Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Stowing
Whilst all classes of coal are susceptible toself-heating under appropriate conditions, some types of
coal, particularly lower gradei.egeologically immature coals, have a particular propensity in this
regard. The blending of different types of coal may also enhance the propensity of spontaneous
combustion. Very little can be discerned about the potential properties of a cargo simply by visual
inspection at the time of loading. Thus, given the wide variability in the properties of coal, it is
essential for the Master of the vessel to obtain full details of the specific characteristics of cargo
from the shipper prior to loading. If the Master is not satisfied that he has been provided with
sufficient information concerning the properties of the cargo, or has reason for concern about the
safe carriage of the cargo, he should seek expert advice before shipment of the cargo.
Ventilation
As the cargo is prone to self-heating, ventilation should be restricted to
an absoluteminimum, and it is essential that the cargo is trimmed as level as is reasonably
possible. Any increase in temperature maycause self- heating. More so, nature of the cargo is such
that a hot spotin the stow is unlikely to be detected in the early stages unless there happens to be
a temperature probe in the right location. Since self heating is an oxidation process the oxygen
concentration in the hold atmosphere under conditions of restricted ventilation is likely to become
depleted. For cargoes which are liable to emit methane, the possibility of explosion is high.
Henceprecautionsshould be taken to avoid the accumulation of flammable atmosphere in
the holds although excessive ventilation, particularly into the body of the coal, may cause self –
heating.
Contamination
Most classes of coal, particularly thoseused for coke making, suffer deterioration and
depreciation in value due to contact with salt water. However, quality, calorific value
apart, coal is seldom affected due to contact with fresh water. Hence, proper care should be
taken in arriving at depreciation or loss arising from spontaneous combustion, heating,
or water damage.The assistance of a qualified sampler/analyst is essential to determine the
degree of deterioration.
Spontaneous combustion
A commodity having relatively low ignition temperature begins to releaseheat. It may occur due
to oxidation by moisture and air and, in some cases, bacterial fermentation generates heat. If heat
is unable to escape, the temperature of some commodities like hay, straw, peat etc. increases.
Withregardto coal , the possibility of self- heating decreases with increasing rank of the
coal. Lignitecoal is more susceptible than bituminous coal, but the latter is more active than
anthracite coal. It is also found that mined coal consumes oxygen more rapidly than
weathered coal and, therefore, mined coal self-heats to a greater extent than weathered coal.
When spontaneous combustion occurs, the temperature rises initiallybut no burning in the
normal sense takes place. This stage is called “heating”. Apart from the increase in temperature,
heatingmay develop from the gases
produced i.e.carbon monoxide. Since the gases produced tend to increase the
possibility of spontaneous combustion in a remote location, it is difficult to locate the
place of heating. The heating gradually developsinto afire unless the situation alters.
Loss of Weight
Coal or coke shipped in wet condition may be subject to loss of weight due to drainage during
the voyage or by evaporation up to, say 3%, depending on the quantity shipped. However,
loading and unloading in heavy rain may result in an increase in discharged weight over shipped
weight. Apart from the physical weighing of the commodity on loading and discharging, an
approximate check of the lost or added weight can be made by using the immersion scale of the
vessel or by comparison of moisture analysis of cargo samples taken professionally during
loading and discharging. Cargo weights are, in certain cases ,ascertained at
points remote from ship’s rail and alternatively at the time the cargo is put into stock on
quay or in barge. In such cases, variation between the weight indicated asshipped andthat
actually loaded will occur.Since coal absorbs water, it is always traded on a dry weight basis
i.e.moisture content at both ends should be considered when payment is made to the seller.
Risk factors
The common hazards related to coal during its shipment are as under:
Underwriting Considerations
While accepting the risk, the following conditions should be strictly adhered to:
The risk under the policy will commence as per Incoterms 2010.
Thepolicy shall be subject to supervised loading and discharge of cargo by the
surveyors nominated by the underwriters.
The cover excludes midstream loading/discharge, lighterage and transportation of goods by
barges. However, if thecover is granted, the same shall berestricted to ICC ( C) only. The cover for
spontaneouscombustion duringoceanvoyage may begranted but subjecttoan excess of at least
1.5% on the value of the whole consignment. The cover for spontaneous combustion during
transportation by barges and inland vessel/conveyance should not be granted.
The cover excludes rain, sea water damage, theft and pilferage during storage in open and
during transportation by open wagon even in the ordinary course of transit.
The cover excludes moisture loss, loss of calorific value, deterioration, contaminationand
unexplained shortage.The cover also excludes payment of ransom arising out of PA/GA.
The policy shall be subject to Co-mingled clause, Institute Classification Clause and ISM
endorsement and Sanction Limitation and Exclusion Clause.
Conclusion
AnISO container may be stuffed for carriage of bagged coal. If Open top, half-height, or closed
box containers are used for bulk, the containers should be properly lined against abrasive damage
and dirt by lining the whole container with plastic sheet or similar kind of articles.Explosives are not
permitted tobe put in a hold carrying coal in any compartment to avoid explosion. Coals of all
types may be carried safely if they are handled, loaded and stowed properly with due regard to
their particular properties.