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Transport Guidance for Steel CargoesTHE AMERICAN CLUB
Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 3
Table of Contents
Foreword 6
Preface 7
Contributors and Acknowledgments 8
Disclaimer 8
1. Introduction
1.1 Objective 10
1.2 Hazardsandtypesofdamagesandclaimsforsteelcargoes 10
1.3 P&Iclaimsprofileforsteelcargoes(2000to2015) 11
1.4 ObjectivesoftheTransport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 11
2. Condition of the vessel 20
2.1 Objectives 20
2.2 General 20
2.3 Hatchcovers,cranes,ventilationandothersystems 20
2.4 Useofmarinetape 23
2.5 Cleaningofthevesselcargoholds 23
2.6 Safetyofthevesselcargoholdaccessandworkspaces 24
3. Types of steel cargoes 30
3.1 Objectives 30
3.2 Typesofsteelcargoes,descriptionsandgeneralstowageconsiderations 30
4. Dunnage for steel cargoes 38
4.1 Objectives 38
4.2 Purposeofdunnageforsteelcargoes 38
4.3 Dunnageusebycargotype 38
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes4
5. Stowage and securing of steel cargoes 44
5.1 Objectives 44
5.2 Principlesofproperstowageandsecuring 44
5.3 Thestowageplan 44
5.4 Preparationofholdsforstowage 45
5.5 Stowageprinciplesbycargotype 45
5.6 Documentingtheconditionofcargouponarrivalonboardthevessel 51
5.7 Securingandlashingofsteelcargoes 51
5.8 Crewroleinensuringproperstowageandsecuringpriortodeparture 53
5.9 Surveyor’sroleinensuringproperstowageandsecuring 53
6. Ventilation of steel cargoes 63
6.1 Objectives 63
6.2 Purposeofventilation 63
6.3 Condensationdueto“sweat” 63
6.4 Comparisonofdewpoints 64
6.5 Comparisonoftemperatures 66
6.6 Whentoventilate—Rules 66
6.7 Systemsofventilation 66
6.8 Ventilationofsteelcargoes 67
6.9 Cargohumidityandventilationtesting:Exampleofbestpractices 68
7. Precautions during loading, transit and discharge 72
7.1 Objectives 72
7.2 Cargooperationsprocedures 72
8. Cargo surveying 78
8.1 Objectives 78
8.2 General 78
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 5
8.3 Conditionofcargouponarrivalonboardthevessel 78
8.4 Vesselandcargosurveyingpriortoandduringloading 79
8.5 Conditionofthecargohold,hatchcoversandventilationsystem 82
8.6 Cargostowageandlashing 81
8.7 Cargocondition:pre-loadandaboardthevessel 82
9. Charter party and bill of lading considerations 83
9.1 Objectives 83
9.2 Charterpartyconsiderations 83
9.3 Billofladingconsiderations 86
9.4 BurdenofproofandtheRetlaclause 88
9.5 FurtherconsiderationsregardingCaliforniaBlockStowage 89
10. Communicate with your P&I club 90
10.1 Objectives 90
10.2 Precautionarypre-loadsurveyarrangements 90
10.3 Dischargeportsurveyarrangements 91
10.4 Cargoclaims 91
10.5 Demandsforsecurity 92
10.6 Sanctionsconsiderations 92
Appendices
Appendix 1: List of definitions 93
Appendix 2: List of important documents to be kept and maintained 94
Appendix 3: Steel cargo reference material 95
Appendix 4: A sample of a bill of lading 96
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes6
Foreword
ThehandlingofsteelcargoeshasbeenaperennialfocusofP&Ilosspreventionactivity.Theirsusceptibilitytopre-loading,stowageandpost-dischargedamage,andthedifficultiesofdealingwithattendantclaims,hasbeenaspecialconcernforclubsfromatleastthe1970s.
AsmycolleaguesDr.BillMooreandGeorgeTsimisobserveintheirpreface,thevolumeoffinishedandsemi-finishedsteelproductscarriedbyseahasgrownconsiderablyovertheyears.ClaimsinrespectofsuchcargoeshavelongrepresentedasignificantelementoftheAmericanClub’soverallexposure,circumstancessharedbyothermarineinsurers.
Inearliertimes,initiativestodeflectormitigatelossesarisingfromdamagetosteelweremorerudimentarythantheyaretoday.Manyoftheseprecautionarymeasures–arequirementforpre-loadingsurveys,forproperclausingofbillsofladingandsoon–arestillpartofbestpractice.However,inexpandingontheprincipleofpreventionbeingbetterthancure,thisTransport Guidance for Steel Cargoesseekstoprovideacomprehensiveoverviewofhowtoavoidclaimsarisingfromthecarriageofthesecargoesfromavarietyofrelatedperspectives.
Thanksareduetoallthosewhohavelaboredsodiligently,andtosuchconsiderableeffect,intheproductionofthisguidance.ItaddstothesubstantialbodyoflosspreventionmaterialavailablefromtheAmericanClubaspartofitsoverallmissiontopromotebestindustrypractices.
ItishopedthatitwillbeofassistancenotonlytoMembers,andtotheClub’smanyotherfriendsacrosstheworld,butalsotothelargershippingindustryasavaluablesourceofreferencetoallwhohaveaninterestinthisimportanttrade.
Joseph E. M. HughesChairman & CEOShipowners Claims Bureau, Inc.New York, New York
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 7
Preface
Steelproductionhasbeenatthecoreofindustrialsocietiesfromthemid-19thcenturyandintothe21stcentury.Theindustrialrevolutionhasledtoanexponentialgrowthinglobalsteelproductionfrom189milliontonnesin1950,toapeakof1,621milliontonnesin2014.In2015,approximately464milliontonnesoffinishedandsemi-finishedsteelproductsweresentforexport,thehighestvolumeeverexportedrepresenting31%ofallsteelproducedthatyear.
Asthesetradefiguresdemonstrate,steelandsteelproductscontinuetobekeycommoditiesoftoday’sglobaleconomy.Theimportationandexportationofsteelcargoesareneededtofueleconomicgrowth.Theshippingindustry,ofcourse,playsacentralandpivotalroleinsafelyandefficientlytransportingsteelcargoesaroundtheworldtomeettheimportandexportneedsofindustrializednationsandemergingmarketsalike.
Cargoclaimshavecomprised,onaverage,about25%oftheAmericanClub’stotalclaimsexposureand,since2002;steelcargoclaimsmakeupapproximately10%ofthiscategory.In2002,theAmericanClubtookitsfirstmajorstepinthecontextofsteelcargoeswhenitbegansharingthecostsofprecautionarysteelpre-loadcargosurveyswithitsMember-shipandsetforthextensiverecommendationsforconductingprecautionarysurveysofcertainsteelcargoestominimizetheprospectofspurioussteelcargoclaims.
Between2002and2008,theaveragecostpersteelcargoclaimwasUS$31,910perincident.Sincethen,theaveragecosthasdippedbelowUS$17,000perincident.ItwouldappearthattheAmericanClub’sproactiveandcooperativeapproachwithitsMembershipduringthepost-2002periodyieldedfruit,culminatinginfurtherlosspreventioneffortsfortheMembershipatlarge.
In2014,theAmericanClubupdateditsadviceonsteelcargopre-loadsurveysandprovidedadditionalguidanceforthepreventionofsteelcargoandclaims.Withthisbackdrop,theAmericanClubispleasedtopresent,Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes,whichaddressesthecarriageandshipmentofsteelcargoesbysea.ThisguidancedrawsupontheknowledgeandexperiencethattheAmericanClubhasderivedfromitsownclaims,fromthosewhoareengagedintheoperationand/orcharteringofvesselsforthecarriageofsteelcargoes,andfromsurveyorsregularlyinstructedtoattendsteelcargoloadingsanddischarges.
Itisourobjectiveandhopethatthisguidancewillincreaseawarenessregardingallaspectsofthecarriageandshipmentofsteelcargoes,andthatitwillultimatelybecomeausefulresourceforallinthistrade.MembersarealsoencouragedtorefertotheAmericanClub’swebsiteatwww.american-club.comwhereadditionalpictures,animations,circulars,alerts,andotherrelevantinformationcanbefound.
William H. Moore, Dr. Eng.Senior Vice President -- Loss PreventionShipowners Claims Bureau, Inc.New York, New York
George J. TsimisSenior Vice President -- Claims DirectorShipowners Claims Bureau, Inc.New York, New York
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes8
Contributors & Acknowledgments
TheAmericanClubwouldliketothankMessrs.WilliamPallas,Freehill,Hogan&Mahar,LLP;Mssrs.JeroendeHaas,MartijndeVosandThomasHendrikxofBMTSurveys,B.V.;Mssrs.CharlesBliaultandDaveAndersonofBrookesBell,LLP;Mr.TonyHuangandMs.MirjanaKüzma,Ph.D.ofAndrewMoore&Associates,Ltd.fortheirvaluablecomments,reviewandcontributionofmostofthephotographs;andCaptainRobertRaynerandhisdedicatedstaffatIDESSInteractiveTechnologies,Inc.fortheircontributionsofpicturesandanimationsfor Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes.
WewouldalsoliketothankCaptainSanjiveNanda,JohnPoulson,Chf.Eng.,Ms.DanielleCenteno,Ms.BorianaFarrar,Messrs.JohnWilson,SeanMurphy,RichardSwan,andRichardHamiltonoftheShipownersClaimsBureau,Inc.fortheirdedicationandprofessionalexpertiseandassistanceinbringingtheGuidanceandtheassociatedwebsitetofruition.
Thetitlepageandcoverart:Mr.JohnSteventon
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 9
Disclaimer TheinformationpresentedinTransport Guidance for Steel Cargoesisforgeneralguidanceinformationpurposesonly.WhiletheAmericanClubmakeseveryefforttoensurethattheinformationcontainedinthedocumentisaccurate,neithertheAmericanClubnoritsManagerswarrantthattheinformationiscorrectortimelyandnorelianceistobeplacedontheinformation.
NeithertheAmericanClubnoritsManagersshallbeliableforanydamagesarisingoutofaninjury,loss,expense,claim,ordamage,includingbutnotlimitedtoanyindirect,special,incidentalorconsequentialdamagesofanykind,whetherbasedincontract,tort,strictliability,atlaworotherwise,arisingoutoforrelatinginanywaytotheuseof,orinabilitytouse,thisguidance.
Moreover,theinformationintheGuidanceshouldnotbeconstruedasevidenceofanycontractofinsuranceandshouldnotberegardedasevidenceofanyundertaking,financialorotherwise,onthepartoftheAmericanCluboritsManagerstoanyotherparty.Furthermore,nothingintheGuidanceshouldbeconstruedasanindicationthattheAmericanCluboritsManagersherebyconsenteithertoactasaguarantorortobesueddirectlyinanyjurisdictionwhatsoever.TheGuidanceshouldnotbeconstruedasalegaladviceandMembersarestronglyencouragedtoconsultwiththeirlawyersforsuchrecommendations.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes10
1. Introduction
1.1 Objectives: To define and specify the hazards, causes, contributing factors and damages associated with the transportation of steel cargoes by ship.
1.2 Hazards and types of damages and claims for steel cargoes
1.2.1 Theprimaryfocusofattentionofthisguidanceisfromwhenacargoissurveyedbyvesselowner’s interestsattheloadingport,untildischargeintothehandsofcargoreceiversatthedischargeport. Dependingontheapplicablelaworcontractinvolved,theperiodofresponsibilityforavesselowner maycommenceanywherefrom“tackletotackle”(aspertheHagueRulesorU.S.CarriageofGoods BySeaAct(COGSA))toperiodsbeforetheloadingandafterthedischarge(aspercertainbill ofladingclauses).Duringthesetimeperiods,thesteelcargoisexposedtovarioushazardsand hazard‘contributingmechanisms’(e.g.poorconditionofavesselcargohold)thatcanleadto damagestocargoasseenin Figure 1.1.Thisguidanceprovideslosspreventionrecommendations thathavebeenappliedbaseduponbestpracticesfrommanyyearsofindustryexperience.
Loss prevention & best practices
Figure 1.1 |Exposureofsteelcargoestohazardsandhazardouscontributingmechanismsleadstodamages controlledbylosspreventionpractices.
1.2.2 Table 1.1 providesaninventoryofsignificanthazards,causalfactors/mechanismsandconsequential damagestosteelcargoeswhilebeingtransportedinshipsbyseathatareaddressedby thisguidance.
Hazard exposure
Hazard ‘contributor’ mechanisms
Steel cargoes transported by ship
Damage to steel cargo
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 11
1.3 P&I claims profile for steel cargoes (2000 to 2015)
1.3.1 ThefrequencyandcostsofsteelcargorelatedclaimsexperiencedbytheAmericanClubbetween 2000and2015havebeensubstantial.Duringthisperiod,steelcargoclaimshaveaccountedfor US$15.4millioninfinanciallossestotheAssociation.
1.3.2 AssummarizedinTable 1.2,shortagesinlandedquantitiesaccountedforthelargestfrequencyof claimsincidents,butweregenerallynotascostly.Wetnessandcontaminationrelateddamages accountedfor23%ofthefrequencyofsteelcargoclaimsand40%ofthecostofsteelcargoclaims. Also,cargoshift,stowageandinclementweatherweresignificantcontributorstodamagestosteel cargowhichledtoclaimsincidentsaccountingforalmost30%ofthefrequencyand32%ofthe costofsteelcargoclaimsduringthissametimeperiod.
1.3.3 Figures 1.2through1.17showexamplesofvarioustypesofdamagessustainedbysteelcargoes whiletransportedbysea.
1.4 Objectives of the Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes
1.4.1 Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoesprovideslossandclaimspreventionguidancetovessel owners,shipmanagers,seafarers,shippers,charterersandothersengagedinthetradeof transportingsteelcargoesbyship.Thisguidanceexcludesthetransportofsteelcargoescarried ondeck,steelproductscarriedasrequiredbytheInternationalMaritimeSolidBulkCargoes (IMSBC)Codeandsteelcargoescarriedincontainers.
1.4.2 TheGuidancefocusesspecificallyonhazardsandhazardcontributors/mechanismsthatleadto damagestosteelcargoes,andtoothersituationsarising,thataredescribedandsummarized inTable 1.1.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes12
Table 1.1: A summary of hazards, contributing causal factors, and types of damages/claims
Hazards Contributing factors/mechanisms to damage/claim of steel cargoes
Types of damages/claims
Water causing wetting of cargo• Freshwater• Saltwater• Humidity/condensation
Condition of vessel• Hatchcovers• Cargoholdaccesshatchand ventilationhatch• Maindeckandhatchcoaming• Cargoholdcondition• Ballast,bilgeandpipingsystems• Insufficientorexcessiveventilation ofcargoholdsasperexternaland internalenvironmental/humidity conditions
Water damage• Rust• Pitting• Discoloration• Residualodor
“Foreign bodies” in the cargo hold that contaminate or otherwise damage the cargo• Salts• Corrosive,combustiveorradioactive materialsorchemicals• Odors• Incompatiblecargoesinsamehold
Condition of holds, stow and cargo• Cleanlinessofcargohold• Improperstowageorcargoseparation• Impropercargopackagingorprotection
Chemical damage• Rust• Pitting• Discoloration• Residualodor• Contamination
Improper cargo handling leading to damage to vessel and cargo during loading and discharge
Improper or insufficient stowage handling, lashing and/or securing methods• Dunnage• Lackofconsiderationoftanktop strengthandpointloadingweight• Stacking/stowage• Lashing/securing• Roughhandlingincargohold• Spatiallyplacedwith“incompatible” cargoes• Useofimproper/poorcargohandling gears• Neglectthesafeworkingload(SWL) ofthecargogearandcranes• Ignorethecargoliftingpointsand gravitycenterduringlifting
Damage to the vessel• Impactthevessel’sseaworthiness• Thevessel’sstructuresandfittings• Externalstructures(fromdamageby deckcargoes)
Damage to the cargo• Lossofdeckcargooverboard duringvoyage• Collapseofcargostowinholds• Physicaldamagetoothercargoes alreadyinstowage,beinghandled and/orothercargoesinholds
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 13
Table 1.1 (cont.): A summary of hazards, contributing causal factors, and types of damages/claims
Hazards Contributing factors/mechanisms to damage/claim of steel cargoes
Types of damages/claims
Cargo moves/shifts during loading, transit or discharge
Improper or insufficient stowage, lash-ing and securing
Insufficient routine checking of the lashings and securing during the voyage
Maneuvering of the vessel
Severe inclement weather and sea conditions
Damage to other cargoes in hold
Damage to the vessel’s structure
Loss of vessel stability
Impact to the vessel’s seaworthiness and delay of the vessel
Large costs to rectify the cargo stow and dispute
Severe inclement weather and sea conditions adversely impacting vessel motions and accelerations• Shiftingofcargoinhold• Shiftingofcargoondeckand waveloads
Insufficient or improper stowage and/or securing• Dunnage• Stacking/stowing• Securing/lashing
Improper passage plan or insufficient inclement weather forecast information
Improper vessel maneuvering
Loosening of cargo securing and lashing
Engine failure
Damage to the vessel• Vessel’sstructures• Lossofvessel’sstability• Impacttothevessel’sseaworthiness anddelaytothevessel
Damage to the cargo • Damageorlossofdeckcargo overboardduringthevoyage• Collapseofcargostowinholds• Physicaldamagetocargoes o Bending o Fracturing o Deformation o Abrasivedamages
Personal injury
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes14
Improper and insufficient documentation clausing, dating and/or describing for the cargo quantity and/or condition• Billsoflading(Bs/L)• Mate’sReceipt• Contractualdispute• Retlaclause
Insufficient cargo surveying by crew or third party surveyor• Cargocondition(pre-loading)• Reviewingthestowageplan, monitoringofcargoloadingand/or discharge,lashingandsecuring• Incorrecttallyreport• Improperorincompletewordingon thebillofladingorMate’s Receiptclause
Pressure from charterers to carry excessive cargo due to market/commercial reasons
• Delayofvessel’sdeparturefromport• Potentialarrestofvessel• Exposuretoclaimsthatmayor maynotbecoveredbyP&Iorother insurancecover• Allegedcargodamageand/or shortageclaims• Misdescriptionclaims
Oxygen depletion/gas in hold• Corrosiveorcombustivematerials orchemicals• Wateringress• Humidity/condensation
Safety of access and working in hold
Condition of holds• Cargoholdcondition,cleanliness• Insufficientorexcessiveventilationof cargoholdsasperexternalandinternal environmental/humidityconditions• Failuretofollowenclosed/confined spaceentryprocedures• Unsafecargoholdaccessandlighting
Injury to personnel/crew safety• Injury/deathduetoinappropriate enclosed/confinedspaceentry• Crewinjury/death• Thirdpartypersonnelinjury/death• Riskoffireorexplosion
Pre-shipment damage ashore Mishandling of cargo ashore• Handlingandtransportatpierside
Stowage of cargo at pier side• Exposuretoelements• Improperdunnaging
Damage to the cargo• Physicaldamagetocargoeso Bendingo Fracturingo Deformationo Abrasivedamages
Water damage• Rust• Pitting• Discoloration
Table 1.1 (cont.): A summary of hazards, contributing causal factors, and types of damages/claims
Hazards Contributing factors/mechanisms to damage/claim of steel cargoes
Types of damages/claims
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 15
Figure 1.2 | Stowedsteelwireandsmalldiameterpipe.Notethedeformationofthefarleftsteelcoilinthebackgroundasitispressedagainstthesideshellframe.Thisisparticularlyaconcernforhigherstacksofcoilswherelowertiersarepressedouttowardsthevessel’sexternalbulkheads.
Figure 1.3 | Steelcoilpackagingdamageresultingfromcargosweatduringthevoyage.
incident #incidents US$ (million) % frequency % cost
wetdamage-contamination
140 $6.17 23% 40%
shortage 186 $1.08 30% 7%
dispute 28 $1.12 5% 8%
handling 69 $1.76 11% 11%
shift-stowage-heavyweather
178 $4.90 29% 32%
other-unknown 16 $0.26 3% 2%
Table 1.2: Frequency and cost of steel cargo claims (2000 to 2015)
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes16
Figure 1.4 | Steelcoilsdamagedbyacylindricalcoilliftingtineofforklift.
Figure 1.5 | Forkliftfittedwithatinespeciallydesignedforcarriageofsteelcoil.
