Cargo alert update - Indonesia eases ban on export of Nickel and Bauxite Ore and unprocessed ore cargoes
Overview
Indonesian authorities relax ban on export of nickel and bauxite ore cargoes.
However, in mid January 2017, the Indonesian authorities have apparently relaxed the ban to a certain extent and shipment of certain metal concentrates and unprocessed nickel and bauxite ore cargoes are allowed, though BIMCO has yet to receive concrete information on how this will be done. It is understood that permits up to a maximum of 5 years will be granted for these exports, subject to fulfilment of certain conditions.
BIMCO advice
Pending further information received, BIMCO would urge members to be cautious when contemplating doing such fixtures. Nickel and bauxite ores are cargoes that have the tendency to liquefy if shipped at a moisture content above its transportable moisture limit (TML). It should also not be forgotten that shipment of such cargoes has caused severe casualties in the past due to the liquefaction of these cargoes, causing cargo shifting, loss of ship stability and lives, and ships capsizing. A stark reminder – see table below of some of the past casualties..
| Name of bulk carrier | Cargo | Loading country | Date of capsize | Fatalities |
| Bulk Jupiter | Bauxite | Malaysia | 1 January 2015 | 18 |
| Harita Bauxite | Nickel ore | Indonesia | 17 February 2013 | 15 |
| Vinalines Queen | Nickel ore | Indonesia | 25 December 2010 | 22 |
| Hong Wei | Nickel ore | Indonesia | 3 December 2010 | 10 |
| NASCO Diamond | Nickel ore | Indonesia | 10 November 2010 | 21 |
| Fu Jian | Nickel ore | Indonesia | 27 October 2010 | 13 |
It would be extremely prudent of BIMCO owners to check on the legal requirements of the export documentation required; consult their P&I club for professional guidance, as well as refer to the IMSBC Code for the proper carriage requirements of these cargoes.
BIMCO Solid Cargo database
Please go to the BIMCO cargo database on Nickel Ore and Bauxite for cargo information and carriage requirements.
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Posted:
02 February 2017
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