Join our crew and become one of the 104,764 members that receive our newsletter.

ship cargo bulk carrier port departure

Shipping Ore from Sierra Leone? Watch Out Says the UK P&I Club

GCaptain
Total Views: 24
October 28, 2012

ship cargo bulk carrier port departure

(Bloomberg) — Iron-ore exports from Sierra Leone may be unsafe because the moisture content of the steel-making commodity is too high, creating the risk some shipments may liquefy during transit, the London P&I Club said.

There’s no equipment in the West African country that can sample cargoes to check whether they exceed international moisture limits for safe transport, the club, a ship owners’ association that provides protection and indemnity insurance, said by e-mail today.

“Ships are being offered iron-ore cargoes for loading in Sierra Leone which are unsafe,” the club said, citing cases received from Brookes Bell LLP, a marine consultant it hired. “Limited local expertise and technology, together with poor communications, are exacerbating the problems.”

Dry-bulk commodities with excessive moisture content can liquefy and turn to slurry during voyages, causing vessels to capsize. A total of 66 seafarers between December 2010 and February 2012 died after vessels sank after cargoes of nickel- ore liquefied, according to the London-based International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners.

Two shippers have resumed exports of iron ore after a 10- year civil war ended, the London Club said. Surveyors had to use the oven in the ship’s galley in one case to try and determine the moisture content of one cargo, it said.

China imported 609,136 metric tons of iron ore worth $64.4 million from Sierra Leone last month, according to Customs data compiled by Bloomberg.

 – Michelle Wiese Bockmann, Copyright 2012 Bloomberg., Image (c) Shutterstock/Phillip Minnis

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up
Back to Main
polygon icon polygon icon

Why Join the gCaptain Club?

Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.

Sign Up
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 104,764 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.

Join Our Crew

Join the 104,764 members that receive our newsletter.