Figure 1.6 | Steelrebarstowedaboardthevesselatdischargeportwithbundlesstowedontopandrustedduetowateringressthroughthehatchcoverswhilethevesselwasintransit.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 17
Figure 1.7 | Heavilyrustedsteelslabs. Figure 1.8 | Collapsedcastironpipeduetocrushingfromothercargoesaboardthevessel.
Figure 1.9 | Deformedsteelplatesduetonon-verticallyaligneddunnage.
Figure 1.10 | Damagetocoilsduetocargoshifting.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes18
Figure 1.11 | Deformationtocoldrolledcoilsduetoexcessiveweightofloadsontop.
Figure 1.12 | Pipecutduetocontactwithsteelprojectcargo.
Figure 1.13 | Damagetosteelcoilsduetoroughhandlingbystevedores.
Figure 1.14 | Stowageofheavycargoontopofsteelcasecausingthecargostowfailureanddamagetosteelcasecargo.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 19
Figure 1.15 | Damagetosteelproductsduetoimproperstowageanddunnage.
Figure 1.16 | Collapseofacargostowofcoiledwirerodsduetoimproperstowageandlashing.
Figure 1.17 | Anassortmentofsteelcargoesthathasbeenimproperlystowedandcancausedelaysinthevessel’sdischarge.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes20
2. Condition of the vessel
2.1 Objectives: To ensure clean, dry, water and condensation free cargo holds aboard the vessel for steel cargoes to be loaded, transported and discharged in an undamaged condition.
2.2 General
2.2.1 Thereareanumberoftypesofdamagesthatsteelcargoescanexperienceasspecifiedin Table 1.1.Thehatchcovers,holdstructures,ventilationsystems,bilgesystemsandrelevantpiping systemsthatmayaffecttheintegrityofthecargoholdsasawholeshouldbeinasatisfactory condition,asappropriate.
2.3 Hatch covers, cranes, ventilation and other systems
2.3.1 Theconditionofthehatchcoversandothersystemsshouldbecheckedinadvanceofloading.In thisregard,specificitemsshouldbecheckedtoensuretheirgoodworkingorderasfollowsbelow.
2.3.1.1 Hatch cover rubber sealing. Allsealings(gasketpacking)shouldbeingoodcondition. Anyreplacementsorrenewalsshouldbemadeincompletelengthsonly.Sealingsshould notberepairedinshortlengths,andthereshouldbenogaps.Sealingsshouldnotbe permanentlyorunevenlyimprintedbymorethan0.4inches(10mm),andshouldnotbe hardened,worn,ordelaminatedasseeninFigure 2.1.
2.3.1.2 Hatch cover compression bars. Compressionbarsshouldhaveanevensurface,and shouldbefreeofdamageandsignificantdeformationasseeninFigure 2.2.
2.3.1.3 Hatch cover sealing channels. Sealingchannelsshouldbeclearofcorrosionandfreeof damageanddeformation.
2.3.1.4 Alignment of hatch covers.Cargohatchcoversshouldbecorrectlyaligned.
2.3.1.5 Hatch cover wheels, rollers, hinges, etc. Wheels,rollers,hingesandotheroperational partsandmechanismsshouldbeinafullyoperationalcondition,freeofrust,freeof damageanddeformation,andproperlyadjustedandgreased.
2.3.1.6Coaming non-return valves. Coamingnon-returnvalvesshouldbecheckedtobe operational,ensuringtheyarenotblocked,arefreeofcorrosionand,whereappropriate, havecapsavailableforuse(seeFigure 2.3).
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 21
2.3.1.7Cargo hatch cover wedges, clamps and quick acting cleats. Allhatchcoverwedges, clampsandquickactingcleats(seeFigure 2.4)shouldallbepresent,wellmaintainedand greased,properlyadjustedwithgoodwashersandresilientpackingrings,andfreeof damageanddeformation.Therubberwashersofcleatsshouldbesound,flexible,not driedoutandfreefrompaint.Ifdifferenttensionsareappliedwhenclosingcleats,itisan indicationthatthehatchpanelsmaybemisaligned.
2.3.1.8Hatch cover landing pads.Hatchcoverlandingpadsshouldhaveminimalwearto avoidover-compressionofthesealings.
2.3.1.9Hatch covers and coamings.Hatchcoversandcoamingsshouldbefreefromholes,cracks, unsealedpenetrationsorsignificantdamage(seeFigure 2.5).Samplingpoints(ifany)are tobeclearlymarked,withcapsinplaceandoperational.Theimportanceofensuringthe properworkingconditionofhatchcoverstopreventwaterorcondensationdamage cannotbeoverstated.Anyrepairstohatchcoversandcoamingsshouldbeconductedin accordancewiththemanufacturer’sinstructions.
2.3.1.10Hatch cover hydraulics.Hatchcoverhydraulicsshouldbeclearofcorrosion,andfreeof damage,deformationandleakage.Theyshouldbefullyoperationalandadjusted. Specialattentionshouldbepaidtotheconditionofhatchcovercontrolhydraulicsystems (e.g.pipes,valves,controlboxes,etc.).Thesystemsshouldbeinasoundandleak-tight conditiontopreventanyspillageorsprayofoilintothecargoholdandpossibly damaginganycargowithin.
2.3.1.11 Drainage channels. Alldrainagechannelsshouldbefreefrompreviouscargoresidue, rustscale,significantcorrosionordamage.
2.3.1.12Vents.Fittedventsshouldbeclearofcorrosionandfreeofdamageanddeformation. Thehatchlidsaretobeingoodconditionandareabletomovefreely.
2.3.1.13Mechanical ventilator flaps and ventilation hatches. Ventilatorflapsandhatchesshould beingoodworkingconditionsotheycanbeproperlysealedandsecuredwhenclosedas seeninFigures 2.6 and2.7.
2.3.1.14Ballast, top side and other tanks.Thedoublebottomballasttanks,hoppertanks,side tanksandtop-sidetanks(ifany)shouldbehydrostaticallypresseduppriortoloadingto ascertaintheirwatertightintegrityasseeninFigure 2.8.Duringthepressuretest, attentionshouldbegiventoanywaterenteringintothebilgewellsasthismayindicate damagedbilgewellplatingorbilgepiping.Ifpressuretestingisunfeasibleatberth,the internalsofthecargohold,includingpiping,shouldbecheckedforsignsofwateringress.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes22
2.3.1.15Bilge suctions and tank top openings.Theseitems,includingthenon-returnvalve functionofthebilgewells,shouldbethoroughlyexamined,testedandprovedfully operational.Bilgewellsshouldbeopened,theircleanlinessascertainedandthestrainer plateshouldbecoveredoverwithburlap.Anyopeningstothetanktopshouldbe examinedtoascertaintheirwatertightintegrityandshouldbeproperlysecured.
2.3.1.16 Sounding pipes and other pipes passing through the cargo holds. Pipingsystemsshould beexaminedandascertainedtobeclearofanydebris.Anypipeswithintheholds, includingballastpipes,soundingpipesandtankairpipesshouldalsobeclosely examinedtoensuretheyarefreefromholes,significantrustscaleandproperlyprotected. Inaddition,soundingpipeclosuresshouldbecheckedtoensurethattheyarewatertight.
2.3.1.17Shipboard cranes. Shipboardcranestobeengagedincargooperationsshouldbeina satisfactorystructuralconditionwiththesafeworkingloadclearlymarked.Thecranes shouldbetested/examinedtoensurecranewires,hooksandsheavesareinasatisfactory conditionandsafetydevicesarefullyoperational.
2.3.1.18Manholes.Manholegasketsshouldbecleanandfreefromdebrisanddirtwhichcan causeleakswhenmanholecoversarerefitted.Inaddition,allmanholecoversshouldbe checkedtoensuretheyaretightenedevenly.
2.3.1.19Tank tops.Tanktopsshouldbecheckedforstructuralintegritythatmaybeduetosimple wearandtearorcracksinthewelds.AlsorefertoSections 5.3.3and5.3.4forcomments onrequiringtanktopstrengthandpointloading.
2.3.2 Maintaining reports on the condition of the hatch covers.Theownershouldmaintainuptodate writtenreportsontheconditionofthehatchcoverarrangementonboardthatincludedetailsof:
(1) scheduledmaintenanceandtestsconductedaspartofthevessel’splannedmaintenance systemandanyadditionalunscheduledmaintenanceandrepairsperformed;
(2) inspectionandtestingoftheoperabilityofthehatchcoverarrangements,asspecifiedin Section 2.3.1atbothloadanddischargeports;
(3) conditionsurveys;and
(4) hoseand/orultrasonicweathertightnesstestingasseeninFigures 2.9and2.10.
2.3.3 Itisprudentforthevesselownertomaintaincargohatchcoversingoodoperableconditionand toestablishaneffectiveinspectionandmaintenanceprogram.Sucheffortswillassistwith establishingduediligenceintheeventofanycargoclaim.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 23
2.3.4 Otherreportsandinspectionsregardingtheconditionofthehatchcoverscanalsobeusedto assistwithand/orcomplementthevesselowner’sinspectionandmaintenanceprogram.Reports fromclassificationsocietyinspections,shipyardsurveys,conditionsurveysperformedbythird parties,includingultrasonicandhosetesting,canpotentiallyassistwithascertainingtheactual conditionofthecargoholdsandhatchcovers.Similarly,charterer’sinspectionsand“on-hire” surveysmayalsoyieldadditionalinformationbutshouldonlybeconsideredinconjunctionwith thevesselowner'soverallhatchcovermaintenanceprogram.
2.4 Use of marine tape
2.4.1 Theuseofmarinetape(e.g.Ram-Nek®),oncargoholdhatchcoversshouldbeavoided.
2.4.2 Therearegenerallytwosituationswherebycharterersrequestthatmarinetapemaybe applied,when:
(1) thesupercargoorthecharterer’srepresentativenoticesthatthehatchcoversareinapoor conditionandthatrepairsmightinterferewiththevessel’sintendedsailingschedule;or
(2) itismentionedinthecharterpartythatthehatchcoversneedtobesealedwithmarine tapeuponcompletionofloadingoperations.Thisshouldonlybeconsideredasanextra levelofprotection.
2.4.3 Itisimportanttonotethatifandwhencharterersrequesttousemarinetape,sucharequestmay notrelievethevesselownerfromitsdutyunderthecharterpartytopresentthevesselin seaworthyandcargoworthycondition.
2.5 Cleaning of the vessel cargo holds
2.5.1 Theconditionsofthecargoholdscanbeadverselyaffectedbyanumberofcontributingfactors thatmaymaketheholdsunsuitableforthecarriageofsteelcargoes.Dependinguponthecargo holdconditions,andifrequestedbythechartererorcharterpartyrequirements,holdsshouldalso bedisinfected,deodorizedand/orventilated.
2.5.2 Damagecanalsobecausedbycontaminationfromforeignbodiesorsubstances,orwhenthereis inadequatesegregationbetweencargoconsignments.Withthisinmind,thefollowingprecautions shouldbetakeninpreparationofthecargoholdbeforetheloadingofsteelcargoes.
2.5.2.1 Cargoholdsshouldbeproperlyswept,cleaned,washed,mopped,wellventilatedand dried,includingsides,stringers,pockets,brackets,etc.tominimizeoravertthe prospectofhavingresiduesfrompreviouscargoes,otherdebrisandwaterormoisture anywhereintheholds.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes24
2.5.2.2 Rust,rustscale,andlooseandflakingpaintthatcancontaminatethecargoshould beremoved.
2.5.2.3 Allresidualgasesshouldbethoroughlyventilatedastheirodormaytaintthe consignmentsofsteelcargoand,ofcourse,forcrewand/orstevedoresafety (seeSections 2.6.2and2.6.3).
2.5.2.4 Ifthereisanysignofinsectorrodentinfestation,theuseofinsecticidesmaybe consideredbysealingtheholdsandfumigating.Suchoperationshouldbeperformed byanapprovedprofessionalinasafemanner.Itshouldbenotedthat,ifthevesselis toloadin,orfor,certaincountriessuchasAustralia,alltracesandevidenceofinsect/ larvaeshouldberemoved.
2.5.2.5 Duringthecleaningprocess,closeattentionshouldbepaidtotanktopplating,ceiling boxes,beams,frames,sparceiling,hatchbeams,pipework,ladders,etc.
2.5.2.6 Doubleburlapwrappingshouldbeappliedonthebilgecoverplatesandadhered withtape.
2.5.2.7 Hatchcoversshouldbefullyweathertighttoavoidanychanceofwateringress.The backsidesofhatchcoversshouldbecarefullyinspectedtoensurethattheyarefreeof cargoresidue,rust,rustscale,orothercontaminants.
2.5.2.8 Certificate of cleanliness. Itishighlyrecommendedthataqualifiedthirdparty inspectionshouldbeperformedafterthecargoholdshavebeencleanedbefore acceptinganysteelcargoes.Theinspectionshouldalsoresultintheissuanceofa certificateconfirmingfitnessforloading.
2.6 Safety of vessel cargo hold access and workspaces
2.6.1 Thesafeaccessforpersonnelwithinacargoholdisessentialtopreventinjurytothecrew, stevedores,surveyors,etc.Thecompany’ssafetymanagementsystem(SMS),asrequiredunder theInternationalSafetyManagement(ISM)Code,shouldbefollowedforthesafeentry requirementsforthecargospaces.
2.6.2 Safety first.Safeaccesswithinthecargoholdsisimportanttoensurepreventionofinjurytothe crew,stevedoresandanyotherthirdparties(e.g.portStatecontrolinspectors,surveyors,customs officials,etc.).Thecrewshouldbefamiliarwiththecompany’sshipboardSMSproceduresbefore entryintocargospaces.However,somebasicrulesshouldbeconsideredasfollows:
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 25
(1) priortoentryintothecargohold(seeFigure2.11),thecrewshouldcheckif thereareanyreportsofdamagestoladdersandanypermanentortemporary railings(seeSection 2.6.3);
(2) atleastonecrewmembershouldbepositionedatthecargoholdaccesspoint withahandheldtransceivertomaintaindirectcontactwithanycrewmembers enteringthecargospacewhoshouldalsobeinpossessionofhandheld transceiverstomaintaincommunicationsatalltimes;
(3) ensurethesafetyoftheatmosphereofthecargospacebeingenteredasset forthinchapter2,Reg.2.7oftheCSSCode,asamended.AsofJuly1,2016, assetforthinSOLASchapter11,regulation1/7–AtmosphericTesting Instrument, allcargovesselsover500GTarerequiredtocarryatmospheric testinginstrumentscapableofmeasuringconcentrationsofoxygen,flammable gasesandvapors,hydrogensulfide(H2S)andcarbonmonoxide(CO).The instrumentshouldbeusedbeforeanypersonisallowedtoenterthecargo space;and
(4) ensurethatforthoseaccessingtheholds,theyhavesufficienthandheldand/or temporarylightingequipmentriggedinordertoinspectthecargo,aswellas toensurethecrewmembers’safetywhileworkingwithinthecargoholdspace.
2.6.3 Ladders, standing platforms, grip bars, rungs/treads and railings.Ataminimum,allladdersand anypermanent/temporaryrailingsinallcargoholdsshouldberegularlyinspectedtoensurethat theyareinsatisfactorycondition.Suchinspectionsshouldbeconductedpriortoloadingand dischargingwhereaccessisnothinderedbycargoplacementoroperationsandshouldbe properlyrecordedtoensurethatanyidentifiedconditionstothesestructuresorapparatusesare addressedandthatanypersonsaccessingthesespacesaremadeawareoftheirpotentialrisksto safety.Inparticular:
(1) thecrewshouldinspectcargoholdaccessareaspriortocargooperationsand onlypresentthevesselinareasonablysafecondition.Ladder’sstanding platforms,gripbars,rungs/treads,andrailingsshouldbefreeofdust,cargo debris,oilyorgreasysurfacesoranyotherconditionthatcancausea slipperycondition;
(2) thecrewshouldcorrectanypotentiallyunsafeconditionsandshouldmake repairspriortocommencementofcargooperations.Ifanyoftheladder’s standingplatforms,gripbars,rungs/treads,railings,etc.arefoundindisrepair, theladdershouldnotbeuseduntilitisfullyrepaired;
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes26
(3) ifthehazardsarenotadequatelyrepairedatthecommencementofcargo operations,thenthecrewshouldmarkandidentifytheseareaswithproper signage,andtheseareasbepointedouttoallstevedoresbythemateorhatch bossonduty;and
(4) thecrewshouldendeavortoensureadequatelightingisinplaceintheaccess areastocargoholdladdersandintheladderwell.Portablelightsshouldbe properlysuspendedandsecuredbyseparatelinesandnotbythelighting powercord.Thelightsshouldberiggedsothattheydonothindertheclimber whenusingtheladder.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 27
Figure 2.1 | Rubbersealingwithexcessivepermanentgroovingistoberenewed.
Figure 2.2 | Waterdrainagechannel,compressionbarandtheland-ingpadsasshowningoodcondition.
Figure 2.3 | Firecapforthewaterdrainingnon-returnpipeismissing.
Figure 2.4 | Hatchcoversecuringcleat.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes28
Figure 2.5 | Hatchcoaminganddeckpipinginpoorcondition. Figure 2.6 | Cargoholdmechanicalventilator.
Figure 2.7 | Ventilationhatchonthesideofhatchcoverpanel. Figure 2.8 | Ballasttankhydro-testing.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 29
Figure 2.9 | Hosetesting. Figure 2.10 | Ultrasonictesting.
Figure 2.11 | Cargoholdaccesshatchinpoorcondition.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes30
3. Types of steel cargoes
3.1 Objectives: To identify and describe steel and metal products commonly transported by ship.
3.2 Types of steel cargoes, descriptions and general stowage considerations
3.2.1 Steelproductsarepresentedforshipmentinavarietyofwaysincludingsingle,looseindividual items,bundled,packagedinpaperormetalprotectivecovers,unpackaged,cratedandparceled. Inaddition,somesteelproductsarecoatedinoil(e.g.hotrolledandpickledsteel)whileothers maybepaintcoated(e.g.sometypesofpipe)toprotectthecargofrommoistureandother corrosivematerials.
3.2.2 Table 3.1providesasummaryofsteelproductscommonlytransportedbyship.Thebestpractices appliedtothestowageoftheseproductsaregovernedbyanumberoffactorsasdetailed inSection 5.5.
3.2.3 Productssuchassteelscrapmetal,pigironandswarfarenotincludedinTable 3.1asthe mandatoryrequirementsforcarriageofthesecargoesisgovernedby,andsetforthinAppendix1 oftheIMSBCCode.
3.2.4 ExamplesofvariousstowagearrangementsassetforthinTable 3.1areseeninFigures 3.1 through3.15.
Table 3.1 | Common steel products transported by ship, descriptions and general stowage considerations
Product Description Additional comments Stowage
Finishedsteelproducts
Cold-rolledsteelcoil Steelforgedorrolledintocoilandpackaged.Weightsofthisproductvaryuptoa
maximumof40tons.1
Cold-rolledsteelisafinishedproductthatis
unwoundforimmediateuse.
Hotandcoldrolledsteelcoilisaproductthatisstowedatthebottomofthecargoholdwiththe
‘eye’pointinginaforeandaftdirection.Rowsofsteel
coilsshouldbestowedatleast4to6inches(10to15cm)aparttoensurethesidesofcoilsarenotdamagedduringloading,
transitordischarge.
Hotrolledsteelcoil Semi-finishedsteelforgedandrolledintocoil.Weightsofthisproductcanvaryup
toamaximumof40tons.
Hot-rolledsteelisnormallyunwoundandprocessed
intocold-rolledsteel.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 31
Steelwirerods(coiled) Long,thinsteelrodsproducedbyeitherhot
orcoldrolling.
Coiledwirerodscanbedamagedthroughcompression,e.g.duetohighstowageor
compressionagainsttanktopandvesselsidesor
bulkheads.
Coiledsteelwirerodsarenormallystowedinathwartshipsrowswith
theaxisforeandaft.Coilsshouldbestowedupright
sothateachcoilrestsagainstanadjacentcoil.
Thecoilsinsuccessivetiersshouldbestowedsothat
eachcoiloverlapsthecoilbelow.
Steelplate Elongated,thickflatcoldrolledsteelplategenerallyofupto2inches(5cm)
inthickness.
Steelplateisofmultipurposeuseforavarietyofsteelbased
productsandstructures.
Steelplateisusuallystowedwiththelongeraxisstowedforeandaftbutissometimesstowed
athwartshipswhenbundled.
Steel/castironpipe(largediameter)
Largediametersteelorcastironpipewherebyendsmaybe,forexample,threaded,
beveled,swagedorflanged.
