A recent incident reported by the Swedish Club involved cargo damage during the loading and transport of steel products. Weather conditions and procedural challenges during cargo handling contributed to the damage.
What Happened
A vessel was loading steel cargo when intermittent rain interrupted operations. Loading was halted, and the hatch covers were closed; however, since the covers could only be closed sequentially, parts of the cargo were exposed and became wet. Stevedores attempted to protect the cargo with tarpaulins. Several hours later, heavy weather struck the port, damaging the tarpaulins and allowing water to enter the cargo hold. The crew added plastic coverings, but approximately 150 steel bundles sustained water damage. After the weather subsided, loading resumed but was interrupted three more times by rain, requiring the hatch covers to be closed repeatedly. During the voyage, the crew ventilated the cargo holds according to procedures. On arrival, the consignee claimed rust damage to the cargo.
Why It Happened
The incident occurred because the hatch covers could only be closed one at a time, delaying full protection of the cargo during rainfall. Temporary coverings such as tarpaulins and plastic sheets were insufficient against heavy weather, allowing water to reach the steel. Limited pre-loading coordination and inadequate anticipation of weather conditions further contributed to the damage, while ventilation practices during the voyage may not have fully prevented condensation risks.
Actions Taken
- The Crew attempted to mitigate exposure by covering cargo with tarpaulins and later plastic sheets.
- Hatch covers were closed multiple times during rain events to limit further water ingress.
- Ventilation was carried out during the voyage as per the vessel’s procedures.
Lessons Learned
- Masters should issue letters of protest and clause bills of lading and cargo manifests if wet or damaged cargo is observed during loading.
- Continuous monitoring of weather forecasts and radar is essential to ensure hatch covers are closed before rainfall.
- Pre-loading meetings with stevedores and crew should be conducted to align on cargo securing and protection requirements.
- Ventilation practices must be adjusted based on climate differences between loading and voyage routes to prevent cargo or ship’s sweat.
- Cargo inspection at the wharf should include checks for rust, seawater exposure, packaging damage, and effectiveness of protective coverings.
- Dunnage must be dry, phytosanitary-certified, and preferably hardwood to prevent moisture transfer, pest risks, and crushing damage.
- Bills of lading should be claused with any defects or abnormalities observed during pre-loading and loading operations.
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Source: Swedish Club
