES OF REQUIREMENTS
KEY DIFFERENCES WITH BC CODE
EXAMPLE OF SCHEDULE
DOC/SOC (COMPLIANCE)
CASE STUDY: COAL CARRIER
WRAP-UP

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INTRODUCTION
Purpose of the IMSBC Code

Special hazards are associated with solid cargoes in bulk when they are
shipped
Structural damage due to improper cargo distribution
Liquefaction of cargo, causing loss of (intact) stability during the voyage
Chemical reaction of cargoes

The IMSBC Code

serves to facilitate the safe stowage and shipment of solid bulk
cargoes by giving information on the possible dangers and instructions
on carriage procedures
contains mostly operational instructions on stowage and handling of
cargoes; some specific provisions refer to the design or the equipment
of the ship
is applicable to any ship carrying cargoes in bulk (except grains)
is not only applicable to bulk carriers!
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A brief history

In the 1960s the marine industry saw itself confronted with some safety
issues regarding the carriage of dry bulk cargoes
Safety issues inherent to the nature of maritime transport
Provisions for the safe carriage of solid bulk cargoes were deemed
necessary

Bulk cargoes are prone to shifting,

causing loss of stability
Many casualties resulted
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A brief history

First edition of the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC
Code) was adopted as a recommendatory code in 1965
{IMO Res A.434(XI)}
The BC Code has been updated at regular intervals since its adoption,
following progress of the industry
Latest BC Code edition 2004, still a recommendatory code only

In September 2003 the IMO DSC Sub-committee agreed to make the

BC Code mandatory to ensure uniform worldwide implementation and
address accidents involving losses of cargoes
The BC Code became the new mandatory IMSBC Code
The IMSBC Code is, in fact, the latest revision of the BC Code to make it
mandatory
As such, the BC Code is superseded by IMSBC Code

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Structural damage due to improper cargo distribution

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Liquefaction of bulk cargo

Granular materials have void spaces caused by irregular particle shape

These void spaces may be filled with air and/or water
When cargo with moisture is carried at sea, cargo particles compress
the void spaces and pressurise any free water present in the spaces
(pore water pressure)
Moisture released from mineral structure of some types of cargo
This increases the amount of
free water in the cargo and
leads to a further increase in
the pore water pressure

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Liquefaction of bulk cargo

If pore water pressure is high, it overcomes the friction forces binding

the individual particles of material and the shear strength of the cargo
falls to the point where liquefaction occurs; cargo becomes a viscous
fluid with flow ability
Loss of stability due to movement of liquefied cargo: large free surface!
IMSBC Code provides guidance on the standards to be applied for safe
stowage and prevention of liquefaction

Handymax bulk carrier carrying nickel ore

Cargo liquefied in three holds
Vessel developed 15 degrees list!
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Chemical reaction of bulk cargo

NPK fertilizers, poses fire risk due to their supporting oxidation, and may
also detonate
Ammonium nitrate, a common element in inorganic fertilizers like NPKs,
exothermically decomposes into gases when heated to temperatures
above 210 C
Reaction can become self-sustaining (known as self-sustaining
decomposition), which is a thermal runaway (fire event with a chemistry
not based on oxygen consumption)

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Chemical reaction of bulk cargo

Injection of water in holds to cool down cargo and ship hull

Longitudinal strength
Local strength
Intact stability with large free surface moment!
Fire growth estimated in terms of cargo mass loss rate ranges from
approximately 0.5 kg/s the first day to 12 kg/s on the last day
Power of the event was in the order of 70 MW on day five

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Why to move from BC Code to IMSBC Code?

1. To make the Code mandatory

2. To draw a parallel with the structure of the IMDG Code
The Code will be reviewed every two years, as it is the case for IMDG Code
New products can be added easily
Information have been updated according to the 2008 Edition of IMDG Code
3. References to the most recent SOLAS amendments
4. To add new products and to update information for existing cargoes
Fully updated individual schedules for solid bulk cargoes
New individual schedules for such cargoes as spent cathodes and granulated
tire rubber
New provisions about sulphur

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Why to move from BC Code to IMSBC Code?

Chopped rubber and coarse chopped tires

Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)

Linted Cotton Seed

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IMO Facts

The IMSBC Code and amendments to SOLAS Ch VI to make the code

mandatory were adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.268(85) dated
4 December 2008
The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2011
IMO however encourages interested parties to implement the Code on a
voluntary basis as from 1 January 2009
Note: The IMSBC Code does not address the carriage of grain in bulk
which is covered by the International Code for the Safe Carriage of
Grain in Bulk (International Grain Code, 1991)

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IMO Facts

Ch II-2 Construction Fire protection

Reg 19 Carriage of Dangerous Goods (DG)
Reg 19.4 Document of Compliance
for transport of DG

High Speed Craft Ch VI Carriage of Cargoes

Document of Compliance IMSBC Code Mandatory for
for transport of DG Solid Bulk Cargoes

Ch VII Carriage of Dangerous Goods

In packaged form: IMDG Code
In solid bulk: IMSBC Code

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IMSBC CODE LAY-OUT
IMSBC Code lay-out