Theendsoflargediameterpipesarepronetodamage(e.g.swagedends).Pipe
endsmaybeshippedwithprotectivecoveringsor
insertstopreventhandlingdamage.
Steelandcastironpipeshouldbestowedforeandaft.Theshipper/manufacturersshouldbeconsultedastothe
maximumallowabletiersforstackinglargediameter
pipes.
Steelpipe(smalldiameter) Finishedsteelproduct.Endsmaybebeveled,swagedorflangedandmayhave
protectivecovering.
Smalldiameterpipesinsingleunitorbundledingroups.Endsofpipesaresusceptibletodamage.
Smalldiametersteelpipeisusuallypackedinbundlesandshouldbestowedina
foreandaftdirection.
Steelpilingandcolumn Long,finishedcoldrolledmoldedsteelsheet
products.
Primarilyusedforconstructionpurposes.
Steelpilingsandcolumnareusuallypackedinbundlesandshouldbestowedina
foreandaftdirection.
1Atonisaunitofmeasurementequaling2,000pounds.Innon-U.S.measurements,atonequals2,240pounds.Atonne,alsoknownasametricton,isaunitofmassequaling1,000kilograms.
Table 3.1 (cont.) | Common steel products transported by ship, descriptions and general stowage considerations
Product Description Additional comments Stowage
Finishedsteelproducts(cont.)
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes32
Product Description Additional comments Stowage
Finishedsteelproducts(cont.)
Steelgirderandbeam Long,finished,coldrolled“I”and“T”girdersand
beams.
Primarilyusedforconstructionpurposes.
Somebeamsandgirdershavefinishedendsforease
ofassembly.
Steelbeamsandgirdersshouldbestowedfore
andaft.Thebeamsshouldbestowedwithflanges
arrangedinan“inandout”positionandusuallypackedinbundlesasseenbelow
(alsoseeFigure 3.1).
Steelprofile Long,coldorhotrolled,shapedsteelbars.
Primarilyusedforreinforcementintheconstructionofsteel
structures.
Steelprofileareusuallypackedinbundlesandstowedforeandaft.
Steelangleandbulb Long,coldorhotrolled,shapedsteelbars.
Productismulti-purposeforuseinconstruction
forreinforcementofsteelstructures.
Steelangleandbulbareusuallypackedinbundlesandstowedforeandaft.
Steelmesh Finishedsteelmeshproductsthatareeitherrolledorinsheetform.
Productisnormallyinformforfinaluseandisprimarilyusedforfencingorgrating
purposes.
Wiremeshrollsshouldbestowedathwartships.Gratingsheetscanbestowedforeandaftorathwartships.Usually
stowedonthetopofothercargoes.
Steelreinforcementstraightorfoldedbar(i.e.rebar)
Long,roughlyfinishedhotrolledsteelbarsofsmall
diameter.
Productisusedforreinforcingconcretestructures.Rebaris
transportedinsingleunitsorbundledingroupswith1inch(2.5cm)widthsteel
bandsortiewire.
Stowageisusuallydependentuponthe
geometryofthecargohold.However,theproductis
usuallystowedforeandaftorathwartships.
Table 3.1 (cont.) | Common steel products transported by ship, descriptions and general stowage considerations
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 33
Steelchannel Long,coldorhotrolled,shapedsteelbarorplate.
Productismulti-purposeandcanbeused,for
example,inconstruction,equipment,furnitureand
manufacturing.
Steelchannelisusuallypackedinbundlesandstowedforeandaft.
Steelforgings Varyingsizeandshapesofsteelproducts.
Variousindustrialpurposesforforgings,forexample,enginepartsandotherin-
dustrialmechanicaldevices.
Steelforgingscanbestowedathwartshipsorforeandaft.However,longsteelforgingsshouldbestowed
foreandaft.
Steelstripsandsections Varyingsizeandshapesofsteelproducts.
Productismulti-purposewithusesinassemblyofsteelstructuresand
manufacturing.
Stowageisdependentuponshapeandsize.Longsteelstripsandsectionsshouldbestowedforeandaft.
Dependinguponthegeome-tryofsmallerstripsandsections,theproductcanbestowedforeandaftor
athwartships.
Steelprefabricatedstructure Pre-assembledsteelstructuresassembledfor
immediateuse.Theproductmaybepaintedorcoated.
Productisnormallypartofaprojectcargoalongwithitemssuchasgenerators,
engines,refrigerationunits,oilandgasproductionequipment,etc.This
productispronetocontactdamages.
Stowageshouldbetocharterer’sspecification.
Unfinishedsteelproducts
Steelslab Heavyandthickpre-rolledsteelblocks.
Initialsteelproductbeforerolling.
Steelslabcanbestowedforeandaftorinan
athwartshipsdirection.
Steelbilletandbloom Long,pre-rolledsteelbarsinrectangularandcircular
crosssectionform.
Initialsteelproducttobeusedtoprocessandformsteelbars,channels,etc.
Steelbilletandbloomshouldbestowedinafore
andaftdirection.
Table 3.1 (cont.) | Common steel products transported by ship, descriptions and general stowage considerations
Product Description Additional comments Stowage
Finishedsteelproducts(cont.)
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes34
Figure 3.1 | Steel“I”barstowedinan“inandout”positionandsecuredwithsteelband.
Figure 3.2 | Combinationofsteelcargoesbeingstowed,securedandlashedbystevedores.
Figure 3.3 | Largediametersteelpipewithswagedendsstowedinaforeandaftdirection.Notethepipesarestowedsuchthateachtierislaidintheoppositedirectiontoensuretheswagedendsarenotloadedontopofeachother.
Figure 3.4 | Packagedandbandedlargediametersteelpipesbeingloweredintocargohold.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 35
Figure 3.5 | Coiledsteelwirerodbeingdischarged.Althoughnotanormaldunnagingpractice,notethecanvastarpontanktopwithwoodendunnageplacedontopofthetarp.
Figure 3.6 | Coldrolledsteelcoilsbeingstowedandlashedwith1inch(2.5cm)wideflatsteelbandsinacargohold.
Figure 3.7 | Rolledsteelmeshonaflatbedtruckflatbedtobeloadedaboardavessel.
Figure 3.8 | Steelplatesandothersteelproductsbeingloaded.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes36
Figure 3.9 | Amixedconsignmentofre-bar,smalldiametersteelpipesandothersteelproductsinacargohold.
Figure 3.10 | Packagedsmalldiametersteelpipesarestowedinforeandaftdirection.
Figure 3.11 | Bundledsteelchannelarestowedinforeandaftdirectioninsidecargohold.
Figure 3.12 | Steelangleandsteelpipesarestowedinforeandaftdirectioninsidecargohold.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 37
Figure 3.13 | Steelplatesareplacedonthetopofbaggedcargotosupportvehiclesandmachineryadjacenttolargediametersteelpipethathavebeenloadedinaforeandaftdirection.
Figure 3.14 | Acargoholdfullofprefabricatedsteelproducts.
Figure 3.15 | Steelproductsstowedinthelowerhold.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes38
4. Dunnage for steel cargoes
4.1 Objectives: To ensure that steel cargoes are properly protected during transport by ship by the use of fit-for-purpose dunnage materials.
4.2 Purpose of dunnage for steel cargoes
4.2.1 Dunnageshouldalwaysbeusedtoprovideaprotective‘buffer’betweensteelcargoes,vesseltank tops,bulkheadsand/orothercargoesforthepurposesof:
(1) protectingagainstdamagebymoisture(ingressedwaterorsweat)orbyresidual chemicalsorsaltsthatmayhaveaccumulatedwithinthevessel’sstructureorupon othercargoes;
(2) providingfrictionalresistancewithinthestowtopreventcargomovementsorshifting duringcargostowage,transitanddischargethatmayleadtocargodamage,personnel injuryand/ordamagetothevessel’sstructure;
(3) achievingatightfitforthecargobyfillingupvoidspacesinthecargohold;and
(4) providingameanstodistributeloads/forcesacrossthetanktopsand/orothervessel’s structurebetweenindividualunitsofsteelcargoes(e.g.rolledsteelcoils).Alsosee Section 5.3regardingthebasicprinciplesforloaddistributionacrosstanktopsfor steelcargoes.
4.3 Dunnage use by cargo type
4.3.1 Theprimarydunnagematerialusedinthetransportofsteelcargoesiswoodwhichisusedin variousdimensionsandgeometriesdependinguponthecargotypeandstowageconfigurations. However,dunnagewoodshould,ifpossible,be:
• ofgoodquality,withoutdamageorsplintersideallyofhardwoodtype;
• drytopreventmoisturetransfertothecargo;
• ofsufficientthicknessanddimensionstobefitforthepurposeoftheparticularsteel cargoesbeingtransported;and
• phytosanitarycertifiedandapprovedtoensurethewoodisfreeofpests.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 39
Thefollowingsectionsprovidesomebasicdunnagingprinciplesforvarioussteelcargoestaking intoaccountthegeneralstowageconsiderationsassetforthinTable 3.1.
4.3.2 Steel coil.Thebottomtierofsteelcoilsisnormallystowed(unlesspalleted,seeSection 5.5.2.1(14)) withthe“eye”ofthecoilfacingintheforeandaftdirectionontopofatleasttworowsof dunnagewoodboardslaidathwartships.Thenumbersanddimensionsofthewoodendunnage isdependentupontheweightanddimensionsofthecoilandtiersofcoilsstowed.Wooden chocks(wedges)shouldbeinsertedontopoftherowsofwoodendunnageonthelowertierand nailsecuredintopositiontopreventmovementofthosecoils.Dunnagetimbershouldbeinserted betweencoilsalongthesametiersifsmallvoidspacesoccurasshowninFigure 4.1.
Forheavierandlargersteelcoils(15tonsormore),vesselownersandcharterersshouldconsider suitabledimensionsofthedunnagewoodboardfortheweightofthecoilsinadvanceofloading thecargo.Inanyevent,woodendunnagewiththicknessoflessthan2inches(5cm)shouldnot beusedasdunnageforheavycoils.Theimportanceoftheneedtohavedunnageofsufficient thicknessandquantitywhencarryingheavysteelcoilstohelpavoidspotoverloadingofthetank topandadjacentstructurecannotbeoveremphasized.Thevessel’sclassificationsocietycanbe consultedforguidance.
Dunnagewoodboardsshouldalsobeplacedagainstthevessel’ssidesandhoppertankstructures topreventcontactbetweenthecoilsandthevessel’sstructuresandtopreventmovementof thecoils.
4.3.3 Coiled steel wire rods.Thebottomtierofcoiledwirerodsisnormallystowedwiththe“eye” ofthecoilintheforeandaftdirection.Coiledrodsdonotnormallyrequireadditionaldunnage astheyarenotveryheavy,assteelcoilmightbe,suchthattheywouldposeathreatof damagetoothercargoesorthevessel’scargoholdstructure(see Figure 4.2).Ifpossible,alayer ofsoftdunnagematerialshouldbeplacedontopofthetanktoptoavoidsteelonsteelcontact (seeFigure 3.5),andavoidpotentialdamagetothecoiledwirerodsandthetanktopplating.
Dunnagewoodboardsshouldalsobeplacedagainstthevessel’ssidesandhoppertankstructures topreventcontactbetweenthecoilsandthevessel’sstructures.
4.3.4 Steel plate and bundled steel sheets, steel slabs, billets and blooms.Flatsteelplatescanweigh upto20tons(20tonnes)andbundledsteelsheetsmaybeofuptoabout10tons(10tonnes) each.Steelslabs,billetsandbloomscanweighupto40tons(40tonnes).AsseeninFigures 4.3 and4.4,dunnagewoodisusedonthebetweenthetierstoverticallyseparatestackedindividual orbundledsteelplatesforeaseofloadinganddischarging.Itisrecommendedthatadistance apartbetweenthedunnagebenotmorethan10feet(3meters).
Dunnagewoodboardsshouldalsobeplacedagainstvessel’ssidesandhoppertankstructuresto preventcontactbetweentheplates/bundlesandthevessel’sstructures,andalsotopreventmovement.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes40
4.3.5 Structural steel.Thiscategoryincludesalltypesofgirders,beams,profiles,etc.allofwhich shouldbestowedinaforeandaftdirection.Dunnageisplacedunderneaththestructuralsteel tokeepthecargooffthetanktopandincreasethefrictionalcoefficienttopreventmovement. Numbers,dimensionsandarrangementofthedunnageislargelydependentupontheweight, dimensionandcontactareaofthecargowhichshouldbediscussedandmutuallyagreedbythe Masterandcharterer/shipperpriortoloadingthecargo.
Dunnagewoodboardsshouldalsobeplacedagainstvessel’ssidesandhoppertankstructuresto preventcontactbetweenthestructuralsteelandthevessel’sstructures,andalsotopreventmovement.
4.3.6 Large diameter steel/cast iron pipe.Dunnageforlargediametersteelandcastironpipeare usuallylaidathwartshipsonthetanktop,approximately10feet(3meters)distanceapart. Numbers,dimensionsandarrangementsofdunnageislargelydependentupontheweightand numberoftiersofthecargo.Dunnagebetweenthetiersisnotalwaysrequired.Ifthepipeis wrappedinspecialexternalprotectionmaterials,suitabledunnagematerialsshouldbeconsidered foruse.
Dunnagewoodboardsshouldalsobeplacedagainstvessel’ssidesandhoppertankstructuresto preventcontactbetweenthepipesandthevessel’sstructures,andalsotopreventmovement.
4.3.7 Small diameter steel pipe.Normallysmalldiameterpipesarebundledforefficiencyoftransport. Dunnageisnotnormallyplacedbetweenadjacentindividualpipesorbundles.Dunnagewooden boardsforsmalldiameterpipesandbundlesarenormallylaidoutinrowsandlaidathwartships onthetanktopapproximately10feet(3meters)distanceapart.
Dunnagewoodboardsshouldalsobeplacedagainstvessel’ssidesandhoppertankstructuresto preventcontactbetweenthepipesandthevessel’sstructures,andalsotopreventmovement.
4.3.8 Dunnage structures.Woodendunnagestructuresusedtosupportstowagecanbeconstructed againstthevessel’sstructuresassideshells,hoppertanksandbulkheads,forexampleasseenin Figures 4.1and4.5,toensuresteelcargoesremaininplaceduringseatransit.Dunnagestructures shouldbeofsufficientstrengthtosupportthecargobeingplacedinthestowage.
4.3.9 Dunnage for cargo holds with non-rectangular cargo spaces.Astheforwardandafterendcargo holdspacesarenormallynon-rectangularandtaperinginward,forwardandaftrespectively,these spacesmayrequireadditionaldunnagestructuresconstructedtosupportsteelcargoes,suchas coilsandlargediametersteelpipes(see Figures 4.5).Similarly,dunnageusedinwayof non-rectangularcargospacesshouldbeofsufficientstrengthtosupportthecargobeingplaced intothestowage.
4.3.10 Figures 4.6through4.12providefurtherexamplesoftheplacementofdunnage,anddamagesto dunnageandcargoesasaresultofimproperdunnaging.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 41
Figure 4.1 | Crosssectionofsteelcoilsstackedwithdunnagematerialsincargohold.
Figure 4.2 | Singleanddoubletiersofcoiledwirerodstackedontoppackagedsteelpipe.
Figure 4.3 | Steelplatesashoreawaitingshipment.Notethedunnageproperlyverticallyalignedandhorizontallyspacedtopreventdeformationofthestackedsteelplates.Thesamestowagephilosophyappliesaboardthevesselforverticallystackedsteelplatesandsteelplatebundles.
Figure 4.4 | Stevedoresplacingdunnageblocksforelongatedsteelplatesinfurthermostaftcargospacewithirregulargeometry.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes42
Figure 4.5 | Dunnagestructuresconstructedonslopinghoppertanktoholdlargesteeldiameterpipesinplace.
Figure 4.6 | Dunnagebeingpreparedforcarryingheavycargo.
Figure 4.7 | Crusheddunnagecausedthecargostowfailure. Figure 4.8 | Crusheddunnageduetoimproperarrangement.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 43
Figure 4.9 |Improperarrangementofdunnagethathasbeenplacedontoproundshapedcargo.
Figure 4.10 | Improperarrangementofdunnagethatcollapsedundertheweightofthecargo.
Figure 4.11 | Placementofcargoonthetopofroundshapecargowithoutproperdunnage.
Figure 4.12 | Woodendunnagethathasbeenbentandcrushedundertheweightofsteelcoils.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes44
5. Stowage and securing of steel cargoes
5.1 Objective: To ensure the proper stowage and securing of steel cargoes to prevent movement and/or damage to the cargo and/or the vessel during transport by sea.
5.2 Principles of proper stowage and securing
5.2.1 Thebasicobjectivesofproperstowageandsecuringaretopreventthemovementorshiftingof thecargowithintheholdoncethecargoisloadedonboard,duringtransitatsea,throughtothe finaltimeofdischarge.Therisksassociatedwiththeforcesduetomovementorshiftingofthe cargoincludepossibledamageofthecargo,injurytohumanlife,damagetothestructureofthe cargoholds,negativeimpactonthevessel’sstabilityandseaworthiness,delaythevoyageand/or incuradditionalcostsassociatedwithre-stowingthecargoonboard.
5.2.2 ThegeneralprinciplesforcargostowageandsecuringaresetforthintheInternationalMaritime Organization’s(IMO’s)AssemblyResolutionA.714(17),1991CodeofSafePracticeforCargo StowageandSecuring(CSSCode),asamended.TheCodeismandatoryandappliestocargoes otherthansolidandliquidbulkcargoes.Asitrelatestosteelcargoes,theCodesetsforthspecific safepracticesforthecarriageofsteelcoils(Annex6),andothercargotypesnotcoveredinthis guide.TheCSSCodetogetherwiththeCargoSecuringManualrepresentsthevessel’sstandardset ofpracticesforlashingandsecuring.
5.3 The stowage plan
5.3.1 Thestowageplanisusuallypreparedbyarepresentativeofeitherthevesselownerorcharterer, e.g.,thepartywhichunderthegoverningcontract(s)ofcarriageisresponsibleforcargostowage, lashingandsecuring.TheMastershouldconsiderthevariousfactorsregardingthestowageplan fromasafetyperspective,includingbutnotlimitedtoensuring:
(1) thecargotobeloadedonboarddoesnotexceedanymaximumallowablestrengthofthe tanktoptakingintoaccounttheindividualweightsofcargounitsandcumulativeweights oftieredcargo,suchassteelcoils;
(2) theamountofcargoloadedonboarddoesnotmakethevesselexceedherallowances undertheInternationalConventiononLoadLines,1966;
(3) thestowageplanningshouldtakeintoaccountthepermissibletweendeckloadandthe vessel’slongitudinalstrength(bendingmomentandstress);
(4) thevessel’sstabilityisnotcompromisedwhenloading,duringtransitatseaordischarging;
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 45
(5) thecargoconsignmentsareproperlydistributedamongstcargoholdstoensurethatno individualcargoholdisheavilyloadedincomparisontoothercargoholds;
(6) considerationforvesselsthatcalltomultipleportsthatloadanddischargecargoesin intermediateports.Anysuchoperationsshouldnotresultinpoorcargodistributionthat mayadverselyaffectthevessel’sstresses,strength,stabilityorseaworthinessduringthe remainderofthevoyage;and
(7) whetherthereisanyincompatibilitybetweenthecargoesand/ordifficultyonlashingand securingofthecargoesonthecompletionofloading,forexample,containersorrollbase cargo(trucks)onthetopofothercargoinsidecargohold,equipmentorboxshapedcargo onthetopofroundshapedcargo(suchasrolledsteelcoils),etc.Ifsuchasituation presentsitself,thestowageplanshouldberejectedandadjustmentsshouldbemade.
5.3.2 Cargoshouldbeloadedonlywhendetailsofthecargotobeloadedisfullyunderstood,the stowage,dunnaging,lashingandsecuringplanhavebeenreviewedandagreedbetweenthe vessel’sMasterandthepartyresponsibleforthesetaskssuchasthechartererofthevessel and/orshippersofthecargo.
5.3.3 Tank top strength for cargo stowage.Theoverallweight(load)ofastowageofcargoislimitedby themaximumpermissibletanktopload.Themaximumpermissibleloadpersquaremeterof surfaceareaissuppliedbytheshipbuilderandapprovedbythevessel’sclassificationsociety.The detailsforeachindividualcargoholdareusuallyprovidedinthevessel’sTrimandStability Booklet,LoadingManualand/orCargoSecuringManual.
