Carriage of Coal
CONTENTS
Introduction................................................................................................... 01
Exporters ........................................................................................................ 01
The Main Hazards ....................................................................................... 01
Precautions Prior to Loading ............................................................... 04
Coal Cargo Bilge Water ........................................................................... 04
Summary ........................................................................................................ 04
Introduction
Over a billion tonnes of coal are traded internationally each
year, the vast majority of which is shipped by sea without
incident. The hazards associated with the carriage of coal are
well-known and it has a comprehensive entry in the IMSBC
Code. Coal should always be carried in strict accordance with
the requirements of the IMSBC Code.
Despite many carriers being experienced in the trade, and
comprehensive advice being available from numerous sources,
serious incidents involving coal cargoes still occur. Typically
these problems stem from sub-standard handling procedures
by shippers before loading. But all coals have a propensity to
self-heat or produce methane to some extent and caution
should always be exercised.
The purpose of this briefing is not to repeat the comprehensive
advice given in the IMSBC Code and elsewhere, but rather to
provide some general practical information for seafarers and
shipowners. This guidance focuses on the hazards associated
with coal and stresses the need for preparedness and vigilance
by vessel operators and crews.
Exporters
Quality shippers in well-established markets are likely to have
comprehensive and satisfactory handling procedures for coal
before it is shipped and as such, problems during the voyage
should be fewer. However, where the market has grown rapidly,
such as in Indonesia over the last decade, shippers with less
knowledge and experience of handling coal may enter the
market. This can lead to problems during the voyage due to
sub-standard handling of the coal before loading and there may
be a higher risk of coal cargo problems, which requires higher
levels of vigilance.
www.worldstopexports.com/coal-exports-country/3265
Six top coal exporters increased their international sales from
2013 to 2017: Mongolia (up 99.3%), Philippines (up 51.8%),
Russia (up 14.5%), Colombia (up 9%), Australia (up 6.1%) and
China (up 4.1%).
Decliners were led by North Korea (down 71.7%), Czech
Republic (down 43.8%) and Poland (down 34.1%).
The Main Hazards
There are five main hazards associated with coal:
Flammable atmospheres
Liquefaction
Asphyxiation
Self Heating
Corrosion
Of these hazards, self-heating and the creation of a flammable
atmosphere create the most problems during the voyage.
The coal schedule in the IMSBC code states that coal is a Group
A and B cargo - unless classified as Group B only upon the
successful outcome from a modified Proctor/Fagerberg test
procedure specifically for coal or if its particle size distribution
meets the following:
1. not more than 10% by weight of particles less than 1 mm
(D10 > 1mm); and
2. not more than 50% by weight of particles less than 10 mm
(D50 > 10 mm)
A blend of two or more coals shall be classified as Group A and
B unless all original coals in the blend are Group B only.
The IMSBC Code contains advice that deals with each of these
hazards in turn and coal should always be carried in strict
accordance with the IMSBC Code.
Tip: use the mnemonic FLASC to help you recall the hazards
associated with coal.
Flammable Atmospheres
Coal can emit methane gas which in mixture with air can lead
to fire/explosion where a source of ignition is present. Shippers
01 Cargo / Carriage of Coal
For more information, please visit www.nepia.com
Copyright © 2019 The North of England P&I Association Limited
Figure 1: World’s Top Exports November 2017
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