INTERCARGO Expresses ‘Deep Concern’ Over Missing Nur Allya Loaded with Nickel Ore

File photo of the MV Nur Allya. Photo courtesy MarineTraffic.com/

The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) is once again urging shipowners, operators and crews to exercise extreme caution when loading nickel ore and other cargoes known to liquefy following the loss of the Nur Allya in Indonesia.

INTERCARGO this week said it was deep concerned over the fate of the 25 crew members reported missing aboard the Nur Allya and express thoughts and prayers to the families and loved ones of the missing.

The 52,000 dwt, Panama-flagged Nur Allya has been missing since August 20 while underway northern coast of Buru Island. A major search operation involving air and sea assets has found no sign of the missing or crew.

“INTERCARGO is in communication with various stakeholders to gather further information on the possible casualty,” INTERCARGO said in a statement. “According to our sources, the ship was carrying nickel ore and was on voyage in Indonesian waters en route from Sagea (Gebe island) to Morosi (southeast Sulawesi). Our appreciation and encouragement goes to the Search And Rescue efforts currently being undertaken by the Indonesian SAR Agency BASARNAS.

“Although the cause of the potential casualty is not known and must be established by prompt investigation by the Indonesian Authorities, INTERCARGO urges all Ship Owners, Operators and Seafarers to exercise extreme caution when accepting, for carriage, Nickel Ore and other cargoes that have the potential to liquefy. We would like to stress the importance of adhering to the provisions in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code) to ensure the safety of lives at sea and the safe transportation of dry bulk cargoes,” the statement said.

According to INTERCARGO statistics, cargo failure and shifting (i.e. liquefaction) was to blame for nine dry bulk vessel casualties from 2012 to 2018 resulting in the loss 101 lives. Among those, six involved bulk carriers carrying nickel ore from Indonesia.

“INTERCARGO expresses its utmost concern and dismay for any responsible parties that might have contributed to this potential tragic loss of 25 lives. Moisture related cargo shifting and incidents on voyage, widely known as liquefaction, continue to be a major concern for dry bulk shipping, as our Association has highlighted in earlier notes this year. It is indeed frustrating to see a lack of consolidated efforts and commitment from all stakeholders including Shippers, Receivers and Port State authorities at load and discharge ports to eliminate the problem and safeguard the lives of innocent seafarers, despite a heightened awareness of the problem by the industry through various publications produced by the P&I Clubs and Industry associations.”

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