However,unlessstatedotherwise,thepermissibleloadreferredtoassumesauniformweight distributionwhichisencounteredforhomogenousbulkcargoessuchasgrain,coalorironore. Itdoesnotapplytothecarriageofsteelcoils,whichexertaspotloadforceconcentratedatthe pointwherethecoilmeetsthedunnage/tanktop.Itshouldberememberedthattheweightofthe pieceorpiecesofcargoshouldbesufficientlyandappropriatelyspreadbytheuseofdunnage materialsoverthetanktopareausedinthecalculation.Ifthereisanydoubt,theclassification societyshouldbeimmediatelyconsulted.Thetheoreticalmaximumpermissibletonnageof homogeneousbulkcargoallowedtobestowedinanindividualcargoholdiscalculatedasfollows:
Area of the tank top (ft2 or m2) * Tons per ft2 or m2 tank top load limitation.
Thethicknessofthesteelscantlingswithinacargoholdtanktopstructurecanreduceovertime. Thetheoreticallimitsfortanktoppermissibleloadsaresetwhenthevesselisbuilt.Therefore,for oldervesselsitisprudenttoallowasafetymarginwhenconsideringmaximumpermissibletank toploads.
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5.3.4 Consideration of tank top strength of hopper tanks.Whencarryingsteelproductsinconventional bulkcarriers,thestrengthandloadbearingcapacityofthelowerhoppertankshastobeconsidered. Anadditionalconcernistheslopinghoppertankplates.AsseeninFigure 5.1,theforceloadon thehoppertanktop,“R”,iscalculatedasafunctionoftheverticalforceload“M”calculatedasfollows:
R = M * cos ɑ
where“ɑ”representstheanglebetweentheverticalloadandtheperpendicularloadonthe hoppertank.Itisimportanttoalsonotethatasthevesselrollswhileatsea,thedynamicload “R”canincreasebyasmuchas50%.Therefore,carefulconsiderationoftheloadsuponthe hoppertanktopshouldbetakenintoaccountpriortothevesselloadingheavycargoessuchas steelcoils.Whenloadingthesteelcoils,thevessel’sLoadingManualandCargoSecuringManual shouldbeconsultedtodeterminewhetheritisallowedtoloadcoilsonthehoppertanks.Ifitis not,theclassificationsocietyshouldbeconsulted.
5.4 Preparation of holds for stowage
SeeSection 2.3,Hatch covers, cranes, ventilation and other systems andSection 2.5,Cleaning of the vessel cargo holds.
5.5 Stowage principles by cargo type
5.5.1 SeeTable 3.1,Common steel products transported by ship, descriptions and general stowage considerations.
5.5.2 Additional stowage measures for particular types of steel cargoes.
5.5.2.1 Steel coil2.Coilsarenormallyloadedandstowedfrom“outboardtoinboard”,i.e.starting fromthevessel’ssideshellmovinginwardtowardsthecenteroftheholdwitheachcoil beingplacedagainstthenextoutboardcoilalreadyinplace,withthe“eye”ofthecoil pointinginaforeandaftdirection.Whenstowingsteelcoils,thefollowingconsiderations shouldbetakenintoaccount:
(1) theheaviest,longestandlargestcoilsshouldbeloadedonthelowertierto preventdamagetoanysmallercoilsthatmaybestowedontiersbelow.Usuallythe coilswiththesamelengthshouldbestowedinthesamerow,ifpossible;
(2) thenumberoftiersofsteelcoiltobeloadedisdependentuponanumberoffactors includingthevessel’slongitudinalstrength,doublebottomstrength,localinnerbottom2Thestowage,lashingandsecuringofsteelcargoesincontainersisnotaddressedinthisguidance.Forfurtherinformationregardingthestowageofsteelcoilsincontainers,pleaserefertoTransport of Steel Materials in Containers.TTClub,StopLoss13-2016.
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strengthandtheweightsanddimensionsofindividualcoils.Thenumberoftiersfor variouscoilweightsmaybesetoutinthevessel’sLoadingManual;
(3) athwartshipsrowsofcoilsshouldbespacedinthelongitudinal,foreandaftdirection anywherebetween4inches(10cm)to6inches(15cm)apart;
(4) withregardtothedistancesbetweenthecargohold’slongitudinalstiffeners,ensure thatthedistributionofthecoils,asseeninFigure 4.1,ensuresthatasmanyofthe contactpointsofthebottomtiercoilsarestowedoverlongitudinalsaspossible(so thelongitudinalsbecome“loaded”)andlimit,asmuchaspossible,thenumberof coilsstowedbetweenlongitudinals(“unloaded”);
(5) ifitisintendedtostackheavycoils,inexcessof15tons(15tonnes),inmorethana singletier,thevessel’sLoadingManualortheclassificationsocietyshouldbe consultedtoensurethevesselhassufficienttanktopstrengthtocarrysuchheavy coilsinmorethanonetier;
(6) ifonlyasingletierofcoilisloaded,a“key”or“locking”coilshouldbeplacedin thespacebetweennon-adjacentcoilsasshowninFigure 5.2thatlocksthetierin position.Thekey/lockingcoilismosteffectivelyplacedatthecenteroftherow unlessotherwiseunabletodoso,butshouldnotbeplacedontheslopingsurfaceof thehopper/slopingwingtanks;
(7) asaruleofthumb,ifthegapbetweenthetwocoilstobelockedisgreaterthan 60%ofthediameterofthelockingcoil,itisrecommendedthattwolockingcoils areusedasshowninFigure 5.3.Ifthewidthofthegapistoogreatandthelocking coilwillsinklower,thenwoodendunnagecanbeplacedbetweenthecoilstoreduce thegapandraisethepositionofthelockingcoil.Thelockingcoil’sdiametershould notbemorethanone-third(1/3)ofitsdiameterintothegapofthetwoadjacent coilsbelowasshowninFigure 5.4;
(8) anysmallgapsfoundbetweenstackedcoilsshouldbefilledwithwoodenchocks (wedges)asshowninFigure 4.1;
(9) ifadditionalcargoistobestowedontopofsteelcoils,considerationshouldbe giventotheweightsofthatcargosoastonotdeformthecoilsbeneathorexceed theallowableweightlimitatthatpoint.Also,anyadditionalcargostowedontop shouldbestableandnecessarylashingandsecuringtothecargoproperlyarranged. Figures 5.5and5.6showexamplesofimproperlystowedcargoontopofsteelcoils;
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(10) iftheconsignmentofsteelcoilsisnotlargeenoughtofilltheentirecargohold,coils shouldbeloadedattheafterpartofthecargoholdadjacenttotheaftbulkheadto minimizetherisksofmovementorshiftingforwardandaftduringtransit.Incomplete rowsthatdonotcovertheentireholdwidthfromsidetosideshouldbeavoided. Uponcomingtocompletionoftheloadingoperation,considerationshouldbemade ofthenumbersandsizesofcoilsstillyettobeloaded.Thiswillenablethecrew andstevedorestoplanandstowthecargosoincompleterowscanbeavoided;
(11) cargoholdgeometrycanhaveasignificantimpactuponcoilstowagearrangements andthevolumeofcargothatcanbecarriedintheseholds.Thisisparticularlytrue fortheforwardandaftcargoholdswhichtendtohaveirregulargeometries.Insuch cases,itisalsoimportanttoconsidertheloadsonslopinghoppertanks,asseenin Figure 5.1,ifcargoislikelytobeloadeduponthem;
(12) similarly,coilweightanddimensionscanhaveanimpactuponstowageandsecuring arrangementsinthecargospace.Figures 5.7to5.20showexamplesofvarious practicalconfigurationsdependinguponvariouscoilsizesandothercontributingfactors;
(13) theclassificationsocietymaybeabletoofferassistancetocalculatethepermissible steelcoilloadforthevessel.Oneclassificationsocietysuggeststhatasaruleof thumb,whenloadingsteelcoilsthetotalcargoweightintheholdshouldnotexceed halfofthemaximumpermissibleloadsforevenlydistributedweightinthatcargo hold.;and
(14) palleted steel coils.Steelcoilsthatarepalletedarenormallystowedwiththe“eye tothesky”asseeninFigure 5.21.Thesecoilsareusuallyhighvaluecargowhen comparedtousualcoldrolledsteelcoils.Thepalletedcoilsarestoweddirectlyonto thetanktop,oneagainsttheother.Chockingbytimberdunnagemaybenecessary betweensomecoilsandbetweenoutboardcoilsandthevessel’ssidestructures.
Whenpalletedcoilsarestowedinmorethanonetier,dunnageisplacedontopof thesteelcoils,inordernottodamagecoilsstowedunderneathandnailedtogether, notjustplacedasindividualpiecesofdunnage.Thisisbecauseindividualpieces arepronetomovement,andifthedunnagemoves,thecoilsunderneatharelikely tosustaindamagetotheiredges.Inaddition,anycargostowedontopshouldnot besoheavythatthecoilsstowedunderneathcouldbedamaged.
5.5.2.2 Coiled steel wire rods.Coiledrodsarenormallystowedinathwartshipsrowswiththe “eye”ofthecoilinaforeandaftdirection.Themaximumnumberoftiersthatcoiled wirerodscanbestackedissubjecttomanyfactors,suchastheweightofthecoils,
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rigidityofthepacking,andstowageofthecoils.Theshipperand/ormanufacturershould beconsultedifthereisanydoubt.
Careshouldbetakentoensurethatoutercoils,particularlyonlowertiersareproperly protectedfromthevessel’ssideshellframesascoilspressedagainstthesideshellframes cancausedeformationdamageasseeninFigure 1.2.
CoiledwirerodscanalsobestackedontopofothersteelproductsasseeninFigure 4.2, butothercargoitemsshouldnotbestowedontopofastowageofcoilwirerodbecause thecoilsarelikelytobedeformedbythesuperimposedweight.
5.5.2.3 Steel plates and bundled steel sheets, steel slabs, billets and blooms.Steelplates, sheets,slabs,etc.haveatendencytoshiftifnotproperlydunnaged(seeSection 4.2.1(2)). Therefore,thefollowingshouldbeconsideredfordunnagingthesecargoes.
(1) Wooddunnageofsufficientlengthtoreachacrossthewidthofthesteelpieces,ora numberofpieces,shouldbeplacedathwartshipsonthetanktopandthenbetween eachtiersothatthedunnagingisinaverticallineasseeninFigure 5.22.This dunnagingshouldbeproperlyspacedhorizontallybetweenthesteelpiecesto preventdeformationasseeninFigure 5.23.
(2) Ifdunnageisnotverticallyalignedandproperlyhorizontallyspacedthepossibilityof permanentplatedeformationduringtransitascanoccurasseeninFigures 1.9and 5.23.Steelslab,duetoitsthickness,isnotnormallyatriskofdeformationassteel plate,butthesamepracticefordunnageplacementisrecommendedasbestpractice.
(3) Particularcareshouldbetakenwhenstowingsteelplateorslabinanon-vertically alignedstack,suchasonslopinghoppertanks.Thisisparticularlythecasewhen stowingelongatedplatesorslabsalongslopinghoppertanksasseeninFigures 5.24 and5.25.Dunnageshouldbearrangedalongthehoppertanksfortheirprotection takingintoaccountthefollowingconsiderations:
(i) woodendunnageplacedforeandaftforplatesorslabswillnotnecessarilybe verticallyaligned,althoughwoodendunnageplacedathwartshipsisa recommendedpracticeasnotedaboveinSection 5.5.2.3(1)alongthelengthof theelongatedplate;
(ii) forsteelplatesstowedinaforeandaftdirectionwhenstowingsteelplate adjacenttohoppertanks,dunnagerunningforeandaftwillberequired. However,thatdunnagemaynotnecessarilybealignedverticallyasseenin Figure 5.26;
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes50
(iii) chocks(wedges)shouldbelaidbetweenslabsasanadditionalmeasureto preventslidingofsteelslabcargoinsuchinstancesasseeninFigure 5.27and 5.28;and
(iv) anywoodendunnagelaidathwartshipsatintervalsalongthelengthofthe steelplateshouldbealignedverticallyasshowninFigure 5.22.
(4) dunnageshouldbeofsufficientheightdimensionstoallowforeaseofload anddischarge;and
(5) Shorterplatesshouldbeplacedontopoflongerplatessothereisnosignificant overhangofplatesstackedontopthatwouldneedadditionaldunnage.Asaruleof thumbforheavysteelplate,thehorizontalspacingofthedunnageshouldbeno morethan10feet(3meters)apart.
5.5.2.4 Structural steel.Thistypeofsteelcargomaybelooseorinbundles.Thepiecesorbundles shouldbestowedforeandaftwithtimberdunnagebetweeneachtier.Thedunnage shouldbeplacedinanumberoflinesathwartshipsonthetanktopandthenbetween eachtiersothatthedunnageisalignedvertically.Thisdunnagingshouldalsobe properlyspacedhorizontallytopreventdeformationduringtransit.Timberchocks (wedges)mayalsoberequiredingapsbetweenadjacentitemstopreventshiftingor movementofthecargo.
5.5.2.5 Small and large diameter pipes.Pipes,almostinvariably,shouldbestowedinaforeand aftdirectionwithouttimberbetweeneachtierbutatthecantelinesofthepipesbeing stowedbelow.Sometypesofpipeorbundlesofpipesmightneedparticularstowage arrangements.Forexample,pipeswithonebellendorthosewithasurfacecoating whichmightnotbeabraded.Insuchcircumstances,appropriatedunnagingarrangements shouldbeprovidedbythecharterer/shipperpriortoloading.
5.5.2.6 California Block Stowage (CBS).TheCBSmethodofstowingsteelslabcargoeswas developedsomeyearsagofortheCaliforniasteelindustries’tradebetweenSouthand NorthAmerica.Itwasintendedtolowercoststhroughthereductionofcargohandlingby stevedores.However,thissystemofstowageshouldbecarriedoutunderthesupervision ofthosewithspecialistknowledgeofthetechniquesinvolved.Themethodinvolves loadingsemi-finishedsteelslabstoformafree-standingstow.Theslabsareloadedfore andaftwithminimaldunnageunderandbetweentheslabs.TheAmericanClub,likemany otherInternationalGroupofP&IClubs,doesnotrecommendtheCBSmethodofstowage.
However,shouldvesselownersfindthemselvesunderpressuretoagreetotheCBS
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 51
method,theAmericanClubhasissuedguidanceassetforthinClub Circular No. 15/11, The California Block Stowage (CBS) Method,datedApril4,2011.Insummary,itstatesthat vesselownersshouldensurethat:
(1) theycontacttheManagersbeforeagreeingtocarrysteelcargoesusingtheCBSmethod;
(2) theCBSmethodisonlyusedforloadingcargointo“box”shapedholds;
(3) thestowisloadedouttothesidesoftheholdtopreventshiftingof cargoathwartships;
(4) thestowisusedonlyforthetraderouteforwhichitwasoriginallyintended,andfor steelslabcargoesonly;
(5) thestowisapprovedbyanexperiencedthirdpartyinspectorwhohasbeenapproved inwritingbytheManagers;and
(6) theManagersareconsultedinadvanceastowordingsoramendmentstoanydraft billoflading,charterparty,letterofindemnity,orotherrelevantdocument,inorder tobestprotectthevesselowner’sinterests.
5.6 Preparation of holds for stowage
SeeSections 7.2.2.4, 8.3.2(7)andAppendix 2,List of important documents to be kept and maintained.
5.7 Securing and lashing of steel cargoes
5.7.1 Basic principles.InaccordancewithchaptersVIandVIIoftheSOLASConventionandthe1991 CodeofSafePracticeforCargoStowageandSecuring(CSSCode),asamended,cargounits(other thansolidandliquidbulkcargoes)shallbestowedandsecuredthroughoutthevoyagein accordancewithaCargoSecuringManual(CSM)thatisapprovedbythevessel’sflagState administrationortheclassificationsocietyofthevessel.
5.7.2 Cargo securing devices.Charterers–intheirresponsibilitiestoload,discharge,dunnage,provide thematerialsforsecuringandlashingcargo–usuallywishtominimizethecostsofdunnage materialsandlashingandsecuringmaterials.Therefore,chartererslooktousecosteffective securingandlashingmaterialsthatareeasilyobtainable.TheMasterandthesurveyorsare encouragedtoobtaincertificatesofthelashingandsecuringmaterialsfromthechartererortheir lashingserviceprovider.Someofthestandardmaterialsusedforsecuringandlashinginclude, butarenotlimitedto:
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• flatsteelbandtolashtogethersuchsteelproductsassteelcoils(seeFigure 5.29);
• steelwireropecableincombinationwith“Bulldog”or“Crosby”clips,turnbuckles andshackles.Foreaseofuse,normally0.6inch(16mm)(6x12)wireropeiswhat iscommonlyusedforlashing(seeFigure 5.30);
• removable“weld-on”padeyesusedforsecuringlashings;
• steelchains(seeFigure 5.31)andquickactingclamps;
• steelstoppers(seeFigure 5.3.1);and
• nylonstrippingbandandratchettightener(seeFigure 5.3.2).
5.7.3 Securing and lashing: general principles.
5.7.3.1 Thesecuringandlashingofawidevarietyofsteelcargoesisnormallylefttothe well-qualifiedcargosuperintendent,orportcaptain,and/orstevedoreforemenwithmany yearsofknowledgeandexperience.VesselownersandtheirMastersshouldverify whetherthemethodstobeusedtosecureanysteelcargoesareinaccordancewiththe relevantregulations,theCSSCodeandtheirCargoSecuringManual.
5.7.3.2 Althoughdifferentsecuringmethodsareinuseindifferentports,thesemethodsmaybe recognizedandapprovedas“beingincompliance”withtheCSSCode.Mastersare encouragedtoobtainwrittenevidenceofsuchapprovalfromthestevedoresandlashing gangrepresentatives.
5.7.3.3 Inanyinstance,anddependinguponthecontractualresponsibilitiesforloading,stowing, dunnaging,securing,lashingand/ordischargingcargo,attachinganylashingtothe vessel’ssideframedirectlyasseeninFigures 5.33and5.34,shouldbeavoidedasit coulddamagethevessel’sstructure.
5.7.4 Securing and lashing by cargo type: some basic principles.Forcertainsteelcargoesthereare somebasicpracticesthatshouldbeconsideredasfollows:
5.7.4.1 Steel coil.Normallashingmaterialforsteelcoilis1inch(2.5cm)flatsteelband.In dependentofthenumberoftiers,thegeneralprincipleappliedisthatthelashingsshould secureeachofthetoptiercoilstothetwocoilsinthetierjustbeneaththetoptier. Lashingsshouldberunthroughthecenterofthecoils.Ataminimum,andincommon practice,coilsarelashedtogetheringroupsofthreesasseeninFigure 5.29,anexample ofabasic5coil,two-tierconfiguration.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 53
Ifcoilsarestowedinasingletier,coilsarestilltobelashedtogetheringroupsofthrees butonlytohorizontallyadjacentcoilsexceptifakey/orlockingcoil.Pleasesee combinationsofstowage,securingandlashingconfigurationsmeetingthesecriteriain Figures 5.7through5.20.
Itisrecommendedthattheoutercoilsofthelowertieraretobesecuredagainstthe adjacentinnercoilstokeepthestowstableduringrolling.Forexample,see Figures 5.14and5.19.
5.7.4.2 Steel plates and bundled steel sheets, steel slabs, billets and blooms.Whenstowed,any gapsbetweenindividualpiecesshouldbechocked/wedgedwithstrongtimberasseenin Figure 5.27.Consignmentsofsteelplate,slab,etc.arenormallylashedwithsteelwire ropeorbandsasseeninFigures 5.25and5.28.
5.7.4.3 Large diameter steel pipes.SeecommentstoFigures 3.35.
5.7.4.4 Structural steel.SeecommentstoFigure 5.24.
5.7.4.5 California Block Stowage.Thesecuringisonlyappliedtothetoptier(s)andtherestof theslabsareloose,withtheassumptionthattheywillstayinpositionandwillnotdrift/ shiftduringthevoyage.Thetoptiersofthestowarethenboundusingsteelstrapping andmetalclips,ratherthantraditionalwireropesandturnbuckles.Theslabsinsidethe stacksessentiallyremainfree-standing(seealsoSection 5.5.2.6).
5.8 Crew role ensuring proper stowage and securing
SeeSection 7,Precautions during loading, transit and discharge.
