What are hazards associated with Carriage of Solid Bulk Cargo ?

Following are the hazards associated with carriage of solid bulk cargo:

1. Improper weight distribution resulting in structural damage
   1. Excessive concentration on deck or inner bottom
   2. Improper distribution of weights between holds
2. Improper stability or reduction in stability
   1. Excessive stability (stiff ship) resulting in violent rolling and possible cargo shift and structural damage.
   2. Reduction of stability as a result of :
      • A transverse shift of the cargo surface as in the case of “DRY” cargoes and cargoes which do not become fluid when wet.
      • A transverse shift of “WET” cargoes which become fluid and give rise to free surface effect.
3. Spontaneous heating may occur in some cargoes eg. Fine copper ore, metal turnings and borings are subject to spontaneous heating.
4. Chemical reaction. Some categories of bulk cargo may be liable to chemical reaction, eg coal cargo emits toxic or explosive gas and have the effect of causing corrosion to steel structure.

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