The primary aim of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code) is to facilitate the safe stowage and shipment of solid bulk cargoes by providing information on the dangers associated with the shipment of certain types of solid bulk cargoes and instructions on the procedures to be adopted when the shipment of solid bulk cargoes is contemplated. The IMSBC Code replaces the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code).

More specific, the IMSBC Code harmonizes the practices and procedures to be followed and the appropriate precautions to be taken in the loading, trimming, carriage and discharge of solid bulk cargoes when transported by sea, ensuring compliance with the mandatory provisions of the SOLAS Convention.

As per IMO Resolution MSC.500 (105), IMSBC Code Amendments (06-21) will enter into force on 1 December 2023. The key subjects are the following:

-The definition ‘dynamic separation’ has added for Group A cargoes

-New definitions have been added such as: Cargoes which may undergo dynamic separation means cargoes which contain a certain proportion of fine particles and a certain amount of moisture, and may undergo dynamic separation if shipped at a moisture content in excess of their transportable moisture limit. Dynamic separation means the phenomenon of forming a liquid slurry (water and fine solids) above the solid material, resulting in a free surface effect which may significantly affect the ship’s stability                                    

-Existing schedule for Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizer (non-hazardous) has been deleted and replaced by Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizer (Group C), which do not meet any of the criteria on dangerous goods or materials hazardous only in bulk specified in 9.2.2 or 9.2.3 of this Code. Fertilizers are not subject to the provisions of this schedule, if they are assigned class 9 due to the hazard of self-sustaining decomposition based on the results of the trough test (referred to in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, part III, section 39)

-Existing schedule for Superphosphate (Triple, Granular) – Group C has been deleted and replaced by Superphosphate (Triple, Granular) – Group B

-New entry for Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizer MHB (Group B) has been added to bulk cargoes

-New cargo schedule for CLAM SHELL (Group C)

-New cargo schedule for LEACH RESIDUE CONTAINING LEAD (Group A & B)

Source: www.imo.org, MSC.500 (105)

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