A vessel carrying maize skilled cargo injury throughout a voyage from Mexico to Southern Africa. The incident highlights the dangers related to fumigation practices and altering weather conditions throughout lengthy passages.
What Occurred
The vessel loaded white maize in heat situations of round 30°C. After completion of loading, the cargo holds have been fumigated, and directions required the holds to stay closed till 12 hours earlier than arrival on the discharge port. The vessel transited by way of the Magellan Straits, encountering ambient temperatures close to 0°C. On arrival on the first discharge port, mould was discovered on the cargo floor in all holds. Condensation stains have been seen on the hatch covers and coamings, and maize had germinated in areas the place water had dripped or run onto the stow. Stevedores manually segregated the broken floor cargo, after which the remaining cargo was discharged in sound situation.
Why It Occurred
The injury was attributable to ship’s sweat, the place moisture condensed on chilly metal surfaces contained in the holds as a result of sharp temperature drop in the course of the voyage. Condensed water dripped or ran onto the cargo, wetting and damaging the floor layers. Prolonged closure of the holds, as per fumigation directions, prevented well timed air flow that might have lowered condensation.
Actions Taken
Broken floor layers have been eliminated manually and by seize. The sound cargo beneath was then discharged with out additional points.
Classes Realized
Air flow of holds after a typical fumigation publicity interval (typically round 10 days) may forestall or reduce condensation-related injury.
Fumigation directions must be clarified upfront with fumigators and charterers, as they focus solely on pest management and will not contemplate environmental situations anticipated in the course of the voyage.
Crew ought to assess temperature variations on the supposed route and plan cargo care measures accordingly.
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