Carriage of sawn timber on deck

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Bureau (MAIB) has reported its concern over eight incidences in which sawn timber cargoes carried on deck of bulk carriers have shifted and caused the vessel to list up to 45 degrees due to the vessel encountering heavy weather and sustaining wave impact. It is said the incidences all involve cargoes loaded from Russia and Baltic.

MAIB suggests these vessels to increase the friction on the deck by means of special paints, and the crew should take extra precaution on the lashing and stowage of deck cargoes.

Owners should endeavour to include a rider clause into the charterparty which provides for the following.

• Charterers to assume all liability, loss, damage and expense sustained by owners arising from the carriage of deck cargoes regardless of fault on the part of the master or crew.
• Charterers to assume the additional cost of ensuring the vessel is made safer for the carriage of deck cargoes if such recommendations are in accordance with the vessel's insurers and any national or international maritime body or organization.

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