One week ago we published an urgent warning on the hazards of liquefaction of nickel ore cargoes, particularly when loaded in ports in Indonesia or the Philippines. This warning was issued due to a number of incidents, the most serious being the loss of two bulk carriers in November, the Nasco Diamond and Jian Fu Star. Tragically on 3 December another total loss occurred in similar circumstances to the previous losses. Additional information is provided in the attached News Release issued yesterday by INTERCARGO.
Owners and charterers of bulk carriers are urged to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken when loading bulk cargoes which are prone to liquefaction and in particular to exercise extreme caution when loading nickel ore from Indonesia or the Philippines. The Association is able to provide further assistance to members intending to load such cargoes.