The International Maritime Organization is taking action to warn ship Masters about the possible dangers of bauxite liquefaction following findings from an investigation into the fatal sinking of Bulk Jupiter in January 2015. The new warning was released in a circular approved by IMO’s Sub-Committee on Carriage of Containers and Cargoes (CCC) during a meeting … [Read more...]
Nickel Ore Liquefaction Causes Bulker Grounding in Philippines
The liquefaction of nickel ore cargo is being eyed in the grounding of a Singapore-flagged bulk carrier in the Philippines. The Philippines Coast Guard reports that the MV Alam Manis, a 55,652 DWT bulk carrier owned by Malaysian Bulk Carriers, ran aground Friday in the vicinity of Candon City after developing a severe list. The vessel was reported to be carrying … [Read more...]
Gearbulk: Bulk Jupiter Search Continues as Investigation Gets Underway
International bulk shipper Gearbulk issued a statement Wednesday regarding the investigation and continued search for signs of the MV Bulk Jupiter, which sank on January 2nd off the coast of Vietnam with the loss of all but one of 19 crewmembers onboard. In the long and heartfelt statement, Gearbulk said that even though Vietnamese authorities have scaled down their search, … [Read more...]
Bulk Jupiter Sinking Prompts Bauxite Liquefaction Warnings
The recent loss of the Bulk Jupiter off Vietnam has once again prompted insurers to warn over the carriage bauxite aluminum ore cargoes and the potential for liquefaction. The Gearbulk-owned MV Bulk Jupiter unexpectedly sank after departing from Kuantan, Malaysia on December 30 fully laden with 46,400 metric tons of bauxite, a clay-like substance that is the primary ore used … [Read more...]
11 Million Tons of Indian Iron Ore Could Be Deadly
The London P&I Club says the lifting of an iron ore ban in India, together with the recent total loss of two ships, has put the spotlight once again on the very real danger of cargo liquefaction. Although the issue of cargo liquefaction is one that is faced by iron and nickel ore shippers worldwide, particularly from places such as Sierra Leone, Guatemala, Indonesia and … [Read more...]