5.9 Surveyor’s role in ensuring proper stowage and securing
Shouldthesurveyorhaveconcernsregardingthesafetyofthevesselorthestowage,securingand/or lashingofthecargo,thesurveyorshouldbringthoseconcernstotheattentionofthevessel’sMaster;the chartererand/orshipperand/orthesupercargoassignedbythemforconsiderationand/orsuitableaction.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes54
Figure 5.1 | Steelcoilforceloadsonslopinghoppertankplate. Figure 5.2 | Asinglelayeredstowagewiththecenterelevatedcoilasthe“key”or“locking”coil.
Figure 5.3 | Inordertobeeffective,asaruleofthumb,thegapwherethe“key”or“locking”coilisplaced,shouldnotexceed60%ofthecoil’sdiameter.
Figure 5.4 | Diameteroflockingcoil.
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Figure 5.5 | Notethatthewoodencaseisloadedonthetopofsteelcoils.
Figure 5.6 | Notethatthewoodencaseisrestingonthesteellashingbandsforthesteelcoils.
Figure 5.7 | Asinglelayeredstowagewithtwosymmetricallyplacedlockingcoils.
Figure 5.8 | Atwo-layeredstowagewithsecondtierloadedwithcoilstothevessel’ssideshell.
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Figure 5.9 | Atwo-layeredstowagewithsecondtierloadedwithcoilsintwosemi-pyramidfashion.Notethattheoutercoilsofthesecondtierhaveadditionallashing/securingincomparisonwiththoseinFigure 5.8topreventmovementofthesecoilstowardsthesideshellwhileintransit.
Figure 5.10 | Apartialtwo-layeredstowagewithtwolockingcoilssymmetricallyplacedwiththepartialsecondtierlashedina“capped”arrangementoverthetwocentralfirsttiercoils.
Figure 5.11 | Apartialtwo-layeredstowagewithtwolockingcoilssymmetricallyplaced.Notethatthetopcentercoiliswellsecured/lashedtothefouradjacentcoilsgiventhesignificantgapbetweenthesecondtiercoils.
Figure 5.12 | Acompletethree-layeredstowage.Notethereisnosecuring/lashingtothelowertierwhereonlythetoptierissecuredtothetierimmediatelybelow.
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Figure 5.13 | Acompletethree-layerstowagetothesideshell.Notesecuring/lashingoftoptwotiersonly.
Figure 5.14 | Acompletethree-layerstowagetothesideshell.Noteadditionalsecuring/lashingoftwooutermostcoilsonthethirdtier.
Figure 5.15 | Apartialthree-layerstowage. Figure 5.16 | Asingle-layerstowageofheavyorultra-heavycoil.Noteadditionalsecuring/lashingofthe“key”or“locking”coilincomparisonforultra-heavycoilscomparedtothoseseeninFigure 5.7.
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Figure 5.17 | Asingle-layerstowageofheavyorultra-heavycoilwithtwosymmetricallyplacedlockingcoils.Noteadditionalsecuring/lashingofthe“key”or“locking”coilsincomparisonforultra-heavycoilscomparedtothoseseeninFigure 5.7.
Figure 5.18 | Atwo-layerstowageofheavycoilwiththesecondtierloadedwithcoilstothevessel’ssideshell.NotetheadditionallashingofthetwooutercoilsonthesecondtierincomparisontothoseshowninFigure 5.8.
Figure 5.19 | Atwo-layerstowageofheavycoilwiththesecondtierloadedwithcoilsinsemi-pyramidarrangementwithoutoutercoilsstackedtothevessel’ssideshell.Notetheadditionalsecuring/lashingofthetwooutercoilsonthesecondtierincomparisontothoseshowninFigure 5.9.
Figure 5.20 | Apartialtwo-layerstowageofheavyorultra-heavycoil.Notetheadditionalsecuring/lashingofthe“key”or“locking”coilswiththetwocenterlowertiercoils.
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Figure 5.21 | Palletedsteelcoilstowedwith“eyetothesky”.
Figure 5.22 | Properpracticefordunnagingofverticallystowedsteelplatesandslabs.
Figure 5.23 | Deformedsteelplates.Notethedunnagenotplacedproperlyverticallyandtoofaraparthorizontally.
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Figure 5.24 | Elongatedsteelplatesstowedandlashedwithsteelwireintheaftcargohold.Notethecargoisloadedonthehoppertankstakingfulladvantageofvolumeofcargotobecarriedbystowageontopofthehoppertanks.
Figure 5.25 | Stowedandlashedbundledsteelplateincargoholdontanktopandhoppertanks.Notedunnagewoodforlongplateinforegroundofpicturewithdunnageproperlydistancedhorizontallytopreventdeformationofplateduringtransit.
Figure 5.26 | Steelplateorslabstackedwithlongerlengthinaforeandaftorienteddirectionalonghoppertank.Notethenon-verticallyalignedwoodendunnageandchocksbetweenupperplatesorslabstopreventslippageduringtransit.
Figure 5.27 | Gapsbetweensteelplatesshouldbeproperlychockedbeforethevesselsails.
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Figure 5.28 | Steelplatesstackedathwartshipsagainstthebulkheadwithproperdunnageandlashed/securedwithsteelbandstrapping.
Figure 5.29 | Securing/lashingthroughcentersofcoilswith1inch(2.5cm)wideflatsteelband.Notethattop-tiercoilsarebandedingroupsofthreestoloweroradjacentcoilsdependinguponthestowageconfiguration.
Figure 5.30 | Stevedorespreparingtolashsteelbarinforegroundandchannels.Steelchannelsinthebackgroundhavebeenlashedwithsteelwirerope,clipsandturnbuckles.
Figure 5.31 | Steelchainandstopperforsecuringsteelcargoes.
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Figure 5.32 | Nylonstrippingbandsandratchettightenersusedonsteel“I”beams.
Figure 5.33 | Attachinglashingstothevessel’ssideframesasseenhereshouldbeavoided.
Figure 5.34 | Attachinglashingstothevessel’sstructures,includingladders,asseenhereshouldbeavoided.
Figure 5.35 | Secured/lashedlargediameterpipe.Notethedunnagewoodinsertedintothepipesintheforegroundusedforthelashingandsecuringofthetoptierofstowedpipe.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 63
6. Ventilation of steel cargoes
6.1 Objective: To properly ventilate the cargo holds to reduce the likelihood of condensation damage to steel cargoes.
6.2 Purpose of ventilation
6.2.1 Thepurposeofventilatingsteelcargoesistoremoveanyrelativelywarmmoistairsurroundingthe cargoandreplaceitwithcooleranddrierairtominimizecondensationontothecoldsteelworkof theholdanddripdownontothesteelcargo.Ventilationshouldnotbeusedasameanstocoolthe cargo.Thetemperatureofthebulkofthecargowillremainessentiallyconstantthroughoutthevoyage.
6.2.2 Topreventcondensation,thecargoholdsshouldbeventilatedwhenthevesseltransitsfromwarmer tocoolerclimateswhereasimultaneousreductioninseawatertemperaturemaycausethe accumulationofmoisturefromthesurroundingairontothecoldersurfaces.
6.3 Condensation due to “sweat”
6.3.1 Definition of sweat.“Sweat”istheformationofcondensationwithinavessel’shold.Thereare twotypesofsweat.
(1) Ship sweat.Moisture(condensation)thatformsonthevessel’sstructureisknown as“shipsweat”.
(2) Cargo sweat.Moisture(condensation)thatformsonthecargoitselfisknown as“cargosweat”.
6.3.2 Ship sweat.Shipsweattraditionallyoccurswhenavesselloadscargoinawarm,moistatmosphere, andthensailsintolocationswithmuchcoolerclimates.Asthevessel’ssteelworkcools,moisture fromthehumidatmosphereintheholdswillcondenseonthecoldersteelsurfaceofthehold.
6.3.2.1 Ingeneral,shipsweatonlyformsinsignificantquantitieswhenavesseliscarryinga hygroscopic cargo(i.e.,acargowhichhasitsowninherentmoisturecontent–suchasrice). Steelisanon-hygroscopicmaterialasithasnoinherentmoisture.However,steelproducts arenormallytransportedusingtimberdunnage,whichisahygroscopicmaterialormaybe stowedinholdstogetherwithhygroscopiccargoes.
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6.3.2.2 Shipsweatappearsastinybeadsofmoisturecondensingontothevessel’smetalwork. Thisphenomenontypicallyoccursonthesidesoftheholdwhentheseatemperatureis lowerthantheambienttemperatureinthecargohold,ontheundersidesofthehatch coversandontheweatherdeckwhentheoutsideairtemperatureislowerthantheambient temperatureinthecargohold.Theresultisareductionofthetemperatureoftheship’s structurestoavaluebelowthe“dewpoint”ofthesurroundingair.
6.3.2.3 Whenshipsweatformsonsteelstructures,thecondensationwaterrunsdowntothetank toplevelcausingwettingofcargoitemsinitspath.Whenship’ssweatformsonhatch coversandtheundersideofweatherdeckplatingandstiffeners,thewaterthatisformed dripsdowncausingthewettingofthetoplayerofthecargostow.
6.3.3 Cargo sweat.Cargosweatformsunderpreciselytheoppositecircumstancesthanthatofshipsweat. Cargosweatformsonthesurfaceofthecargowhenitstemperatureisbelowthedewpointoftheair adjacenttoit.
6.3.3.1 An example of cargo sweat. Avesselloadsacargoincoolweatherandthecargoisitself coolintemperature.Thereafter,thevesseltransitsintowarmerclimateswithhigher humidity.Ifanattemptismadetoventilateatthattime,thenmoisturefromthewarmer humidairintroducedintothecargospacecondensesontotherelativelycoldercargo.
6.3.3.2 Cargo sweat on steel cargoes.Cargosweatcanalsoaffectnon-hygroscopiccargoessuch assteel.Whileshipsweatisamorefrequentproblemandcontrolledbyproperventilation. Cargosweat,incontrast,isgenerallycausedbyventilatingwhenitisinappropriatetodoso.
6.4 Comparison of dew points
6.4.1 Ifthedewpointoftheoutsideair(theairusedforventilation)islowerthanthatinthehold,then itisappropriatetoventilate.Iftheambientdewpointisnotlowerthanthatofthecargohold,it maybenecessarytoventilateforotherreasons,suchaswhenthecargohasbeenfumigated,and timelyventilationofthefumigantisrequired.Steelisnotacargothatneedstobefumigated.How ever,thevesselmaybecarryingothercargoesinthesameholdsthatmayrequirefumigation whenappropriate.
6.4.2 Acomparisonofthedewpointsbetweenthecargoholdairandtheexternalenvironmentis commonlymadebytakingreadingsfromwetanddry-bulbthermometersondeckandinthehold. Obtainingtheambientreadingsissimple.Mostvesselshaveaboxcontainingapairofthermometers, suitableformeasuringwetanddry-bulbtemperatures.Thesethermometersshouldbehungina shadedspotonthewindwardsideofthebridge.
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6.4.3 Duringthevoyage,itmaynotbesafeforthevessel’screwtoentertheholdtoobtaintemperature readings(seeSection 2.6).Ifacargoholdhasbeenfumigatedafterloading,itcertainlywillnotbe safe,evenifthecompartmenthasbeenventilated.Ifthewet-bulbthermometerissimplylowered intotheholdfromoutside,therewillbedifficultyobtainingasufficientair-flowacrossthe thermometer’swick.Somevesselsareequippedwithtemperaturemeasuringpipeforthecargohold. Ifnot,itmaybefeasibletomeasurethetemperaturethroughthecargoholdaccess,ratherthan enterthecargohold.
6.4.4 Intheeventthatthecrewisabletosafelyentercargoholdstoobtainmeaningfulreadings,itmay benecessarytostopventilatingtoallowthein-holdatmospheretostabilize.Ifthisisnotdone,the crewwillbemeasuringtheparametersoftheventilatingairratherthanthoseofthetruein-hold atmosphere.Unfortunately,suspendingventilationinthiswaynegatesthepurposeofventilating,but maybetheonlymeanstoobtainthereadingsatthetime.Ifthisisdone,itshouldbeproperly notedinthe“Remarks”sectionoftheHumidity-Temperature-CargoVentilationRecordBook (seeSection 6.9.1(3)).
6.4.5 Inpractice,measuringthedewpointtemperatureinsideacargoholdcanbeproblematic.Oneofthe simplestmethodsistousea“whirlingpsychrometer”,whichinvolvesswingingtheinstrumentinside theholduntilthewet-bulbtemperaturehasstoppedfallingandremainssteady.
6.4.6 Allreadingsshouldbetakenwellawayfromanyairinletstoensurethatonlyholdairistested.As animportantsafetyprecaution,enclosedspaceentryproceduresshouldalwaysbeobserved (seeSection 2.6).
6.4.7 Ifthevesselistakingsprayacrosstheventilatoropeningsorontothehatchcoversorcoamings, ventilationshouldbepostponeduntilweatherconditionsimprove.Also,henseaspraysand seawatercomesondeck,thereisasignificantriskthatthewaterandspraywillenterthecargohold andwetthecargo.
6.4.8 Ifaccesstotheholdsisimpossibleorundesirable,theholddewpointcanbedeterminedfrom traditionalwetanddry-bulbthermometersplacedinsidethetrunkingofanexhaustventilatoror similarpipe-workleadingfromthecompartment.Ifdone,itshouldbeproperlynotedinthe “Remarks”sectionoftheHumidity-Temperature-CargoVentilationRecordBook(seeSection 6.9.1(3)).
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6.5 Comparison of temperatures
6.5.1 Inmanyinstances,itisimpracticabletomeasureholddewpointtemperaturesaccurately,oratall. Therefore,itisrecommendedthatthe“3ºCelsiusRule”shouldbeappliedasdescribedin Sections 6.5.3, 6.6.2and6.8.6.
6.5.2 Thetemperatureofthebulkofastowedcargowillremainthesame,orwillchangelittlethroughout thevoyage.Conversely,thetemperatureoftheambientairatthevessel’spositionwillchange duringeachday,andprogressivelyoverthecourseofthevoyage.Experiencehasshownthat ventilationcanbeeffectiveinremovingmoisturefromacargoholdiftheoutsideairisatleast 3ºCelsius(C)belowthetemperatureofthecargostowage.
6.5.3 Inordertousethe3ºCelsiusRule,thetemperatureofthecargoshouldbeobtainedaccurately duringloading.Thisprocessmightinvolvetakinganumberoftemperaturereadingswithincargo loadedintoeachholdinordertoestablishanaccuratetemperatureforthecargoineachhold. Duringthevoyage,areadingfromthedry-bulbthermometerintheboxonthebridgeshouldbe takenbythecrewduringeachwatchandthencomparedwiththecargotemperaturesforeachhold establishedduringloading.Therefore:
(1) ifthetemperatureoftheoutsideairis3ºCbelowthecargotemperatureforanyhold,that holdshouldbeventilated;conversely;and
(2) iftheoutsideairisnot3ºCbelowthecargotemperatureintheparticularhold,thathold shouldnotbeventilated.
6.6 When to ventilate—Rules
6.6.1 Dew Point Rule.Ventilatewhenthedew-pointoftheoutsideairislowerthanthedewpointof theairinthehold.
6.6.2 3º Celsius Rule.Ventilatewhenthedew-pointoftheoutsideairisatleast3ºCbelowthe temperatureofthecargotakenduringloading.
6.7 Systems of ventilation
6.7.1 Ingeneral,therearethreemeansofventilationforshipboardcargoes:
(1) Natural ventilation.Thenaturalairventilationofcargoholdisthemostbasicmeans.This canbesupplementedbymodifiedmechanizedaircirculationsystems.
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(2) Temperature control system.Atemperaturecontrolsystemofcirculatingairwithin insulatedcargohold.
(3) Mechanical ventilation.Theprincipleofmosttypesofshipboardmechanicalventilationisto replacethewarmairinthecargoholdwithcolderambientair.
6.7.2 Forvoyagesfromwarmertocolderclimaticregions,naturalventilationmaybeinsufficientforthe carriageofsteel.Vesselscarryingsteelcargoesshouldbeequippedwithaproperfunctioning mechanicalventilationsystemwithsufficientcapacityofbetween15–25airchangesperhour (calculatedundertheassumptionthatthecargoholdisempty).Furthermore,allfansneedtobechecked toensurethattheyrunproperlyinthecorrectdirection.Wherethevesselisnotfittedwithfixed mechanicalventilation,thevesselownermaythenconsidersupplyingandusingportableblowers, ifnecessary.
6.8 Ventilation of steel cargoes
6.8.1 Itisimportanttonoteagainthatthegoalofventilationisnottocoolorheatthecargo.Ventilating dissipatesthenaturalbuildupofwatervaportominimizethedifferencesintemperaturebetweenthe airintheholdandvessel’ssteelstructuretopreventcondensationbuilduponthevessel’ssteel partsinthecargohold.
6.8.2 Theperipheryofthecargostowedisdirectlyinfluencedbythepassingofthecoolerventilationair, willbecomecooleraswell.Thisprocessalsoreducesthedifferenceintemperaturebetweenthe cargoandvessel’ssteelstructure.Consequently,theperipheryofthestowedcargobecomesdryer andcoolerresultinginmoisturemigrationfromthecentertowardstheboundaryofthestowedcargo. Itshouldbenotedthattheefficiencyofmechanicalventilationdoesnotalwaysconsistentlyventilate throughoutaloadedcargohold.Thisshouldbetakenintoconsideration,particularlyifmechanical ventilationisapplied.
6.8.3 Whentheweatherconditionsandthedewpointarewithinacceptableparameterstoventilate,the hatchescanbeopenedduringthevoyagetoallowappropriatesurfacecoolingbutonlywhensea conditionsaresufficientlybenign.Ifpossible,thistypeofventilationshouldalsobecarriedoutin portuntilcompletionofcargoloadingordischarging.
6.8.4 Duringperiodsofinclementweather,stepsshouldbetakentopreventrainandsprayfromentering thecargospaces.Thismayinclude,ifnecessary,suspendingventilationuntilconditionsimprove. However,duringrainorfog,ventilationcanbecontinuedaslongasthedewpointtemperatureof theambientairislowerthanthedewpointtemperatureoftheairinsidethehold.Anysuch conditionsandactionstakenshouldberecordedintheDeckLogBookandinthe“Remarks”section oftheHumidity-Temperature-CargoVentilationRecordBook(seeSection 6.9.1(2)).
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6.8.5 Ventilationcanbedoneatnightifthereadingsindicatethatventilationisappropriatebearingin mindthatambienttemperaturesareusuallyloweratnight.Therefore,theriskofdevelopingship sweatismorelikelyduringthehoursofdarknesssoventilationmaybecontinuedifconditions permit.Ifventilatingatnight,thecrewshouldbeparticularlydiligentatmonitoringtheweather conditionsassetforthinSection 7.2.1.
6.8.6 Inadditiontoventilatingthecargoholds,itisimportantthatcargoholdsinspectionsareregularly made,preferablyasoftenasonceaday.Thisneednotnecessarilyinvolvedirectentryintothecargo holds.Forexample,shipsweatmaybeseenformingontheundersideofmanholecovers.Insuch instances,andespeciallyatnight,thecargoshouldbeventilatedirrespectiveofthe”DewPointRule” or“3ºCelsiusRule”(seeSection 6.6),weatherpermitting.
6.8.7 Vesselswithnaturalventilationsystemsshouldbeequippedwitheitherpermanentorportablecargo holddehumidificationsystemsthatareabletoremovethemoisturefromtheholdsbeforeany condensationshouldoccur.Additionaldehumidifiersshouldbeconsideredifthevesseliscarryinga highvaluesteelcargosuchassteelcoilsorotherfinishedsteelcargoes.
6.9 Cargo humidity and ventilation testing: Example of best practices
6.9.1 Duringthevessel’svoyage,thecrewshouldobtainregularventilationreportsusingthefollowing basicprinciplestodetermineifventilationisrequiredandfavorable.Applyingthegoodpracticeof takingrecordsinadailylogduringcarriageisaneffectivemeasuretohelpestablishthatthevessel ownerhasappliedprudentpracticestoprotectthecargofromunnecessarydamage.Someexamples ofbestpracticesare:
(1) Temperature readings.Wet-bulbanddry-bulbtemperaturereadingsofeachholdandthe outsideairshouldbetakenatleastonceawatch.Whenthewetanddry-bulbtemperatures areknown,thedewpointisascertainedfromthescaleasshowninTable 6.1.Itis importantthat:
(i) theoutsideaircontrolpositionthermometershouldreadnearthebridge.Itshouldbe exposedtotheweatherinopenair,butoutofcontactwithdirectsunlight,reflected heat,exhaustventilatorsoranyotherheatsource;
(ii) thethermometersintheholdshouldbewavedintheairvigorouslyforafewmoments untilthetemperatureofthewet-bulbremainssteady.Falsetemperaturereadingsmay beobservedifthisapproachisnotfollowed;
(iii) itisalsogoodpracticetotakeoriginaltemperaturereadingspriortocommencement ofthevoyageasabenchmarktomakingfurtherreadingsduringthevoyage;and
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(iv) readingsoftherelativehumidity/dewpointshouldberecordedpriortoloading whentheholdisemptyandthenagainwhenthecargoholdisfullpriorto departure.Therelativehumidityshouldbekeptbelow40%.Ifthatisnot possible,therelativehumidityshouldbemaintainedbetween40-60%.However, therelativehumidityshouldbenomorethan60%,thepointwheretherisksof heavyoxidationandcargocorrosionaremorelikelytooccur.
