Trinidad

Trinidad: DRI Loadings

Steers/Cariconsult International Ltd., West of England's correspondents in Barbados, have brought to attention a number of cases involving loading of direct reduced iron pellets (DRI) at Point Lisas in Trindad.

DRI pellets are listed in the IMO "Code of Safe Practice for the Carriage of Solid Cargoes in Bulk" under BC Code number 015. The Code identifies responsibilities of the shipper and the Competent Authority at the point of shipment of this cargo. DRI cargoes require inerting and temperature monitoring throughout loading, as well as further monitoring of oxygen, hydrogen and temperature levels until discharge.

The cases which Steers/Cariconsult are dealing with involve excessive heating of cargo, contamination of ship's decks and coatings with corrosive dust, crew death, shore side fires during loading, and loading of burning DRI. Although they are ongoing several appear to indicate physical shortcomings in shore facilities, chain of command failure, or inadequate application of safe practices in relation to loading and handling of DRI. The role of the Competent Authority is likely to come under scrutiny.

It is recommend that particular caution be exercised by all vessels loading DRI pellets in Trinidad and that Masters remain diligent to ensure that all recommendations of the IMO Code are properly carried out, and any deficiencies reported to shipowners so that proper steps can be taken prior to vessels sailing.