Export of Ore Concentrates from Bourgas Port, Bulgaria

We have received the following information from Kalimbassieris Maritime Co. Ltd., our correspondents in Bourgas, Bulgaria:

Export of Ore Concentrates from Bourgas Port, Bulgaria

Between October 1999 and February 2000 there have been two separate incidents connected with the condition of the ore concentrates loaded at Bourgas, Bulgaria.

The first incident was related to a load of copper concentrate, which allegedly liquefied and therefore, when the vessel encountered rough weather, she capsized and sank shortly before arriving at the discharging port.

The second incident involved a shipment of baryte concentrate which liquefied. The vessel developed a considerable list a few hours after leaving Bourgas port and entered a port of refuge.

Investigation of the casualties established that recommendations regarding the loading of ore concentrates from the IMO Code of Safe Practice for the Carriage of Solid Bulk Cargoes had been ignored:

In the first case the shippers/producers had presented prior to loading an inappropriate quality certificate and in the second case, no certificate at all. Therefore the properties of the materials such as flow moisture point, transportable moisture limit, moisture content, stowage factor, angle of repose etc were unknown to the Master. Moreover, it was discovered that no sampling and testing had been carried out either during the storage period or before loading.

It is extremely important that Masters who may be asked to load such cargoes ensure not only that the appropriate certificates of quality are produced but also that additional checks are made to ensure that the physical condition of the cargo conforms to the specification on the documentation, particularly as regards moisture content. In case of doubt or difficulty the Club’s local correspondents or the Managers should be contacted for assistance.