- The Guidelines for the Safe Carriage of Charcoal in Containers have been prepared by the CINS Charcoal Work Group and supersede all previous charcoal guidance published by CINS.
- The practices set out in this document are intended to improve safety during the carriage of Charcoal and to ensure that it is properly prepared, declared, packaged and carried.
The Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS), the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG), and TT Club have released updated Guidelines for the Safe Transport of Charcoal in Containers.
These new guidelines replace all prior Charcoal guidance issued by CINS and introduce practices aimed at enhancing safety during the transportation of Charcoal. They focus on ensuring that Charcoal is properly prepared, declared, packaged, and handled. The publication provides useful guidance on matters such as packaging and quantity. On this matter, the organizations advice the following:
Transportation requirements
Charcoal shall be transported in compliance with the stowage and segregation requirements set out in the IMDG Code. This requires the cargo to be protected from sources of heat and kept as cool as practically possible. Accessible stowage on deck is strongly recommended under these guidelines. Containers packed with Charcoal should be protected from direct sunlight.
Stowage considerations
A stowage under deck could be considered if an autonomous device with automatic triggering capable of putting out a fire without external action is placed within the container. However, firefighting with CO2 is unlikely to be effective, and a container stowed under deck may be difficult to access.
Weathering requirements
After production, the unpackaged and loose material shall be subject to weathering (stored under cover but in the open air) for a minimum period of 14 days before being packaged in preparation for transport. This weathering period starts from the conclusion of the pyrolysis process, and the packaging process may not commence until after the end of this stipulated period.
Alternative processes
The alternative permissible process after pyrolysis of applying steam and cooling to the unpacked material and then packing under an inert gas atmosphere relates to a specialist product, “Biochar,” rather than commonly produced Charcoal.
Temperature control
The temperature of any part of the cargo prior to packaging shall not exceed 40°C on the day of packing. Continuous use of a thermal camera to check the temperature during the packaging process is strongly recommended.
Packaging and handling
Charcoal shall only be shipped in packaged form. Packaging should be in good condition and must not be torn. The IMDG Code defines what packaging can be used for Charcoal classified as UN 1361. Packing instruction ‘P002’ is assigned to these entries and permits a maximum quantity of Charcoal per bag not exceeding 50 kg. This is applicable to both packing group entries. However, it is recommended that the maximum quantity should not exceed 30 kg, which would reflect the mass of individual bags that may be manually handled.
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Source: CINS
