BULK CARRIERS HANDLE WITH CARE

Nowadays, the tough conditions that are there at the market, are dictating the very intense operational demands on more than four-and-half thousand bulk carriers transporting nearly 30% of all of the world ocean cargoes. The cargoes having high density and weight - like coal or mineral ores - add some physical demands of the structures of the vessels, with particular focus made on their cargo hold areas.

For sure, the bulk carriers shall be handled with the extreme care both at sea and in the port. Ship's officers, stevedores bearing the responsibility for the cargo operations, as well as other involved parties, are the key ship safety partners since the lives of the seafarers depends on how careful the cargo is handled. Taking that into account, we understand how vital the proper ship-to-shore planning, exchange of information and good communication can be.

The present research conducted by IACS shows the readers that improper handling of high-density and heavy cargoes in the course of the loading/discharge may easily cause excessive stress which, in turn, may result in the physical damage to the ship's cargo holds and bulkheads. In the future, it may threaten the structural safety margins when the vessel is at sea during the severe weather condition.