(2) Entry of cargo hold temperature into the Cargo Record Book.Oncethetemperatures havebeenmeasuredandthedewpointofallcargoholdsandthecontrolpositionhas beenascertained,theinformationshouldbeenteredintothevessel’sHumidity- Temperature-CargoVentilationRecordBookasshowninTable 6.2.
(3) Entries into the Humidity-Temperature-Cargo Ventilation Record Book.Underthe heading“VENTING”,indicate“Yes”or“No”asthecasemaybe.Under“GENERAL REMARKS”,itisimportanttoindicateeventssuchasanyreasonsfornotventilating, timesofopeningandclosingofhatches,timesofoperatingmechanicalventilation systemsifthevesselisfittedwithsuchequipment,orusingportableventilation equipment.Under“WEATHERCONDITIONS”,briefremarksshouldbeprovidedon weatherconditionsovera24-hourtimeperiodparticularlyifthereareperiodsofrain, fog,heavyseas,waterorsprayonthedeckand/orhatches,etc.
6.9.2 Assteelisanon-hygroscopiccargo,thefollowingshouldbeconsideredwhentransitingbetween warmerandcolderclimates.
(1) When transiting from warmer to colder climates.Thelikelihoodofthedevelopmentofship sweatishigh,thereforeventilationwilllikelybeneeded.
(2) When transiting from colder to warmer climates.Ventilationwillnotnormallyberequired. However,cargosweatcouldoccurifwarmaircomesintocontactwithacoldersteelcargo. Therefore,cargoholdscontainingsteelcargoesshouldbesealedattheloadportand remainsealedduringthecourseofthevoyageuntildischarge.
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Dry-BulbTemperatures(°C) Difference Between Wet-Bulb and Dry-Bulb Temperatures (°C)
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
-20 -20 -33
-18 -18 -28
-16 -16 -24
-14 -14 -21 -36
-12 -12 -18 -28
-10 -10 -14 -22
-8 -8 -12 -18 -29
-6 -6 -10 -14 -22
-4 -4 -7 -12 -17 -29
-2 -2 -5 -8 -13 -20
0 0 -3 -6 -9 -15 -24
2 2 -1 -3 -6 -11 -17
4 4 1 -1 -4 -7 -11 -19
6 6 4 1 -1 -4 -7 -13 -21
8 8 6 3 1 -2 -5 -9 -14
10 10 8 6 4 1 -2 -5 -9 -14 -28
12 12 10 8 6 4 1 -2 -5 -9 -16
14 12 12 11 9 6 4 1 -2 -5 -10 -17
16 16 14 13 11 9 7 4 1 -1 -6 -10 -17
18 18 16 15 13 11 9 7 4 2 -2 -5 -10 -19
20 20 19 17 15 14 12 10 7 4 2 -2 -5 -10 -19
22 22 21 19 17 16 14 12 10 8 5 3 -1 -5 -10 -19
24 24 23 21 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 2 -1 -5 -10 -18
26 26 25 23 22 20 18 17 15 13 11 9 6 3 0 -4 -9
28 28 27 25 24 22 21 19 17 16 14 11 9 7 4 1 -3
30 30 28 27 26 24 23 21 19 18 16 14 12 10 8 5 1
Table 6.1: Dew Point Table
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Table 6.2: Humidity-Temperature-Cargo Ventilation Record Book
VesselName:M/V__________________________
Date Time Outside Air Hold No.: __________________ Hold No.: __________________ Venting(Y or N)
Sea Temp Remarks
Wet-Bulb Dry-Bulb Dew Point Wet-Bulb Dry-Bulb Dew Point Wet-Bulb Dry-Bulb Dew Point
0000
0400
0800
1200
1600
2000
0000
0400
0800
1200
1600
2000
0000
0400
0800
1200
1600
2000
0000
0400
0800
1200
1600
2000
0000
0400
0800
1200
1600
2000
0000
0400
0800
1200
1600
2000
Averagecargotemperatureatloading:________C/FMaster’sSignature/Date:_______________________ChiefOfficer’sSignature/Date:_____________________________
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7. Precautions during loading, transit and discharge
7.1 Objectives: To ensure that proper precautions and protective actions are taken during: (1) the loading of steel cargoes onto the vessel; (2) the carriage of steel cargoes by the vessel; and (3) the discharging of steel cargoes from the vessel.
7.2 Cargo operations procedures
7.2.1 Weather monitoring (load port, transit and discharge port).
7.2.1.1 Inclement weather during cargo operations. Vesselownersshouldbemindfulofthetasks tobeperformedifinclementweatherisexperiencedduringcargooperations.Such preparationsshouldincludeallowingforsufficienttimetofullyclosethecargohatchcovers beforetheonsetofprecipitation,topreventdamagetothesteelcargoes.
7.2.1.2 Weather watch keeping prior to and during cargo operations. Whenthecargohatchcovers areopen,thecargomaybeexposedtopotentialinclementweatherconditions.During loadinganddischargingoperations,theMasterandcrewmembersondutyshouldmonitor weatherconditionsthatmayrequiretheclosingofthecargohatchcovers.Meansof monitoringincludevisualobservation,shipboardradarandviatheinternetonlocal meteorologicalsitesthatshowshoweractivityonactualradar/satellitepictures.“Rain letters”alone,issuedatthedischargeport,maynotbesufficientandshouldbe supplementedwithadditionalsources.
7.2.1.3 Hatch cover and crane are operation. Priortoloadinganddischargingoperationsforsteel cargoes,theMasterandcrewshoulddeterminewhetherthehatchcoversandcranesarein goodworkingorder,ifthelatteraretobeusedincargooperations(asspecifiedin Section2.3).Thecrewshouldbefullyawareoftherequiredclosingtimeforeveryhatch coverpriortothecommencementofcargooperations.
7.2.1.4 Use of tarpaulins.Tarpaulins(raintents)canbeconsideredasanadditionalmeasureof cargoprotection.Ifused,tarpaulinsshouldbeproperlyshapedandsizedfortheirspecified useotherwisetheireffectivenessmaybelimited.
7.2.1.5 Weather monitoring during the voyage. Ifhatchcoversareopenedduringthevoyageto ventilatethecargo,changesintheatmosphericweatherconditionsaswellasseastate conditions,mayleadtotheingressofseawatersprayintothecargoholdsorthroughthe
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vessel’scargoventilators.Seastateandweatherconditionsshouldberegularlymonitored toensurethathatchcoversareclosedandventilationissuspendedifnecessaryuntil weatherandseastateconditionspermit.
7.2.1.6 Whencargoesareloadedduringwetorhumidconditions,itshouldbeanticipatedthatthe cargoescanbemoistorwet,therebyincreasingthemoisturelevelinthecargoholdand riskofcondensationduringthevoyage.
7.2.2 Stevedore monitoring (load port and discharge port).
7.2.2.1 Duringloadinganddischargeoperations,theMasterandcrewshouldbeawareofthe particularrisksassociatedwithstevedores’loadinganddischargingofsteelcargoes,such as,butnotlimitedto:
(1) roughorimproperhandlingofsteelcargoproductsthatcanleadtophysicaldamages;
(2) theloweringandliftingofheavyslingsofsteelcargoshouldbemonitoredtoensure thatcargoisproperlyhandled;and
(3) improperplacementofconsignmentsofsteelcargoassociatedwiththecargoholdand dunnageconfigurationsbynottakingintoaccountproperdunnage,stowageand lashingprinciplesassetforthinSections 4and 5.
7.2.2.2 TheMastershouldconsiderholdingapre-load/pre-dischargemeetingwiththestevedore’s foremanand/orthesupercargoassignedbythechartererorshipperinthepresenceofany inspectorsandsurveyorsto:
(1) agreeonaproceduretobeadoptedifthereisathreatofrain.Ifthevessel’scranes arebeingusedtoloadordischargecargo,itisimportanttopreventstevedoresfrom abandoningtheirstationsandleavingbundledcargohangingonacranewireorwithin aholdthuspreventingthecrewfromclosingthehatchcovers;
(2) ensurethatstevedoresload/dischargecargoinauniformmannerthroughoutthehold andnotleavehighpilesofcargointhewingsandholdcornerswhichmaythen collapse,whichnotonlydamagesthecargo,butwouldalsopresentariskofinjuryto peopleworkingintheholds;
(3) communicatethatinthecaseoframpantpilferageincertainportsbystevedoresand/ orotherunauthorizedpersonsinthevessel’sholds,theMasterwillbeobligedto suspenddischargeandclosethehatchcovers;
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(4) obtainacopyofthecargomanifesttofamiliarizethecrewwiththedetailsofthe cargoestobeloaded.Thisshouldbediscussedwithsupercargoandthestevedore foremanregardingtheirplansforcargostowage,dunnage,lashingand/orsecuring,as wellasthevessel’srequirements,safetyregulationsandanyadditionalconcerns,if applicable;and
(5) toensuretherearesufficientmeansofcommunicationbetweentherelevantport authority,thesupercargo,stevedores,thetallymanandsurveyorsasneeded.
7.2.2.3 TheMastershouldconsiderstationingcrewmembersatkeylocationsduringcargoloading ordischargeoperationstovisuallymonitorthestevedores’activities.Crewmemberson cargooperationdutiesshouldbestationedatthefollowingareas:
(1) embarkationanddisembarkationpointsforstevedoresandsurveyorstoprevent againsttheftandpilferageofcargo;
(2) aboveeachandeverycargoholdwherecargoloadingordischargeoperationsare underwaywherebybeingabletovisuallyscanandobservetheactivitiesofall stevedoresandsurveyorsworkinginthecargoholds;and
(3) anyotherlocationswherecargomaybeloadedontoordischargedfromthevessel, wherestevedoresareengagedincargooperations,orwhereanyothervisiting non-crewpersonnelareallowedaccess.
7.2.2.4 TheMasterandcrewshouldhaveprocedures,recordanddocumentanyincidents,suchas thosespecifiedinSection 7.2.2.1.Intheeventofsuchincidents:
(1) thecrewshouldnotifytheMasterand/orofficeronwatchofanyandallobserved activitiesofconcernbythirdpartiesaboardvessel;
(2) theMasterorofficeronwatchshouldlogthedetailsoftheincidentsinthevessel’s CargoLogBookand/orinsomeothercontemporaneouswrittenrecord;
(3) theMasterand/orofficeronwatchshouldcollectallrelevantevidenceaspracticableto bekeptasarecordoftheincidentsuchasfilm,pictures,statementsfromwitnesses andphysicalevidenceoftheincident;
(4) theMastershouldensurethattheMate’sReceiptclearlystatesthedetailsofthe apparentconditionofthecargo,includingdetailsofanydefectsordamagestothe steelcargouponloading(i.e.priortoarrivingaboardthevessel),etc.;and
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(5) theMastershouldissueprotestletterstothechartererand/orcargoreceiverif stevedoresdonotload,stowordischargethecargoasinstructed.
7.2.3 Surveyor monitoring and interaction (load port and discharge port).
7.2.3.1 Itisrecommendedthatvesselownersarrangeforindependentsurveyorstoensureproper careofthecargopriortoloading,duringloading,stowageanddischargeofthecargoand conductproperprecautionarysurveys,asappropriate,toprotectthevesselowner’sinterests (seeSections 10.2 through10.5).
Vesselownersarestronglyencouragedtoconductsteelpre-loadsurveys asperClub Circular No. 23/14,Steel cargo pre-load surveys: An updatedatedAugust11,2014.TheAmerican Clubwill,inallcases,makea50%contributiontowardthecostofsuchsteelpre-load surveys.Furthermoreshouldacargoclaimariseinconnectionwiththevoyageinquestion, thecostofthesteelpre-loadsurveywillbeappliedtowardstheclaimsfilecostforthat matter,subjecttoanyapplicabledeductible.
7.2.3.2 Thecredentialsandidentificationofanycargosurveyorwhoarrivestoperformthesteel cargosurveysshouldbecheckedandverifiedbeforetheirworkisallowedtocommence. Identificationcardsandthegangwaylog,aspertherequirementsofregulationA.7.2.3of theInternationalShipandPortFacilitySecurity(ISPS)Code,canbeusedtoidentifythose personswhohavebeenaboardonbehalfofcargooperationsifacargoincidentorclaim shouldarise,shouldthisinformationbenecessary.
7.2.3.3 Thevessel’sMaster,chiefofficerandanyothercrewresponsibleformonitoringcargo operationsshouldbeawareofthespecifictaskstobeperformedbytheindividual surveyor(e.g.tally,stowage,etc.).Thescopeofworktobeperformedbythesurveyor shouldbecommunicatedinwritinganddiscussedpriortotakingonhisdutieswiththe vessel’sMasterand/orofficeronwatch.
7.2.3.4 Thecrewshouldregularlymonitorandensurethatforeachsurveyor,thattheyperform onlythosetasksthatstaywithinthescopeoftheirsurveyor’sattendancethatmayinclude, butnotnecessarilylimitedto:
(1) thepre-loadsurveyofsteelcargoassetforthinSection 8.4;
(2) thepropertallyingofthenumberofsteelcargoconsignmentscomingaboardthevessel;
(3) avisualsurveyofallsteelconsignmentscomingaboardthevesseltoensurethey areundamaged;
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(4) checkingthatcargoisproperlystowedastocharterer’sorshipper’sinstructions,aswell astheconditionandhandlingbystevedoresofindividualconsignmentsofcargowhile beingstowed;
(5) monitoringandattendanceofanyothersurveyorinstructedbycargointerests, charterersorthirdparties;and
(6) conducingadraftsurveybeforeandaftercargooperations.Itisimportanttonotethat draftsurveysarenotallowedincertainports.Vesselownersshouldcheckwiththe localagentinadvanceofarrivaltotheloadordischargecargotoascertainwhether draftsurveysareallowed.
7.2.3.5 Thecrewshouldrefrainfromengagingindiscussionsorconversationswithanyattending surveyoronbehalfofcargointerestsorcharterersifacargoclaimhasbeenalleged.Any suchcommunicationsshouldberestrictedthroughonedesignatedindividual,preferablythe attendingsurveyorforthevessel.
7.2.4 Hatch covers and cranes operability (load port, transit and discharge port).
SeeSections 2.3, Hatch covers, cranes, and ventilation and other systems and 7.2.1.3.
7.2.5 Pre-arrival of cargo to the vessel (load port).
SeeSection 8.3, Condition of cargo upon arrival onboard the vessel.
7.2.6 Cargo monitoring (load port, transit and discharge port).
7.2.6.1 Duringthevoyage,regular,periodicinspectionofthecargoholdsandcargoshouldbe carriedoutwhenpossibletakingintoconsiderationthefollowing:
(1) performchecksthatfocusupontheconditionofthestow,iflashingsremaintight,the holdaircondition(shiporcargosweat)andpossiblesignsofwateringressthrough hatches,bilgewellsorpipeworkthatpassesthroughthehold.
(2) checkthestowedsteelcargoeswithinand/orat24hoursafterdeparturefromtheload porttoensurethecargoeshavenotshiftedorlashingshaveloosened.Asaruleof thumb,mostsettlingofthecargowillhaveoccurredwithinthistimeperiod;
(3) checktoensurethatthecargoisproperlysecuredandlashedpriortoanyencounters withinclementweatherand,whendeemedsafebytheMaster,afterclearingfromthe inclementweather;and
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(4) rememberthatsafetyisalwaysthefirstpriorityincludingthesafetyconsiderationsas setforthinthecompany’sSMSandfurtherconsiderationsassetforthinSection 2.6.
7.2.6.2 Thecrewshouldcheck,assafelyandreasonablypracticable,thatthecargoremains securedandthatlashingshavenotloosenedduringtransit.Iflashingshaveloosened,they shouldbesecuredaspercharterer’srequirementsifitcanbedonesosafely.
7.2.6.3 Whilethevesselisintransit,thecrewshouldtakedailysoundingsofthebilgetanks,pump thebilgetanksasnecessary,andrecordtheweatherandseaconditionsforthedurationof timethatthecargoremainsonboardthevessel.
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8. Cargo surveying
8.1 Objectives: To utilize qualified third party surveyors to properly, efficiently and effectively represent the interests of the vessel owner in the performance of survey duties prior to loading, during loading, stowing and discharging of steel cargo consignments.
8.2 General
8.2.1 Vesselownersshouldensurethatthesurveyorshiredontheirbehalfareproperlyqualifiedandare givenspecificdetailedinstructionsregardingthedutiestheyaretoperform.SeeSection 7.2.3for additionalguidanceoninteractingwithandmonitoringtheactivitiesofthecargosurveyor(s)while onboardthevessel.
8.2.2 Responsibilityforproperlyloading,stowing,dunnagingand/ordischargingthecargoisdependent uponthetermsoftherelevantcontract(s)ofcarriage,suchasthegoverningcharterpartyand/or bill(s)oflading.Accordingly,thescopeofappointmentandattendanceofthesurveyoris dependentuponwhethersuchresponsibilitiesliewiththevesselowner,thechartererorthe shipper.Thefollowingprovisionsshouldbereadinthiscontext.
8.3 Condition of cargo upon arrival onboard the vessel
8.3.1 Theconditionofthecargo,whenpresentedforloadingonboardthevessel,shouldbethoroughly inspectedanddocumentedcontemporaneously.Steelcargoesfrequentlyexhibitsomerustingor physicaldamageanditisstronglyrecommendedthatapre-loadsurveyisperformedonthecargo priortoitsbeingloadedonboardinordertoestablishtheactualloadedconditionofthecargoand protectagainstanypotentialcargoclaimsbroughtbycargointerestsagainstvesselinterests.
8.3.2 Itisrecommendedthatthefollowingstepsshouldbetakenbythevessel’sofficersandcrewbefore thecargoisloadedonboard:
(1) conductapre-shipmentinspectionofthecargopriortoandafterloadingtocheckforany pre-shipmentdamages;
(2) makeanoteofthelocationandtypeofstorageareaprovidedforthecargo,andthe weatherconditionstowhichthecargohasbeensubjectedwhileinstorage;
(3) makenoteofthecargopackagingandpackagingdefects,ifany;
(4) ifthecargoisloadedinverylowtemperaturesandtobeshippedtowarmerclimates,the Mastershouldmakeanoteofthispointandoftheambienttemperaturesduringloading (seeSection 6.9.1(1)).Itis,inanycase,prudenttorecordambienttemperaturesduringloading;
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(5) noteanyatmosphericcorrosionobservedonthecargo;
(6) continuouslymonitortheloadingofcargo;
(7) ensurethatanyremarksregardingphysicalcondition,quantity,typeand/ormisdescription ofthesteelcargoisproperlyreflectedonanyMate’sReceiptsand/orbillsoflading;
(8) inadvanceoftheirarrival,ascertainpreciselywhichpersons/thirdparties,suchas surveyors,supercargo,etc.,willbeattendingthevesselduringloadingoperationsand thatappropriateprotocolsregardingtheirattendancesbeagreedtoensuresafetyand securityofthevessel;and
(9) continuouslymonitorthepre-loadsurvey.
8.4 Vessel and cargo surveying prior to and during loading
8.4.1 AsperClub Circular No. 23/14,Steel cargo pre-load surveys: An updatedatedAugust11,2014,the AmericanClubhassetforthrequirementsforthetypesofsteelcargoessubjecttothemandatory pre-loadsurvey.Thiscircularwasissuedtominimizetheriskofexposuretosuchclaimsby requestingMemberstoappointanexperiencedsurveyorattheport(s)ofloadingandtoconducta precautionarypre-loadsurveyinorderto:
(1) assisttheMasterinrecordingtheapparentconditionofthecargopriortoloadingsothat, whereappropriate,Mate’sReceiptsandbillsofladingcanbeclausedaccuratelyand correctlyasnecessary;and
(2) verifytheconditionofthevessel’scargohatchcoversandotheropeningsinwayofthe holdspaces.
