Carrying containers on bulk carriers ‘probably not the best solution to the current problem’, according to Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty safety head Rahul Khanna, says an article published on llyodslist website.
Drawbacks
Drawbacks highlighted include lack of securing mechanisms, crews not trained in container handling, increased chance of container damage and weather dangers to deck loads on vessels with lower freeboards.
Among the drawbacks highlighted are a lack of securing mechanisms, crews not trained in container handling, an increased chance of container damage, and the dangers to deck loads on vessels with lower freeboards, especially in bad weather.
Most of the problems boil down to the irreducible fact that bulkers are just not designed for the task into which some are now being pressed, specialists reiterated.
All things considered, carrying boxes on bulkers is “probably not the best solution to the current problem”, according Rahul Khanna, global head of marine risk consulting at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty and author of the definitive annual survey of loss trends from a marine insurance viewpoint.
Unprecedented demand
The issue has arisen in the wake of current unprecedented demand for container slots, thanks to disruption to the supply chain resulting from the pandemic, leaving some shippers ready to resort to unorthodox measures.
In consequence, smaller and medium-sized bulk carriers — especially handies — are sometimes loading hundreds of containers in their holds.
Older hands insist that this is not unprecedented and has previously been seen in times of overheated box markets.
But it does not appear to have been a common occurrence, even during the supercycle shipping boom of the noughties prior to the global financial crisis.
Even now, the phenomenon appears relatively limited. Best guesses would suggest that perhaps a few dozen voyages of this type have so far taken place. However, many more are likely if current market conditions persist, observers believe.
Bulk carriers have long been able to carry a limited number of containers on deck without further formality, under the International Maritime Organization’s Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing, known as “the CSS code” in shipping jargon.
Not enough securing points
Carrying boxes in the hold is not against any regulation as such but does rely on the loophole that the Safety of Life at Sea convention does not closely define what is meant by “intended to carry dry bulk”.
Permission should be sought from the flag state administration and from class, and insurers notified, according to guidance from West of England.
Capt Khanna argued: “Bulk carriers are essentially made to carry bulk cargoes, such as coal and iron ore.
“The reason they don’t carry breakbulk cargo, general cargo or project cargo is that they don’t have enough securing points to withstand all the forces we can expect during a voyage.
“Also, the shape and design of a bulk carrier cargo hold is not conducive to these sorts of cargo.”
The same principles can be extended where bulkers are hauling boxes, for which they may not have proper securing mechanisms. In addition, their crews are unlikely to have training in correct lashing techniques.
Regulation compliance
Bulker operators seeking permission from class to carry boxes would have to devise a container securing arrangement plan, which would need prior approval, Mr Wilson added.
If the intention is to carry two layers of containers on deck and/or more than three layers in the holds, an approved lashing computer system or an approved lashing plan for each individual voyage would also be required.
Where dangerous goods are to be carried, there are additional regulations with which compliance is again necessary.
The challenge with bulk carriers will be to obtain sufficient deadweight to get the vessel far enough down in the water.
“A bulk carrier is designed to carry bulk cargoes which fill the whole hold. The density of the containers you could get into the hold would mean a fairly light draft, I would have thought.”
In sum, Mr Wilson’s only real concerns would be if an owner went ahead without proper approvals in place.
Summary
- Carrying containers on bulk carriers ‘probably not the best solution to the current problem.
- Drawbacks highlighted include lack of securing mechanisms, crews not trained in container handling, increased chance of container damage and weather dangers to deck loads on vessels with lower freeboards
- The issue has arisen in the wake of current unprecedented demand for container slots, thanks to disruption to the supply chain resulting from the pandemic, leaving some shippers ready to resort to unorthodox measures.
- Bulker operators seeking permission from class to carry boxes would have to devise a container securing arrangement plan, which would need prior approval.
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Source: llyodslist
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