Distiller dried grain with solubles

Some of our Members have asked the Association for advice regarding the carriage of Distillers Dried Grain with Solubles (DDGS) as this cargo is not specifically addressed in the BC/IMSBC Codes.

DDGS is the dry residue remaining after the starch fraction of corn is fermented to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide and thereafter extracted. DDGS is used as an animal feed.

DDGS can arguably be handled in the same manner as hazardous seed cake. However, DDGS is produced by fermentation and not by mechanically expelling seeds or by solvent extraction and as such it does not fall within the type of seed cake expressly provided for in the Code. Indeed, it is not, strictly speaking, a seed cake.

A proposal to include a new schedule for DDGS in the IMSBC Code was on the agenda of the 15th session of the Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid Cargoes and Containers (DSC 15), held on 13-17 September 2010, in London.

DSC 15 is understood to have accepted submissions that DDGS should be categorised as a Group C cargo i.e. non-hazardous, subject to a maximum oil content of 11% and a maximum water content of 13%. This classification will not be approved until 2011 and is not likely to be binding until 2013.

In order to protect Members’ interests, surveyors have been instructed to attend at a recent loading of DDGS cargo. Samples were taken during loading. The samples were sent for testing and it was noted that, although the oil content of the cargo varied between 6 to 12%, the combined oil and moisture content varied from 19.6 to 22.5%.

The cargo would therefore have been classed as hazardous, as defined by IMDG Class 4.2, UN number 1386, if it had been a solvent or mechanically extracted seed cake. However as it is likely that the cargo would fall within the criteria currently under consideration at the IMO, the cargo accordingly would be considered as non-hazardous.

Consultants recently appointed by the Association have pointed out that the Codes are largely concerned with the safety of ships at sea and that the limits established for composition are not to be considered as rigid. Hazards increase as the limits are approached and continue to increase as those limits are exceeded.

The ideal carriage temperature for a seed cake type cargo is 5° to 25°C and the cargo temperature should be no higher than 10° above ambient temperature or a maximum 55°C. These types of cargoes may self heat slowly and it is important to ascertain the ambient temperature, particularly if loading in tropical ports, monitor temperatures during the voyage, and to carry out ventilation as appropriate for the type of cargo.

Shippers are obliged to provide a declaration that cargo is safe and supply certification from a relevant authority detailing the oil and the water content. If members continue to have concerns following the receipt of this information they should contact the Association so that an appropriate expert can be instructed.

source: Britannia

November 2010