Bulk Carriers: Handle with Care, 2nd Edition

Published: July 2020

Port and terminal authorities, together with owners and classification societies, therefore, have a role to minimise risk in bulk carrier operations. IACS - whose members class over 90% of the world bulk carrier fleet - has investigated why bulk carriers have become vulnerable to structural problems ... how their safety margins can be increased ... and how day-to­day operations can become safer for their seafarers.

IACS' research shows that improper handling of heavy, high density cargo during cargo loading and discharge may cause excessive stress - and physical damage to holds and transverse bulkheads. Over time, this may reduce or threaten structural safety margins when the ship is at sea in heavy weather. Careful cargo handling helps maintain bulk carrier safety - bad practice lowers safety margins and increases risk for damage.

This IACS booklet is part of continuing series of publications dedicated to safer bulk carrier operations. Summarising the main problems in loading and discharging heavy and high-density cargo, it then considers technical factors from the viewpoints of design limitations and the ship safety responsibilities of the ships' officers.

INTRODUCTION

HULL STRUCTURAL FAILURE

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

LOADS, HULL STRUCTURE AND DESIGN

CARGO DISTRIBUTION

LOADING GUIDANCE INFORMATION

PLANNING AND CONTROL OF CARGO HANDLING

PREPARATION FOR CARGO OPERATIONS

MONITORING AND CONTROLLING CARGO OPERATIONS:

HULL DAMAGE FROM CARGO OPERATIONS

BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT AT SEA

IACS AND BULK CARRIER SAFETY