The recent incident of a cargo ship in the Bay of Bengal has once again highlighted the dangers associated with transporting iron ore, particularly Iron Ore Fines. The ship, which had loaded iron ore fines at the Paradip port in India, was en route to its next port when it encountered an accident. Although the cause of this incident is still unclear, this event clearly demonstrates the importance of strictly adhering to the IMSBC code and local requirements when transporting cargoes prone to liquefaction.
Risks of Liquefaction of Iron Ore Cargoes
Iron ore fines that comply with the relevant criteria in the IMSBC code are classified as Group A cargoes; because if loaded with moisture content exceeding the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML), they may liquefy. Liquefaction can lead to rapid cargo shift, severe loss of stability, and capsizing of the vessel. Especially during India's rainy season, caution is necessary when loading from ports, as cargoes stored in open warehouses or transported by barges may be exposed to significant rainfall.
Precautionary Measures and New Legal Requirements
In the wake of this incident, maritime associations and loading officials must be aware that:
- Managers must be informed before agreeing to transport Indian iron ore fines, and an experienced supervisor should be appointed at the loading port. Non-compliance with these requirements may jeopardize insurance coverage.
- Loading cannot commence until the captain has received and reviewed the cargo documents, moisture content, and TML certificates.
- Sampling and testing must represent the cargo offered for transport and be conducted by DGMA-approved laboratories.
- Cargo sources, warehouses, and individual barges must be identified and matched with the relevant documentation, if necessary.
- Caution should be exercised regarding cargoes that have been exposed to significant rainfall, especially during or after the rainy season, or in cases where the declared moisture content is close to TML.
Additionally, the captain has a key responsibility for the safety of the vessel and must stop or refuse loading whenever there are concerns regarding cargo conditions, moisture content, sampling, or certificates. Commercial pressure should never compromise safety.
Legal Changes in India
The new cargo transport regulations in India, under the Merchant Shipping (Carriage of Cargoes and Oil Fuels) Rules, came into effect on September 2, 2026, and revoked previous regulations. These laws reinforce the implementation of SOLAS and the IMSBC code in India and clearly define responsibilities in the cargo transport chain. For cargoes prone to liquefaction, these regulations explicitly state that:
- Shippers must provide accurate cargo information and moisture content and TML certificates to the captain.
- Sampling and testing must represent the cargo offered for transport and be conducted in accordance with approved procedures.
- Ports and terminals must cooperate with the vessel in planning and conducting loading operations.
- The captain must ensure that liquefaction-prone cargoes are only accepted if their actual moisture content does not exceed TML.
These requirements and attention to safety standards will help reduce the risks associated with transporting iron ore fines and enhance maritime transport safety in India.