8.4.2 Wheninstructingasurveyortoconductapre-loadsurvey,thevesselownershouldconsiderthe following,bothpriortoandaftertheloadingofcargo:
(1) beforeloading,surveyorsshouldnotethelocationandtypeofstorageareaprovidedfor thecargoandtheweatherconditionstowhichthecargohasbeensubjectedwhileinstorage;
(2) surveyorsshoulddescribethecargopackagingandanypackagingdefects,ifany;
(3) ifcargoistobeloadedinverylowtemperaturesandtobeshippedtowarmerclimates, thesurveyorshouldmakeanoteofthispointandrecordtheambienttemperatures duringloading(seeSection 6.9.1(1));
(4) thesurveyorshouldnoteanyatmosphericcorrosion;
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(5) thesurveyorshouldassisttheMasterandchiefofficertoreviewthecargomanifest, stowageplan,dunnage,lashingandsecuringasproposedbythechartererorshipper,and attendanymeetingwiththesupercargo,chartering,shippingagentandstevedoreforeman, ifpossibleandasnecessary;
(6) thesurveyorshouldassisttheMasterandchiefofficertoensureeffectivecommunications withtheportauthority,supercargo,charterers,shippersand/orstevedorestoaddressany problemsastheymayarise;
(7) thesurveyorshouldcontinuouslymonitortheloadingofcargo;
(8) thesurveyorshouldconfirm/witnessthattherearenodefectsinsecuringandlashingof cargo.Shoulddefectsbefound,theyshouldbebroughttotheattentionofthevessel’s Master,thechartererand/orshipper,andsupercargoforconsiderationand/orsuitable action;and
(9) shouldcargobefoundtobedamaged,thesurveyorshouldbringthedetailsandevidence ofthedamagestotheattentionof:(1)theMaster;(2)thechartererand/orshipper; and(3)thetallymansoastoagreetoacceptrelevantlyclausedMate’sReceipt(s)and bill(s)oflading(seeSections 7.2.2.4(4) and 9.2.3);
(10) silvernitratesolutiontestingshouldbeperformedbysurveyorsonthecargopriortoand duringloadingasshowninFigure 8.1.Particularattentionshouldbemadetotestingof cargoesthataretransportedintothestoragefacilitiesfromdifferentlocationsandif transportedduringtimesofinclementweather;
(11) thesurveyorshouldinspectthePhytosanitaryCertificate/InternationalStandardsFor PhytosanitaryMeasures(ISPM)markingsonthedunnagematerialstobeusedforthe cargotoensureallisinorder;
(12) thesurveyorshouldchecktoensurethatthevesselhasthecorrectequipmentandfittings onboardandthatproceduresareinplaceformonitoringandrecordingthestatusofthe atmosphereinthecargoholds;
(13) allsurveyorsshouldtakenumerousphotographs,bothwideviews,andcloseupviews, ofanyitemofinterestofthevessel’scargoholds,hatchcovers,ventsandrelatedfittings, etc.Photographsshouldbetakenofeachtypeofsteelcargotobeloaded,includingthe labelsandmarkingsofeachtypeofsteel,incloseupsothatthewordingcanberead, andalsoinwideviewsothemethodofsecuringthelabeltothecargo,canbeseen;
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(14) photosshouldbedateandtimestamped.Forcloseupphotos,theholdnumbershould bewritteninchalkoronasmallpieceofpaperwithinthephotoframe,sothatthe locationofthecargoshowninthephotocanbeeasilyidentified;and
(15) whenphotosareprovidedwiththereport,eachoneshouldcontainanarrativeexplaining whatisshowninthephoto.
8.5 Condition of the cargo hold, hatch covers and ventilation system
8.5.1 Thesteelpre-loadsurveyisonlyoneofseveralprotectivemeasurestobeimplementedtoprevent steelcargoclaims.
8.5.2 Thewatertightintegrityofthevessel’shatchcoverstoprotectagainstwateringressintothecargo holds,andaproperlyfunctioningventilationsystemtocontrolthecargoholdhumidityduringthe voyagearealsoessentialtoavertorminimizetheriskofcargoclaimscausedbyseawateringress wetnessand/orcondensationdamage.
8.5.3 Withthisinmind,thevesselownershouldrefertotheattachmenttoClub Circular No. 23/14,Hatch cover, ventilation, ballast and bilge system checklist for steel pre-load surveys prior to loading steel cargoes.
8.6 Cargo stowage and lashing
8.6.1 Theattendingsurveyorshouldmonitorcargoloadingoperationstoensurethatthecargois properlystowedwithdueconsiderationtoadequate/sufficientdunnaging.Thestowshouldhave unobstructedventilationchannelsifandasinstructedbythechartererorshipper.
8.6.2 Thesurveyorshouldalsoconfirmthatthecargo:
(1) isnotindirectcontactwithvessel’ssteelstructure;
(2) isstowedwithsufficientoverheadspacetoavoidanyrestrictionofventilationair;
(3) hasbeenproperlyloadedanddunnaged;
(4) isstackedinstableconditiontopreventshiftingorcollapsingduringthevoyage;and
(5) islashedandsecuredinaccordancewiththevessel’sCargoSecuringManualasrequired bytheCSSCode.
8.6.3 Thesurveyorshouldmonitorandensurethatthecargoisproperlyhandledbystevedoresaccording totheapprovedstowageplanandsecuringandlashingarrangements.
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8.7 Cargo condition: pre-load and aboard the vessel
8.7.1 Theattendingsurveyorand/ortheirdesignatedrepresentativesshouldcontinuetomonitorand recordtheconditionofthecargoasitcomesonboardandduringitshandlingbystevedoresin ordertoreject,onbehalfofthevesselowner,anyconsignmentsthatarevisiblydamaged.
8.7.2 Thesurveyorshouldissuehisobservationsandrecommendationsconcerningthecargo’scondition forinclusionintotheMate’sReceipttotheowner’ssurveyor.
8.7.3 Ifanysuchobservationofdamagedcargobeingloadedoranyrecommendationsconcerningcargo conditionareignoredbycargointerestsortheirservants/representatives,thevesselowner,in coordinationwiththeattendingsurveyorshouldprepareandissueaLetterofProtesttodocument theseeventsandcircumstances.Thesurveyorshouldalsoincludesucheventsandcircumstancesin anypre-loadsurveyrequesttobeissued.
Figure 8.1 | Silvernitratetestingofsteelrebarbundledwithsteelwire.
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9. Charter party and bill of lading considerations 9.1 Objectives: To ensure that the relevant transport documentation is prepared in a manner that either averts or minimizes the vessel owner’s potential exposures and risks associated with the carriage of steel cargoes.
9.2 Charter party considerations
9.2.1 General.ThemostprevalentsteelcargodamageclaimshavebeenpresentedinTable 1.2that includerust/condensationdamage,shortages,roughhandlingandshiftingofcargoduringthe voyage.Improperlashing,securing,dunnagingand/orstowingsteelcargoesarealsocommon causesofcargoclaims.
9.2.1.1 Inordertobestprotectitsinterests,thevesselownershould,asamatterofgenerally acceptedbestpractices,ensurethatthegoverningfixtureorcharterpartyisappropriately wordedtoallocatetherisksandresponsibilitiesofproperlyloading,stowing,dunnaging and/ordischargingthecargouponthecharterer,andthatthefixtureincludessufficient wordingstoprotectandpreserveanyrightsofindemnityorcontributionfromcharterer forthebreachofanysuchresponsibilities.Inthecaseofasub-charter,thedisponent ownershouldalsomakebesteffortstodoso.
9.2.1.2 Forexample,Clause8ofastandardNewYorkProduceExchangeForm(NYPE)formcharter partyprovidesforandallocatestheriskandresponsibilityofloading,stowing,dunnaging anddischarginguponthecharterer.However,ifClause8isamendedwiththewords“and responsibility”,theriskandresponsibilityforthesetasksmayshifttothevesselowner. Suchanamendmentwouldhavesignificantimpactuponthevesselowner’sriskexposure whencarryingsteelcargoesoranyothercargodestinedforjurisdictionswherecargo claimsareprevalent.
Itshouldbenotedthattheremaybesomedistinctionastojusthowmuchsignificance attachestothisamendmentinEnglandversustheUnitedStates,wherecourts/arbitrators inthelatteraremoreinclinedtorequiresomethingmorethanjusttheadditional language“andresponsibility”inordertoshiftliabilitytothevesselowner. AlsoseeSection 9.2.1.5regardingtheInter-ClubAgreement.
9.2.1.3 Ifthevesselisvoyagechartered,thewords“FreeInOutStowedandTrimmed”, abbreviatedto“F.I.O.S.T”--wherebythevesselownerisnotresponsibleforthecosts ofloading,unloading,stowageand/or,trimming--shouldbeused,ifpossible.
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9.2.1.4 Wheneverpossible,especiallyinthecontextofbulkcarriersbeingusedtocarrysteel cargoesalongwithgeneralorothermixedcargoes(e.g.baggedcargoes,containers,etc.), itisrecommendedthatthevesselownerdothefollowing:
(1) askthecharterertoidentifythespecifictypesofcargotobecarriedbefore concludingthecharterparty;
(2) stateinthecharterpartythatthevessel’sLoadingManual,CargoSecuring Manualandclassificationsocietyrequirementsaretobestrictlyadheredtoby thecharterer;and
(3) requestthecharterertoprovideafulllistofcargoes,thestowageplan,and thelashingandsecuringplanforreviewpriortothevessel’sarrivalatthe loadingport.
9.2.1.5 Inter-Club Agreement.Anotherconsiderationduringthecharterpartydraftingand negotiationphaseistheincorporationoftheInter-ClubNewYorkProduceExchange Agreement(ICA)wordingtothefixture.TheICAhasprovidedarelativelysimple mechanismforpromptlyandfairlyapportioningliabilityforcargoclaimsarisingundera NYPEFormtimecharteragreement.Anyamendmentsthatalterthevesselowner’srisk andresponsibility,suchasadding“andresponsibility”toClause8oftheNYPEForm charterparty,canincreaseavesselowner’scargoclaimsexposureevenundertheICA. ThefollowingisabriefsummaryofthekeycomponentsoftheICAasitrelatesto allocationofliabilityforcargoloss/damageasbetweenthevesselownerandcharterer.
(1) Claims arising out of unseaworthiness, and errors in navigation or management of the vessel.Theseclaimswillgenerallybeallocated100%for theaccountofthevesselownerunlessthevesselownerprovesthatthe unseaworthinesswascausedbyloading,stowage,lashing,dischargeorother handlingofthecargo,inwhichcaseliabilitywillbeallocatedasper(b)below.
(2) Claims arising out of loading, stowage, lashing, discharge, storage or other handling of cargo.Theseclaimswillgenerallybe100%fortheaccountof chartererunlessthewords“andresponsibility”orsimilarlanguagehasbeen addedtoClause8,inwhichcaseliabilitywillbeallocated50%-50%as betweenvesselownersandcharterer,exceptwherethechartererprovesthat thefailuretoproperlyload,stow,lash,dischargeorhandlethecargowas causedbyunseaworthinessofthevessel,inwhichcaseallocationwillagain beallocated100%tothevesselowner.
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TheICA,byitsterms,doesnotapplywherethecargoresponsibilityclausesin thecharterpartyhavebeen“materiallyamended.”Forpurposesofthis provision,theadditionof“andresponsibility”toClause8oftheNYPEisnot deemedtobea“materialamendment.”However,theadditionofthewords “cargoclaims”atClause26oftheNYPEForm(1946or1993)orClause25of theAsbatimeForm(1981)willrendertheICAallocationofliabilityinapplicable.
(3) Claims for shortage/over-carriage.Suchclaimsaretobeallocated50%-50% asbetweenthevesselownerandchartererunlessthereis“clearand irrefutableevidence”thattheclaimarosefrompilferageoractorneglectof oneoftheparties(includingtheirservantsandsubcontractors),inwhichcase liabilitywillbeallocated100%tothatparty.
(4) All other claims.Liabilityforallotherclaimswilllikewisebeallocated50%-50% asbetweenthevesselownerandchartererunlessthereis“clearand irrefutableevidence”thattheclaimarosefrompilferageoractorneglectof oneoftheparties(includingtheirservantsandsubcontractors),inwhichcase liabilitywillbeallocated100%tothatparty.
(5) Additional points for consideration regarding application of the ICA.
• TheclaimundertheICAmayincludelegalandexperts’feesincurred indefendingthecargoclaiminthefirstinstance,butnotcosts incurredinmakingtheclaimundertheICAorseekingindemnityunder thecharterparty.
• Theunderlyingcargoclaimhasbeen“properlysettledorcompromised andpaid.”
• NoticeofClaimshallbemadewithin24months(36monthswherethe HamburgRulesarecompulsoryapplicable.)
• ThelatestversionoftheICAprovidesforthepostingofreciprocal securitybetweenthepartiestothecharterparty.
9.2.2 Jurisdiction and choice of law provisions.Mostcharterpartiesprovideforaspecificandexclusive disputeresolutionvenue,suchasarbitrationinLondonorNewYork.Suchprovisionsalsospecify theapplicablelawthatwillgovernsuchdisputes.Thedecisiontoarbitrateshouldnotbetaken lightlyanditshouldbedoneinaclearandunambiguousmanner,notjustinthecharterparty itself,butalsoinanybillsofladingtobeissuedinconnectionwiththeperformanceofthe charterparty.
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9.2.2.1 Vessel owners should always remember to:
(1) ensurethatthebillsofladingmakeexplicitreferencetoandincorporatethe relevantcharterparty;
(2) obtainacopyofthecharterpartyincorporatedinthebillsofladingandplace itonfileassoonaspossibleafterloading;
(3) makeitarequirementthattimecharterersprovideacopyofanysub-fixture within7daysofbeingconcludedasotherwiseacopymaynotbeobtained laterifneeded;and
(4) physicallyattachacopyoftheincorporatedcharterpartytoeachoriginaland eachcopyofthebilloflading.
9.2.3 Delegation of the Master’s duty to issue bills of lading.Suchprovisionsmaybeapitfallforvessel ownersbecausewhensuchdutiesareassignedtothechartereroritsagent,acleanbilloflading maybeissuedbythechartererdespitetheexistenceofremarksintheMate’sReceiptswhichare inconsistentwithrespecttotheconditions,qualityand/orquantityofcargo.
9.2.3.1 Wheneverpossible,thevesselownershouldnotdelegatethisdutytobestprotectits interestsandavoidunnecessaryexposuretoapapercargoclaimthat,inessence,may accruebeforethevesselevendepartstheloadportlimits.Ifavesselownerordisponent ownerchoosestomakethecommercialdecisiontoincludesuchaterminitscharter partyagreement,itrunstheriskofprejudicingitsP&Icoverforcargoclaimsthatmay ariseinconnectionwiththatvoyage(seeSection 9.3.4).
9.3 Bill of lading considerations
9.3.1 Incorporation of charter party jurisdiction: Choice of law provision.Incorporateintothebillof ladingthedisputeresolutionand/orjurisdictionand/orapplicablelawprovisionsofthegoverning charterpartytopreservetheparties’consciousanddeliberatedecisiontoarbitrateand/orhaveall disputesunderthecharterpartyand/orunderthebillofladingsubjecttothesamelawand jurisdiction.Bydoingso,thevesselownerordisponentownercanpreservejurisdictional argumentswhichmayhaveaconsiderablebearingandinfluenceasto:
(1) howaparticularcargoclaimispresentedorprosecuted;
(2) theforuminwhichsuchclaimsaredefended,includinganyvesselarrestproceedings;and
(3) thesubstantivelawtogovernallsuchdisputes.
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9.3.2 Bills of lading form.Wheneverpossible,billsofladingsshouldbeissuedontheCongenbill1994or 2007formorsimilar.ItisstronglyrecommendedthattheCongenbill1978formorsimilarshould NOTbeused.Otherwisethearbitrationclausemaynotbevalidlyincorporatedintothebillsoflading.
9.3.2.1 Wheneverpossibleanddependingonthearbitration/lawssetforthinthegoverning charterparty,billsofladingshouldhavethewords“LONDON/NEWYORK*ARBITRATION ENGLISH/U.S.LAW*APPLICABLEasperthecharterpartydated[dateinsertedhere],copy attached.F.I.O.S.T”typedonthefront,asrelevant.
9.3.2.2 AnexampleofanidealbillofladingisprovidedinAppendix 4.
9.3.2.3 Insomecivillawcountries,onlyphysicallyattachingacopyoftheincorporatedcharter partytoalloriginalandtoallcopiesofbillsofladingbeforetheirreleasewillensurevalid incorporationofthecharterpartyclausesincludingthelawandjurisdictionclauses.
9.3.3 U.S. Trade Clause – Incorporation of U.S. COGSA.Forshipmentsto/fromtheU.S.,vesselowners shouldconsidertheincorporationofaU.S.tradeclauseprovidingforapplicationoftheU.S. CarriageofGoodsbySeaAct(“COGSA”).COGSAcontainsapackagelimitationdefensethatis particularlywellsuitedforsteelcargoclaims.Manyofthecommonpackagingmethodologiesused forsteelshipmentsmaybedeemedCOGSA“packages,”e.g.,suchassteelcoils,bundlesofpipeor wire,etc.Bycontrastforthosesameshipments,othercargoreliabilityregimes,suchasHague-Visby, mayresultinlimitationvaluesthataresignificantlyhigher,oftenfarinexcessoftheamountofthe claim,duetotheweightofthecargo.Forshipmentsto/fromtheU.S.whereaU.S.TradeClause hasbeenincorporated,vesselownersmayfurtherconsiderincorporationofaU.S.jurisdiction clauseasU.S.courtsandarbitratorswillbemorefamiliarwiththeCOGSApackagelimitation defenseandarguablymoreinclinedtoenforcesame.
9.3.4 Potential prejudice to P&I coverage for cargo claims.Wheneverpossible,thevesselownershould ensurethatanydecisionsmadeinconnectionwiththecarriageofsteelcargoesdonotunnecessarily prejudiceavesselowner’sprotectionundertheP&Iinsurancepolicy.AllInternationalGroupofP&I ClubscontainprovisionsintheirP&Icontracttermswhichprovidethatcoverageforcargoclaims maybeprejudicedunderthefollowingcircumstances:
9.3.4.1 deliveryofcargotoaportorplaceotherthantheportorplacelistedinthegoverning billsofladingorcontractofcarriage;
9.3.4.2 deliveryofcargowithoutproductionoforiginalbillsoflading;
9.3.4.3 theissueofantedatedorpostdatedbillsoflading;
9.3.4.4 theissuanceofabillofladingwiththeknowledgeofthevesselownerortheMasterof theinsuredvesselwithanincorrectdescriptionofthecargooritsquantityoritscondition;or
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9.3.4.5 thefailuretoarriveorthelatearrivaloftheinsuredvesselataportofloading,orthe failuretoloadanyparticularcargoinaninsuredvesselotherthanliabilities,lossand expensesarisingunderabillofladingalreadyissued.
9.3.5 Someconsiderationfordeckcargoes.
9.3.5.1 Shipper’s Risks Clauses—Generally.Theresponsibilityforcargodamageinthecontext ofon-deckcarriagecanbesomewhatcomplexandwilllikelyvarydependingonthe applicablecarriagecontractterms,jurisdictionandgoverninglaw.Forexample,"shipper's risk"clausesprintedonthefaceofabillofladingcanexculpateacarrierfromliability fordamagethatisnormallyincidenttodeckcarriage(i.e.,damageduetoexposureto theelements).A“shipper'srisk”clauseplacesontheshipper"thecustomaryand predictablerisksofdeckcarriage.").However,“shipper'srisk”clausesgenerallywillnot exonerateacarrierfromdamagecausedbynegligentorimproperstowage.Itis recommendedthatavesselownershouldconsultwithitsP&Icluboraqualifiedmaritime lawyerforspecificadviceconcerningthesubjectvoyageorscenarioinquestion.
9.3.5.2 Exclusions under COGSA.COGSAdoesnotapplyofitsownforce-i.e.asamatterof law-tocarriageofcargoondeck.Thus,wherecargoisbeingcarriedtoorfromthe UnitedStates,inorderavailitselfofCOGSA'sdefenses,includingthe$500package limitationdefense,thecarriershouldconsidercontractuallyextendingCOGSAtodeck cargobyincludinganexpressprovisioninthebilloflading.WhenextendingCOGSA contractually,thecarriershouldbeverycarefuldosoasexplicitlyaspossible.
