What did you miss at the second meeting of the BIMCO Dry Bulk Cargo Network?

Published: 22 May 2024

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With over 110 owner members signed up, the second meeting held on 16 February had a lively discussion covering the following agenda items:  

• Dangerous goods and non-dangerous goods in solid form in bulk 
• Bulk Cargo Shipping Name (BSCN as in the IMSBC Code*) and Proper Shipping Name (PSN as in the IMDG Code*) 
• Loading of UN 3077 EHS cargoes; documentation required as most flags have different views 

*IMSBC Code – The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code 
*IMDG Code – The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code  

Many members took part in the discussion asking a myriad of questions and sharing information about their experiences. It was clear that many members got the clarification they needed as well as achieving a learning process which included for example, on how difficulties encountered with class, flag States, port authorities and not to mention shippers pertaining to UN 3077 cargoes could be resolved amicably.  

Below are some of the takeaways from the 2nd meeting:  

Dangerous goods and non-dangerous goods in solid form in bulk 

• Understanding and interpretation of what is dangerous and non-dangerous goods in solid form in bulk 
• Difference between grain cargoes and seed cakes and relation to the IMSBC Code and the International Grain Code 

Bulk Cargo Shipping Name (BSCN as in the IMSBC Code) and Proper Shipping Name (PSN as in the IMDG Code) 

• Getting incorrect BCSNs from shippers in their cargo information and declaration forms 
• Grain cargoes – use of BCSN and any requirement of cargo information and declaration form from shipper?  
• Shipper’s cargo information and declaration form and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – which document to rely on in terms of accurate information furnished 
• MSDS – use of MSDS, the importance of getting updated MSDS to include HME declaration after the introduction of mandatory requirements for HME into MARPOL in 2018 
• Bagged cargoes or cargoes shipped in packaged form (IMDG Code) - the requirement of cargo declaration form from shippers  

Loading of UN 3077 EHS (environmentally hazardous) cargoes. Documentation required as most flags have different views  

• UN 3077 EHS cargoes – its use in the IMSBC Code, operation of 4.1.1. 3 of the IMSBC code, issues with metal sulphide concentrate cargoes and getting approval from the class/flag states and the recommended way forward
• Non-compliance of MARPOL Annex V for discharge of cargo residues when it is HME but declared by shipper as non-HME (harmful to the marine environment) and which party is responsible for non-compliance
• Confusion surrounding shipper declaring cargo as UN 3077 and whether this makes the cargo HME  

We would like to thank Martin Kondrup from Lauritzen Bulkers for chairing again. Without his presence and extensive bag of experience, we would not have been able to facilitate the meeting any better. We are truly grateful and appreciative of him for accepting to take on the chair a second time round. 

The 3rd meeting will be held on Thursday 29 August at 08:00-09:30 UTC and will focus on the following topics, based on a result of a poll conducted at this meeting.  

• Materials harmful to the marine environment (HME), MARPOL Annex V & Discharge of Cargo Residues 
• Materials hazardous only when transported in bulk (MHB) 
• How to categorise Group C cargoes that can liquefy (tentative) 

The BIMCO Dry Bulk Cargo Network is a network solely created to allow working professionals involved in the shipment of dry bulk cargoes the opportunity to learn from each other. Meetings are thus neither recorded nor minuted, and operate under the Chatham House Rule**.  

To enable the network to work progressively, it will be driven by the needs of its members. We encourage members to attend the meetings regularly, because the more they can get to know each other, the more comfortable they will be sharing knowledge and having friendly discussions in the network. In turn, this will assist their business operations with sea transport of solid bulk cargoes.  

For more information about this network and how you can join, please contact Henriette Dybkær HDY@bimco.org

**When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed. 

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