On 5 December 2008, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted new regulations for the carriage of solid bulk cargoes. The new code, the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code) will supersede the existing voluntary Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code), 2004.
All ships will be required to comply with the code, irrespective of their keel laying date or gross tonnage.
The IMSBC Code, which regulates the carriage of solid bulk cargoes and of dangerous goods in solid bulk form, will replace the existing BC Code and compliance with it will be voluntary until 1 January 2011. Owners should, however, be aware that the port state control and port authorities of a number of major trading nations may require proof of compliance with the IMSBC Code even before it becomes mandatory, ie that a valid “Document of Compliance for the Carriage of Dangerous Solid Bulk Cargoes” is available on board.
Operators may also be reminded of the existing requirements of SOLAS applicable to cargo ships of 500 grt or over that are constructed on or after 1 September 1984 and to cargo ships of less than 500 grt that are constructed on or after 1 February 1992. SOLAS stipulates specific requirements concerning the carriage of dangerous goods both in solid bulk form and as packaged goods in addition to those stated in the IMSBC Code.
The format of the IMSBC Code is similar to that of the existing BC Code. Like the BC Code, the IMSBC Code categorizes cargoes into three groups – A, B, and C. The more detailed requirement as to each cargo type are stated in individual schedules.
The following amendments to the IMSBC Code may be specially noted:
• Amendments to some schedules for selected existing cargoes have been introduced. The cargoes affected include:
- Alfalfa
- Aluminium smelting by-products
- Aluminium re-melting by-products
UN 3170
- Brown coal briquettes
- Coal
- Direct reduced iron (A)
- Direct reduced iron (B)
- Ferrosilicon UN 1408
- Ferrosilicon (MHB)
- Ironstone
- Sulphur UN 1350 (crushed, lump and coarse-grained)
- Wood pellets and woodchips
• Schedules for previously not covered cargoes have been introduced. These include:
- Direct reduced iron (C) (by-product
fines)
- Sulphur (formed, solid)
• The appendix for the carriage of coal has been updated to include references to the carriage of coal on gravity-fed self-unloaders.
• Information concerning tripartite agreements on exemptions from the IMSBC Code and the application of deviating measures compared to those required by the Code is provided in a new section 1.5.
• Information concerning “Security provisions” is provided in a new section 11.
The new IMSBC Code was published a couple of months ago and is now available from the IMO.
In order to ensure a common understanding and uniform application throughout the industry, it is acknowledged that several terms in the code need to be further clarified. It may be specially noted that the terms related to temperature description have been revised, including the definition of the terms “hot areas” and “limits of temperature” with regard to the carriage of coal and brown coal briquettes. Further clarification of these terms was on the agenda for the 14th session of the IMO Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid cargoes and Containers (DSC.14) which took place at the end of September this year. Refer to the separate article on this subject.
DNV is ready to assist both ship owners and managers with a range of services related to the implementation of the new IMSBC code in order to ensure that this goes as smoothly as possible for DNV-classed vessels. Examples of services are: IMSBC courses and workshops, advisory services, as well as traditional surveys and the issuance of Documents of Compliance, in that DNV is authorised by all the main flag states to issue this document on their behalf.
These services are relevant not only for the technical department but also for the chartering and operations departments.
DNV may also be of assistance to yards and ship owners during a new ship’s design phase. Having the right focus during the design phase helps to ensure safe and flexible ship operations. Based on our experience of newbuildings and ships in operation, we at DNV can provide expert advice and guidance on ship arrangements and the equipment required for the carriage of special cargoes.