Thebillofladingshouldemploy"sufficientlyexpresslanguage"thattheon-deckcargois subjecttoCOGSA.Intheabsenceofsuchanexpressincorporationclause-specifically coveringdeckcargo-thecarrierrunstheriskthatacourtwillfindthatCOGSAhasnot beencontractuallyextendedbytheparties,therebydeprivingthecarrierofits$500 packagelimitationdefense.Totheextentavesselownerhasaquestionastowhether theirbillofladingaffordsadequateprotectiontodeckcargo,itshouldconferwithitsP&I cluband/orcounsel.
9.4 Burden of proof and the Retla clause
9.4.1 Burden of proof: An overview.Asinanycargoclaim,claimantsbeartheinitialburdenofproofto establishgoodorderandconditionofthesteelcargoatthetimeitwasturnedovertothevessel owner/carrierandthatthesteelcargowasdischargedandinadamagedconditionupondelivery. Thus,vesselownersshouldbemindfulofthecriticalimportanceoffullyinspectinganddocumenting anypre-carriagedefectsinthecargo,includingphysicalandrustdamage,aswellasdamagetoany
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packaging,suchaswrappers,securingbandsand/orotherpackaging.Again,thisillustratesthe importanceofconductingaproperanddetailedpre-loadsurveyofthecargoasnotedin Section 8.3.1.
9.4.2 The Retla clause.
9.4.2.1 TheRetlaclausedrawsitsnamefromthecaseofTokio Marine & Fire Insurance Co. v. Retla S.S. Co.,426F.2d1372(9thCir.1970).Inthatcase,thecourtupheldaclausewhich providedthatthecarrier’s“apparentgoodorderandcondition”notationonthebillof lading“doesnotmeanthatthegoods,whenreceived,werefreeofvisiblerustor moisture.”Theclausefurtherprovidedthatifrequestedbytheshipper,thecarrierwill issueasubstitutebillofladingomittingthesubjectclauseandsettingforthanynotations astorustormoistureconsistentwiththemates’ortallyclerks’receipts.
9.4.2.2 Ineffect,theRetlaclauseseekstomodifythepresumptionofgoodorder/condition evidencedbya“clean”billofladingtoexcluderust/moisturedamage.TheRetlaclause hasnotbeenwithoutcriticismbybothcourtsandlegalcommentatorsintheUnited States.Thosecourtswhichhaveenforcedtheclausehavegenerallydonesoonarather narrowbasis,oftenfollowingstrictlythefactspresentedintheRetlaS.S.Co.holdingand thusrequiringthattheclause:
(1) beprintedonthefaceofthebilloflading,and
(2) provideforissuanceofasubstitutebillofladingifrequestedbytheshipper.
Notwithstandingthecriticismofthecase,theclausecertainlyprovidesa benefittovesselownersandshouldbeincludedinbillsofladingforcarriage ofsteelcargoes.
9.4.2.3 TheuseandvalidityoftheRetlaclausehasalsocomeundercriticismbythecourtsin England.InTheSAGAEXPLORER,[2012]EWHC3124(Comm),thatdecisiontheCourt refusedtogivefulleffecttotheRetlaclause,ratherconstruingitsuchthatany qualificationastothegoodorder/conditionofthecargobythecarrierislimitedasto what“maybeexpectedtoappearonanycargoofsteel:superficialoxidationcausedby atmosphericconditions.”Again,avesselownershouldcontactitsP&Icluborcounsel withanyquestionsregardingthepotentialuseofaRetlaclause.
9.5 Further considerations regarding California Block Stowage
9.5.1 IfownersalreadyhaveacharterpartythatdoesnotexplicitlystateanexclusionforCaliforniaBlock Stowage(CBS),thevesselownermaynothavesufficientprotectionofitsinterestsundertheir charterparty.Thechoicesavailableforthevesselownerthenwouldbe:
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(1) toensurethatitnotifythechartererforliabilityassociatedwiththisriskycarriageand CBSstowageasthisisnotacommonwaytocarryslabsonvessels;
(2) thattheMate’sReceiptandbillsofladingcanbemarkedas“F.I.O.S.T.”terms,i.e.freein andout,stowed,lashed,securedallbeingthecharterer’sliability;
(3) thattheMasterand/orvesselownershouldnotacceptresponsibilityforstowageand securing,becauseCBSofstowagehasahighriskofshiftingduringtransit;and/or
(4) thatthevesselownershouldcontactitsP&Icluband/orlegalcounseltoseekadviceon howtobestprotectitsinterestsinthecontextofpreparinganywordingoramendments toanydraftbillsoflading,charterparty,letterofindemnityoranyotherrelevant document(seeSection 5.5.2.6(6)).
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 91
10. Communicate with your P&I club 10.1 Objectives: To ensure prompt and timely communication between the vessel owner and its P&I club to prevent or minimize the risk of potential claims associated with steel cargoes, and if such a claim is asserted against the owner and/or its vessel, to best coordinate their respective efforts to defend against any such claims.
10.2 Precautionary pre-load survey arrangements
10.2.1 InorderfortheP&Iclubtocontactitscorrespondentinaparticularportandtomakethe necessaryarrangementsfortheprecautionaryloadportsurvey,thefollowingbasicinformation shouldbeprovidedbythevesselownertoitsP&Iclubatleastseven(7)dayspriortothevessel’s estimatedarrivalattheloadport:
(1) fulldetailsofthevessel;
(2) theloadportand/orterminalinquestion;
(3) thetypeandquantityofcargotobeloaded;
(4) thecontactdetailsofthevessel’slocalagent,charterer,shipperorcargoforwarder;
(5) theestimatedtimeofarrivalofthevesselattheloadport;
(6) thetype(s)ofsurvey(s)beingrequested;and
(7) anyotherrelevantinformation.
10.2.3 Copiesofallloadportsurveys(pre-loadsurvey,tallysurvey,draftsurveyand/orotherrelevant survey)shouldbeforwardedimmediatelytotheP&Iclub,andshouldbemaintainedbythevessel owneruntilthelimitationsperiodforcargoclaimslapses.
10.2.4 IftheMasterconsidersthatthemethodofstowageandsecuringgivescauseforconcernregarding thesafetyofthevesseland/orintegrityofthecargo,he/shemustbringittotheattentionofthe chartererand/oritssurveyorand/orsupercargo.IftheMaster’sconcernsarenotdealtwith satisfactorily,he/sheshouldadvisethevesselowner’sprotectivesurveyorand,ifnotalready appointed,recommendappointmentofthesame.
10.2.5 Vesselownersareremindedthatincaseswheresurveyorsrepresentingotherinterestedparties wishtoboardthevessel,theyshouldonlybepermittedaccesstothecargoand/orthevessel’s documentswhileinthepresenceoftheP&Iclub’sattendingsurveyor.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes92
10.3 Discharge port survey arrangements
10.3.1 ThevesselownerorthecharterershouldalsocontactitsP&Iclubinadvanceofanyestimatedtime ofarrivalatthedischargeportwherethesteelcargoconsignmentswillbedischarged.Thevessel ownershouldprovidetheP&Iclubwiththesameinformationassetforthin Section 10.2.2above.
10.3.2 TheP&Iclubshouldbeadvisedofproposeddischargeportsasearlyaspossibletoaddressor mitigateanyspecificlocalconcernsorproblemsrelatedtothedischargeofsteelcargoes.
10.4 Cargo claims
10.4.1 Ifheavyweatherhasbeenencounteredduringthevessel’spassage,orifdamagewasobserved atthetimeofloading,theP&Iclubshouldbegiventimelynotificationofthevessel’sestimated timeofarrivalatitsintendedport(s)ofdischargesincetheappointmentofanexperiencedsurveyor atthatpointishighlyadvisable.
10.4.2 Ifacargoclaimispresentedbycargointerests,theMasterorthevesselownershouldimmediately contactitsP&Iclubandadviseitoftheallegationsofcargoloss,damageorshortage.TheP&I clubmaytheninstructitslocalcorrespondentand/orlawyerstoattendthematterandprotectthe vesselowner’sinterestsasbestaspossible.
10.4.3 Promptandtimelycommunication,combinedwithclosecooperationbetweenthevesselowneror disponentowneranditsP&Iclub,willcontributegreatlytoaneffectivedefenseofanysuch assertedcargoclaims,andpreserveallavenuesforpotentialindemnityclaimsagainstthecharterer and/oranyotherresponsiblethirdparties.
10.5 Demands for security
Ifademandforsecurityismadetothevesselownerorifthevesselisthreatenedwitharrestoractually arrested,thevesselownershouldimmediatelycontactitsP&Iclubforassistance.Thevesselownershould alsorefrainfromcommunicatingwithcargointereststoensurethatitdoesnotinadvertentlywaiveany jurisdictionalargumentsorotherwisepotentiallyprejudiceitsrightsordefenses.
10.6 Sanctions considerations
Vesselownersmustalsoconsideranypotentialsanctionsissuesastheyrelatetosteelcargoes. Significantly,andparticularlywithrespecttosteelcargoshipmentstoIran,thecarriageoffinishedorother steelproductsmaypotentiallyviolateexistingU.S.,EuropeanUnionorotherapplicablesanctionslawsif suchproductsintendtobeusedforprohibitedpurposes.Vesselownersareurgedtoconducttherequired duediligenceinvestigationintoitscontractpartnersandtheenduseofthesubjectsteelcargotoavoid anyunnecessaryexposuretosanctionsrelatedliabilitiesorpenalties.Foradditionalguidanceregarding sanctionsrelatedconsiderations,pleaserefertotheAmericanClub’swebsiteatwww.american-club.com.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 93
APPENDIX 1: LIST OF DEFINITIONS
• Dew point:Thetemperatureatwhichairbecomessaturatedandcannotholdallofthemoistureinitand condensationbeginstoform.
• Dry-bulb thermometer: Athermometerusedtomeasuretheambienttemperature.Thedry-bulbthermometeris exposedtotheairbutshieldfromradiationandmoisture.Thedry-bulbthermometerisoneofthetwothermometers thatmakeupapsychrometer.
• Dunnage:Loosematerialsusedtosupportandprotectcargoinavessel’shold.Examplesofsuchmaterialsinclude plywood,plastic/polythenesheets,cardboard,Styrofoam,airbags,rubberpadding,kraftpaper,bamboo,bamboo mats,timber,etc.
• Mate’s Receipt:Areceiptdocumentsignedbythevessel’sMasterorchiefofficer,acknowledgingtheconditionand receiptofcargobythevessel.TheindividualinpossessionoftheMate’sReceiptisentitledtothebilloflading, whichinduecourseisissuedinexchangeforthatreceipt.
• Steel:Agenerallyhard,strong,durable,malleablealloyofironandcarbon,usuallycontainingbetween0.2and1.5 percentcarbon,oftenwithotherconstituentssuchasmanganese,chromium,nickel,molybdenum,copper,tungsten, cobalt,orsilicon,dependingonthedesiredalloyproperties,andwidelyusedasastructuralmaterial.Examplesof thetypesofsteelthatarecommonlytransportedbyseacanbefoundinSection3.
• Sweat:Theformationofcondensationwithinavessel’shold.Sweatcanbecategorizedintotwotypes:shipsweat andcargosweat.
• Ship sweat.Condensationthataccumulatesonavessel’ssteelstructureinthecargohold’ssideordeckheadwhen avesselsailsfromawarmertocoolerplaceandwarmairinthecargoholdscomeintocontactwiththecooler vessel’sstructure.
• Cargo sweat.Condensationthataccumulatesonthesurfaceofacargowhenitstemperatureisbelowthedewpoint oftheairadjacenttoit.
• “3º Celsius Rule”:Ruleofthumbforventilating.Ifthetemperatureoftheoutsideairisatleast3ºCelsiuscooler thantheairinthehold,thenthecargoshouldbeventilated.
• Wet-bulb thermometer:Athermometerwithabulbthatiscoveredwithmoistmuslinandisusedinapsychrometer tomeasurehumidity.
• Whirling psychrometer:Apsychrometerwithahandle,whichallowsrapidrotationofmountedwet-anddry-bulb thermometerstoensureairflowaroundthebulbs.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes94
APPENDIX 2: LIST OF IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS TO BE KEPT AND MAINTAINED
1. Billoflading(seeSections 8.3, 9.2.3, 9.3, 9.4, 10.3andAppendix 4)
2. Mate’sReceipt(seeSection 7.2.2.4(4),Sections 8.3.2(7), 8.4.1(1), 8.4.2(9), 8.7.2and9.2.3and9.5.1(2))
3. CargoHumidity-Temperature-VentilationRecordBook(seeSection 6.9.1, Table 6.1andTable 6.2)
4. Bilgesoundingrecords
5. Stowageplanwithexactstowagepositionofeachconsignment(seeSections 5.3, 8.6.3, 8.4.1(1),and9.2.1(3))
6. Hatchcovertestreport(seeSection 2.3)
7. Certificationofcleanlinessofthecargohold(seeSection 2.5.2.8)
8. Certificateofphytosanitary(seeSections 4.3.1and8.3.2(11))
9. Draftsurveyrecords(seeSections 7.2.3.4(6)and10.2.3)
10.Pre-loadsurveyreportandthesurveyor’srecommendations(seeSections 7.2.2.4, 7.2.3.1, 8.3.1, 8.4.1, 8.5.2, 8.5.3, and10.2)
11. Documentationofconditionofcargouponarrivalonboardvessel(seeSections 9.3.4.4, 9.4.1, and9.4.2)
12.LetterofProtest(e.g.insufficientdunnageprovided,damagetocargo,pilferageortheftofcargo) (seeSections 7.2.2.4(5) and8.7.3)
13.Letterofindemnity(seeSections 5.5.2.6(6)and9.5.1(4)
14.Portlogrecords
15.Cargomanifest/cargolist(seeSections 7.2.2.2(4) and8.4.2(5))
16.Allcorrespondences,includingemails,shouldadisputearise
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 95
APPENDIX 3: STEEL CARGO REFERENCE MATERIAL
InternationalMaritimeOrganization.Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing, Resolution A714(17).London:IMOPublication,1991.
Isbester,CaptainJ.Bulk Carrier Practice.2ndEdition.London:TheNauticalInstitute,2010.
Knott,CaptainJ.R.Lashing and Securing of Deck Cargoes. 3rdEdition.London:TheNauticalInstitute,2002.
Sparks,A.andCoopers,F.Steel: Carriage by Sea.London:Informa,2009.
Thomas,CaptainR.E.Thomas’ Stowage: The Properties of Stowage of Cargoes.Rev.ed.CaptainG.M.Pepper,MasterMari-ner.(Ed.)Glasgow:Brown,Son&FergusonLtd;2016.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes96
APPENDIX 4: AN EXAMPLE OF A BILL OF LADING
BILL OF LADINGTOBEUSEDWITHCHARTER-PARTIESCODENAME:“CONGENBILL”EDITION1994ADOPTEDBYTHEBALTICANDINTERNATIONALMARITIMECOUNCIL(BIMCO)
Conditions of Carriage
(1) Alltermsandconditions,libertiesandexceptionsoftheCharterParty,datedasoverleaf,includingtheLawand ArbitrationClause/DisputeResolutionClause,areherewithincorporated.
(2) GeneralParamountClause
(a) TheHagueRulescontainedintheInternationalConventionfortheUnificationofcertainrulesrelatingtoBills ofLading,datedBrusselsthe25thAugust1924asenactedinthecountryofshipment,shallapplytothisBill ofLading.Wherenosuchenactmentisinforceinthecountryofshipment,thecorrespondinglegislationof thecountryofdestinationshallapply,butinrespectofshipmentstowhichnosuchenactmentsare compulsorilyapplicable,thetermsofthesaidConventionshallapply.
(b) TradeswhereHague-VisbyRulesapply.
IntradeswheretheInternationalBrusselsConvention1924asamendedbytheProtocolsignedatBrusselson February23rd1968–theHague-VisbyRules–applycompulsorily,theprovisionsoftherespectivelegislation shallapplytothisBillofLading.
(c) TradeswhereHague-VisbyRulesapply.
TheCarriershallinnocaseberesponsibleforlossofordamagetothecargo,howsoeverarisingpriorto loadingintoandafterdischargefromtheVesselorwhilethecargoisinthechargeofanotherCarrier,norin respectofdeckcargoorliveanimals.
(3) GeneralAverage
GeneralAverageshallbeadjusted,statedandsettledaccordingtoYork-AntwerpRules1994,oranysubsequent modificationthereof,inLondonunlessanotherplaceisagreedintheCharterParty.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes 97
Cargo’scontributiontoGeneralAverageshallbepaidtotheCarrierevenwhensuchaverageistheresultofafault, neglectorerroroftheMaster,PilotorCrew.TheCharterers,ShippersandConsigneesexpresslyrenouncethe BelgianCommercialCode,PartII,Art.148.
(4) NewJasonClause
Intheeventofaccident,danger,damageordisasterbeforeorafterthecommencementofthevoyage,resulting fromanycausewhatsoever,whetherduetonegligenceornot,forwhich,orfortheconsequenceofwhich,the Carrierisnotresponsible,bystatute,contractorotherwise,thecargo,shippers,consigneesortheownersofthe cargoshallcontributewiththeCarrierinGeneralAveragetothepaymentofanysacrifices,lossesorexpensesofa GeneralAveragenaturethatmaybemadeorincurredandshallpaysalvageandspecialchargesincurredinrespect ofthecargo.IfasalvingvesselisownedoroperatedbytheCarrier,salvageshallbepaidforasfullyasifthesaid sailingvesselorvesselsbelongedtostrangers.SuchdepositastheCarrier,orhisagent,maydeemsufficientto covertheestimatedcontributionofthegoodsandanysalvageandspecialchargesthereonshall,ifrequired,be madebythecargo,shippers,consigneesorownersofthegoodstotheCarrierbeforedelivery.
(5) Both-to-BlameCollisionClause
IftheVesselcomesintocollisionwithanothervesselasaresultofthenegligenceoftheothervesselandany act,neglectordefaultoftheMaster,Mariner,PilotortheservantsoftheCarrierinthenavigationorinthe managementoftheVessel,theownersofthecargocarriedhereunderwillindemnifytheCarrieragainstalllossor liabilitytotheotherornon-carryingvesselorherownersinsofarassuchlossorliabilityrepresentslossor,or damageto,oranyclaimwhatsoeveroftheownersofsaidcargo,paidorpayablebytheotherornon-carrying vesselorherownerstotheownersofsaidcargoandset-off,recoupedorrecoveredbytheotherornon-carrying vesselorherownersaspartoftheirclaimagainstthecarryingVesselortheCarrier.
Theforegoingprovisionsshallalsoapplywheretheowners,operatorsorthoseinchargeofanyvesselorvessels orobjectsotherthan,orinadditionto,thecollidingvesselsorobjectsareatfaultinrespectofacollision orcontact.
Forparticularsofcargo,freight,destination,etc.,seeoverleaf.
American Club: Transport Guidance for Steel Cargoes98
CODENAME:“CONGENBILL”EDITION1994
Shipper
Consignee
Notifyaddress
Vessel Portofloading
Portofdischarge
Shipper’sdescriptionofgoods Grossweight
(ofwhich ondeckatShipper’srisk: theCarriernotbeingresponsibleforlossor damagehowsoeverarising)
FreightpayableasperCHARTER-PARTYdated(copyattached)
ARBITRATIONLONDON,ENGLISHLAWTOAPPLY,FIOST
FREIGHTADVANCEReceivedonaccountoffreight
Timeusedforloading days hours
BILLOFLADING
TOBEUSEDWITHCHARTER-PARTIES
B/LNo.
ReferenceNo.
SHIPPEDatthePortofLoadinginapparentgoodorderandconditiononboardtheVesselforcarriagetothePortofDischargeorsoneartheretoasshemaysafelygetthegoodsspecifiedabove.
Weight,measure,quality,quantity,condition,contentsandvalueunknown.
ITWITNESSwhereoftheMasterorAgentofthesaidVesselhassignedthenumberofBillsofLadingindicatedbelowallofthistenoranddate,anyoneorwhichbeingaccomplishedtheothersshallbevoid.
FORCONDITIONSOFCARRIAGESEEOVERLEAF
Freightpayableat Placeanddateofissue
NumberoforiginalBs/L Signature
AMERICAN STEAMSHIP OWNERS MUTUAL PROTECTION & INDEMNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.
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