A bulk provider loaded with Indonesian coal skilled self-heating and fireplace in two cargo holds throughout discharge operations at an Asian port. The incident highlights the dangers of spontaneous combustion in coal cargoes and the significance of strict adherence to IMSBC Code precautions.
Sequence of Occasions
The vessel loaded coal in Indonesia and sealed all hatch covers and openings. Gasoline readings and temperature checks throughout the voyage remained inside the limits specified within the IMSBC Code.
Upon arrival on the discharge port, the vessel anchored and started unloading utilizing its personal grabs into barges. After a number of days of discharge, smoke was noticed from cargo maintain 3. The remaining coal within the maintain was in 6-metre-high piles close to the bulkhead. The hearth staff detected deck warmth and measured a maintain temperature of 66°C, methane at 120% LEL, and CO above 3,680 ppm. Shortly after, smoke was additionally detected in maintain 4, which was nearly empty however contained giant coal piles. This maintain had a temperature of 69°C, methane at 144% LEL, and CO ranges exceeding 10,000 ppm. Flames turned seen on the floor of the coal in each holds.
The Grasp notified the DPA and charterer, sought knowledgeable steerage, and deployed fireplace groups in full firefighting gear. Coal in each holds was sprayed with seawater, and discharge operations continued into totally different barges. The subsequent day, following knowledgeable recommendation, holds 3 and 4 have been flooded, efficiently extinguishing the fireplace.
Contributing Components
Indonesian coal is susceptible to self-heating because of oxidation, which generates warmth that can’t dissipate when the coal is saved in giant, insulated piles. Through the voyage, lowered oxygen ranges restricted this self-heating response, delaying its onset.
Nevertheless, discharge operations launched atmospheric oxygen into the cargo holds, accelerating oxidation and triggering spontaneous combustion. The interval between opening the holds and the noticed rise in carbon monoxide ranges corresponded with the time wanted for oxygen publicity to provoke a runaway heating response.
Actions Taken
Fireplace groups deployed to affected holds for temperature and fuel monitoring.
Seawater is utilized to burning coal.
Discharge of affected holds to separate barges.
Holds flooded beneath knowledgeable recommendation to totally extinguish the fireplace.
Security Suggestions
Observe the IMSBC Code tips to shut the air flow after loading when flammable fuel shouldn’t be accumulating.
Decrease oxygen ingress to coal cargoes till prepared for closing discharge.
Monitor coal cargo temperatures and fuel ranges throughout discharge in addition to throughout the voyage.
Remember that coal saved in giant piles close to bulkheads is extra susceptible to warmth accumulation and ignition.
Develop port-side emergency plans for speedy firefighting and flooding if self-heating is detected.
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