Steamship Mutual P&I has reminded Members of Club Circular L.153 dated February 2011 and L.185 dated May 2012 concerning dangers relating to the carriage of nickel ore cargoes from Indonesia and the Philippines – including the requirement for mandatory notification to the Club of any such voyages.
Those Circulars can be found at the following links: https://www.steamshipmutual.com/Circulars-London/L.153.pdf https://www.steamshipmutual.com/Circulars-London/L.185.pdf
The Club noted that, in relation to Indonesia, a ban on the export of mineral ores was imposed by the Indonesian Government in early 2014 to encourage the processing of those resources within the domestic Indonesian economy. The export ban included nickel ore and bauxite, both of which have the potential to liquefy if not carried strictly in accordance with the IMSBC Code which is now mandatorily applicable under chapter VI of the SOLAS Convention.
Several vessels carrying these cargoes have suffered casualties in recent years, some involving vessels sinking suddenly, with a consequent loss of life.
Steamship said that the position was far from clear, but reports suggested that, subject to certain conditions, the export ban may now be partially lifted, allowing the export of these cargoes to resume. However, “the conditions as reported appear to be onerous and in practice may mean that there is little movement from the previous position.” Further details of the club’s recommendations to members are available here: https://www.steamshipmutual.com/publications/Articles/indorexport1.htm