DNV GL’s bulk liquefaction guideline

(Posted on 10/06/19)

Classification society DNV GL has released an updated version of its bulk cargo liquefaction guideline at the Nor-Shipping trade fair. The guideline covers both the design and operation of vessels with bulk cargoes that may liquefy, and has already contributed to raise the awareness of the risks of cargo liquefaction on ships.

The first version of the guideline was issued in October 2015. The revision takes into account feedback from many readers and new practical experience gained over the past several years. Material has been added to help better describe precautions to be taken during voyages, or if cargo liquefaction is detected. In addition, some sections have been updated to include the latest developments, including DNV GL’s new class notation BCLIQ.

“Cargo liquefaction is the number one safety issue for bulk carriers,” says Morten Løvstad, Global Business Director of Bulk Carriers at DNV GL. “In the last 10 years, over 100 seafarers have lost their lives as a result of liquefaction, which shows that there is still a lot of work to be done. The first guideline was very well received and by updating and expanding it, alongside our new BCLIQ class notation, we hope we can keep the industry’s focus on this critical safety issue.”

The BCLIQ notation, released in 2018, confirms that a vessel is built to minimize the free-surface effect, for example by featuring wide wing tanks and reinforced structural focus areas on the cargo hold side walls, and is consequently able to carry cargoes with a moisture content exceeding the transportable moisture limit (TML). The notation confirms compliance with the SCCS (specially constructed cargo ships) requirements of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code and enhances the ship’s loading flexibility, efficiency and safety. There are two versions of the class notation: BCLIQ(Cat1) and BCLIQ(Cat2), distinguishing between cargoes that resettle in a stable condition after becoming liquefied, such as iron ore fines, and those that stay liquefied, including nickel ore, bauxite fines and similar materials. The latter are subject to stricter requirements.

Latest News

Red Sea conflict brings massive shipping carbon emissions increases

Conflict in the Red Sea has brought massive carbon emissions increases in ocean freight shipping, according... Read more

WFW advises Danaos on US$450m newbuild vessel financing

Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) has advised Danaos Corporation (“Danaos&rdquo... Read more

North Pacific Green Corridor Consortium forms new corridor

Global industry leaders from North America, Asia and Europe have announced the formation of the North... Read more

Tomini Dynasty Captain receives prestigious Gallantry Award

Tomini Group, a world-class dry bulk ship owner, has announced that Captain Om Dutta has been honoured... Read more

Singapore retains top spot as world’s leading maritime city

Singapore has retained its title as the leading maritime city in the world, followed by Rotterdam and... Read more

AtoB@C Shipping takes delivery of Stellamar

AtoB@C Shipping, a subsidiary of ESL Shipping, the leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic... Read more

Maritime industry leaders to explore ammonia as marine fuel on US West Coast

American Bureau of Shipping, CALAMCO, Fleet Management Limited, Sumitomo Corporation and TOTE Services... Read more

MMS raises awareness over improper use of antibiotics on board vessels

Leading provider of medical support services for crews, Marine Medical Solutions (MMS), is concerned... Read more

ESL to sell Supramaxes

ESL Shipping, a leading carrier of dry bulk cargoes in the Baltic region, has signed a memorandum of... Read more

Sustainable fuels can reach cost parity with fossil fuels by 2035

New Wärtsilä analysis shows EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime will close price gap, creating policy... Read more