This incident abstract, based mostly on a report from the Swedish Membership, describes cargo injury brought on by condensation throughout a voyage from Mexico to Southern Africa. The case highlights the interplay between fumigation procedures and environmental situations encountered at sea.
What Occurred
A vessel loaded white maize in Mexico, the place ambient temperatures had been within the 30°C vary. After loading, the cargo was fumigated, and the vessel proceeded on a voyage round South America through the Magellan Straits, the place temperatures dropped to round 0°C. As per fumigation necessities, the cargo holds had been stored sealed till 12 hours earlier than arrival on the first discharge port.
Upon opening the holds, the floor of the cargo was discovered to be mouldy, with condensation stains seen on hatches and coamings. In some areas, the maize had germinated attributable to vital moisture publicity. The injury was attributed to ship’s sweat, the place condensation shaped on inner steelwork due to temperature differentials after which dripped into the cargo.
Why It Occurred
The incident occurred as a result of the cargo holds had been sealed, making a closed surroundings the place moisture was in a position to accumulate. The vessel skilled a big change in ambient temperature, from heat situations throughout loading to near-freezing situations in transit, which elevated the probability of condensation contained in the holds. Whereas the fumigation directions had been efficient for pest management, they didn’t have in mind the environmental variations encountered in the course of the voyage. With out interim air flow, condensation developed on inner surfaces and finally settled on the cargo, main to wreck.
Actions Taken
Broken floor layers had been eliminated manually by stevedores and with grabs. After segregation, the remaining maize was discharged in sound situation.
Classes Realized
Air flow must be thought of after the everyday fumigation publicity interval (typically 10 days) to reduce condensation dangers.
Air flow directions have to be clarified upfront with fumigators and charterers, guaranteeing that each pest management and cargo preservation are addressed.
Crew ought to stay conscious that fumigation necessities don’t routinely mitigate environmental dangers and will plan cargo care accordingly.
Monitoring environmental situations throughout transit is important to anticipate and forestall ship’s sweat.
Did you subscribe to our Every day publication?
It’s Free! Click on right here to Subscribe!
Supply: Swedish Membership
Source link