Sections 1 to 10: mandatory

Provide general information on
Loading, carriage and unloading precautions
Safety of personnel and ship
Cargoes that may liquefy
Etc.
Sections 11 to 13: recommendatory/additional
Security
Stowage factor conversion tables
List of references
Appendix 1: individual schedules of solid bulk cargoes
Appendixes 2 to 4: various information

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IMSBC Code lay-out

Appendix 1 List of cargoes

Cargoes are categorized in 3 groups, plus a special category
Group A: cargoes which may liquefy if shipped at a moisture content in
excess of their transportable moisture limit
Group B: cargoes which possess a chemical hazard which could give
rise to a dangerous situation on a ship
Group C: consists of cargoes which are neither liable to liquefy (A) nor to
possess chemical hazards (B)
Materials Hazardous only in Bulk (MHB):
materials which may possess chemical
hazards when carried in bulk, other than
materials classified as dangerous goods
in the IMDG Code
Note: moisture content means that portion of a
representative sample consisting of water, ice or
other liquid expressed as a percentage of the total
wet mass of that sample
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IMSBC Code lay-out

Schedule example: Copra (Group B)

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IMSBC Code lay-out

Schedule example: Copra (Group B)

Each schedule displays the following
categories of information:
Description (recommendations)
Characteristics
Hazard
Stowage and segregation
Hold cleanliness
Weather precautions
Loading
Precautions
Ventilation
Carriage
Discharge
Clean-up
Emergency Procedures
The Medical First Aid Guide is available in
MSC/Circ.857 or in the IMDG Code-Supplement

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EXAMPLES OF REQUIREMENTS
Requirements related to design or equipment

Ventilation
Stowage / Construction
Electrical equipment
Instruments
Fire extinguishing equipment

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Ventilation details

Ventilation means exchange of air from outside to inside a cargo space

Continuous ventilation means ventilation that is operating at all times
Mechanical ventilation means power-generated ventilation
Natural ventilation means ventilation that is not power-generated
Surface ventilation means ventilation of the space above the cargo

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Ventilation details

Cargo spaces fitted with mechanical

ventilation shall have at least two
separate fans
The total ventilation shall be at least
six air changes per hour, based on
the empty space
Ventilation shall be arranged such
that any escaping gases are
minimised from reaching living
quarters on or under the deck
Ventilation fans shall be of certified
safe type for use in a flammable
atmosphere

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KEY DIFFERENCES WITH BC CODE
New requirements for Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)

DRI is now categorized into three types of product, based on the

increasing hazardous nature of each sub-category:
DRI (A) is made up of hot moulded briquettes; the least dangerous, as the
process reduces the reactivity of DRI
Carriage requirements remain essentially same as in the BC Code
DRI (B) is made up of lumps, pellets or cold moulded briquettes; considered to
be highly reactive to moisture
IMSBC Code: carriage under inert conditions with enhanced monitoring of
atmosphere and changes in emergency procedures (current best practices)
DRI (C) comprises by-products, such as fines and small particles, which are
not dealt with in the BC Code; DRI (C) has very similar properties to DRI (B),
but finely divided DRI (C) is considered to be more reactive than DRI (B)

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New products

Linted Cotton Seed

Group B

Chopped rubber and Plastic Insulation

Group C

Coarse chopped Tires

Group C

Sulphur (formed, solid)

Group C

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Existing products with updated details

COAL
Special precautions added for gravity fed self-unloading bulk carriers
Ventilation
Gas monitoring
Etc.

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Ongoing discussions (DSC 14)

Carriage of wood pulp and timber

Can cause oxygen depletion and increasing of carbon dioxide
Sweden proposes to include a new schedule in the IMSBC Code under the
term LOGS (pulp wood, timber, round wood, saw logs, etc.)
Carriage of granular ferrous sulphate monohydrate
Iron (II) sulphate is harmful if swallowed and causes serious eye and skin
irritation;
Highly soluble and may be corrosive if allowed to get wet
Finland proposes to include a new schedule
Proposal to specify citrus pulp pellets from under Seedcake (non-
hazardous) (if <3% oil and <15% oil moisture) by USA and Brazil on the
basis of on-board monitoring
Proposal for amendments to schedules for ammonium nitrate based
fertilizers (UN 2067, UN 2071 and non-hazardous) by European
Chemical Industry Council (including segregation from hot pipes
containing fuel oil)
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EXAMPLE OF SCHEDULE
Example of schedule DRI (B)

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
SPECIAL EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT TO BE CARRIED
Nil
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Nil
EMERGENCY ACTION IN THE EVENT OF FIRE
In the event of emergency, the specific procedures provided by the
shipper should be consulted and followed, as appropriate
Do not use CO2 Do not use water Do not use steam
Batten down and reinstate the inert atmosphere using supplies or
equipment on board
Increase the frequency of monitoring
If the temperature and/or hydrogen concentration steadily rise, seek
expert advice as quickly as possible

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Example of schedule DRI (B)

