Bulk Cargo Shipping Containers: Major Issues
Bulk cargo shipping containers, these issues should be paid attention to!
Demand for container transportation is unusually high, particularly on trans-Pacific and Asia-Europe trade routes. The demand for container shipping is so strong that sellers rent bulk carriers to transport containers. The Association has received numerous insurance inquiries about potential problems with the use of bulk carriers to transport containers.
In addition to considering safety, legal requirements, and classification of goods, members must carefully consider the parties to the contract of carriage. Some standard forms of contract of carriage may be sufficient, but generally speaking: (1) with respect to deck loading, any contract for the carriage of goods needs to clearly and clearly state that the goods are to be mounted on deck (and are in fact armored) and (2) the carrier usually includes an exclusion clause stating that the carrier is not liable for deck goods that have not been truthfully declared by the shipper.
All members of the Association should carefully evaluate the condition of the deck cargo in the contract of carriage, taking note of the contract's defenses and exclusions of liability, as well as the Association's insurance requirements. A separate legal opinion may be necessary in this regard.
Key factors to consider when loading containers on bulk carriers
Cargo securing
The Code of Safe Operation for the Loading and Securing of Goods (CSS Code) provides an international standard for the safe stowage and securing of goods to promote life safety at sea and during handling. In Appendix 1 of the “Safe Operating Procedure for Loading and Securing Cargo” specification, some general guidelines for securing containers on non-container ships are provided, and reference is made to the Cargo Securing Manual (CSM). The Cargo Securing Manual stipulates how cargo on board a ship should be stowed and secured, and the requirements to be followed when carrying all cargo other than solid and liquid bulk cargo on a ship. In the “Non-standardized cargo” section, the Cargo Securing Manual should provide more detailed instructions on fixed containers. Without these detailed instructions, the Cargo Securing Manual would need to be updated and approved to meet the requirements of classification societies and flag States.
Ship structure and strength analysis
The strength calculation of the deck and hatch of a modern cargo ship only takes into account the load of huge waves of accumulated water on the deck surface, not the weight of the cargo. However, the permitted load density of the deck can be increased by the reinforcement of the cargo, but this is subject to approval by the classification society. Also, any deck loading requires special consideration and approval. Any loading requires careful analysis and loading, depending on how the components underneath the deck/roof are strengthened.
Stability analysis
The ship needs to meet applicable stability and longitudinal strength standards, and the stability manual needs to be updated/revised accordingly under the new container cargo loading conditions. The loading system may also need to be updated.
Fire protection capacity
Dangerous goods must be transported in accordance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code. If dangerous goods are transported, additional firefighting equipment may be required on board the ship.
Cargo protection
Ship cargo requires maritime safety monitoring and management of safety during loading and unloading, including the installation of locking and fastening devices. Additionally, crew members may be required to perform specific tasks while looking after the cargo as directed by the shipper. These operational matters and contingency plans will need to be incorporated into the ship's safety management system.
To ensure that coverage is not affected, shipowners must notify the Association of their intention to load containers onto the bulk carrier as soon as practicable.