If the temperature in the cargo space exceeds 120C, the ship should
make for the nearest appropriate port to discharge the cargo affected
Preparations should be made for grab discharge
If additional nitrogen is available, the use of this gas will assist in
keeping the oxygen concentration down and may contain the fire and
prevent an explosive atmosphere if hydrogen is produced
Flooding with water of the affected cargo hold should only be
contemplated as a last resort, always taking stability and strength of the
ship into account
MEDICAL FIRST AID
Refer to the Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG),
as amended

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DOC/SOC (COMPLIANCE)
DoC/SoC Flowchart

Request from owner / yard

Initial survey carried out

Record Ad 1331 filled in

(in Record editor)

Check tables 1,2,3 BULK SoC

SOLAS Ch II-2 Reg 19,54 (see next slide)

Interim DoC for DG

issued by surveyor

CM checking

Definitive DoC for DG

NMM updated

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DoC/SoC Flowchart

Check if carriage of bulk cargo is allowed

according to
Stability booklet
Loading manual

Check which cargoes may be carried

according to
DoC for DG

Statement of Compliance to be issued,

including list of cargoes and notes

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DoC for Dangerous Goods

For each hold and It is now established

deck space to be which UN Class
filled in cargo the ship can
carry in each hold
and on deck

*
Asterisk to indicate remarks
Example: Stow 3 m horizontally
away from the machinery space
boundaries in all cases (SOLAS
Reg 19 table 19.3 note 12)

A Packaged and bulk allowed

B Bulk only allowed
(SOLAS Reg 19 table 19.2)
P Packed only allowed
(SOLAS Reg 19 table 19.3)
X Not allowed

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SoC for carriage of cargo in bulk

Choose under which

Code (BC or IMSBC)
the Statement is
delivered

SOLAS II-2/19 or II-2/54

Appendix 1 list of products

Appendix 2 list of provisions
Valid until end of term applicable to products chosen
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SoC for carriage of cargo in bulk Appendix 1

Cross check with DoC

for DG if cargo may be
carried

Table only displays Group B

and MHB cargoes, which are Specify cargo hold in
considered to be the most which the cargo can be
dangerous loaded
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SoC for carriage of cargo in bulk Appendix 1

Cross check with DoC

for DG if cargo may be
carried

Class 7 not subject to

SOLAS II-2 Reg 19 may
be included

MHB products may be included

in the list as they are not
subject to the requirements of
SOLAS II-2 Reg 19, 54
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SOC for carriage of cargo in bulk Appendix 2

The appendix displays

the applicable
provisions, depending
on the products selected

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Certification & Survey Scheme IACS proposal

IMSBC Code does not contain any survey and certification requirements
Experience with BC Code was that many shipowners request some form
of certification as a means of demonstrating compliance with the
provisions of the BC Code to port authorities and other interested parties
for all cargoes a ship may carry
In view of the fact that the IMSBC Code will be mandatory with effect
from 1 January 2011, IACS believes it would be of benefit if a common
survey and certification regime was developed
Such a regime would ensure that ships are provided with the equipment
required by the Code (additional to that required by SOLAS) for the
specified cargo
Additionally, such a system of surveys and certification would enhance
the aims of the IMSBC Code and contribute to the safety of ships in
general (on board arrangements, personnel safety equipment, fire
prevention, fire detection and ventilation)
Proposal for Certificate of Compliance with the IMSBC Code submitted
to IMO by IACS for consideration by DSC 14
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CASE STUDY: COAL CARRIER
Pure coal carrier

Characteristics and requirements for the carriage of coal are given in the
IMSBC Code

A Statement of Compliance will be issued without prior issuance of a

Document of Compliance for Dangerous Goods, since the vessel is not
scheduled for the carriage of any dangerous cargoes SOLAS II-2/19
It should be assessed that for
the ship in general and for each
hold, if relevant, the provisions
as given in IMSBC Code are
complied with

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Exemption for fixed fire extinguishing system

An exemption may be issued to cargo ships constructed, and solely

intended, for the carriage of ore, coal, grain, unseasoned timber, non-
combustible cargoes or cargoes which, in the opinion of the
Administration, constitute a low fire risk (SOLAS II-2 Reg 10 7.1.4)
A list of cargoes which are non-combustible or constitute a low fire risk is
given on MSC/Circ.1146 table 1
The exemption certificate is supplemented by a list of solid bulk cargoes
for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system may be exempted

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Exemption for fixed fire extinguishing system

Cross check with DoC

for DG if cargo may be
carried
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WRAP-UP
Wrap-up

The new mandatory IMSBC Code, entering into force on 1 January

2011, will supersede the existing recommendatory BC Code
Draws a parallel with the structure of the IMDG Code
Includes references to the most recent SOLAS amendments
Includes new products and to updated information for existing cargoes
Class societies can issue a Statement of Compliance upon verification
of compliance with relevant requirements
List of list of products
List of provisions applicable to products chosen
Cross checking with SOLAS requirements carriage of Dangerous Goods
(requiring DoC) is a key point for the issuance of the IMSBC SoC
The IMSBC Code will be continuously updated (reviewed every two
years, as it is the case for IMDG Code) to facilitate easy updating and
inclusion of new products
IACS proposal for a Certificate of Compliance

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Tak for jeres opmrksomhed!

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