Cement & Clinker Cargo: Is Your Vessel Coated for Compliance?

 🚢 Cement & Clinker Cargo: Is Your Vessel Coated for Compliance?

✅ Do you know if your cement cargo needs slip coating before loading?

✅ Are you aware who pays for coating materials and application time?

✅ Can improper slip coating put your charter at legal risk?

 

📜 Clause Breakdown: Slip Coating for Cement Clinker / Bulk Cement (NYPE 2015 Format)

When carrying cement clinker or bulk cement, a special protective barrier—slip coating—may be required inside cargo holds to prevent damage, cargo residue buildup, and environmental contamination. The NYPE 2015 slip coating clause clearly outlines responsibilities and implications for both Owners and Charterers.

🔍 Key Elements of the Clause:

1. Advance Notification & Confirmation
• Charterers must inform Owners in advance if slip coating (e.g., lime wash or equivalent) is required.
2. Cost & Time Allocation
• Charterers supply the materials at their cost and bear all time used for application, which still counts as on-hire.
3. Application Responsibility
• The Vessel's crew, under the Master’s supervision, applies the slip coating unless otherwise agreed. No off-hire claim arises due to application.
4. Regulatory Compliance
• Charterers must ensure coating material is IMO, MARPOL, and locally compliant.
5. Post-Discharge Cleaning
• Charterers are responsible for cleaning cargo residue if it remains despite proper slip coating. Any delay or cost from poor or insufficient coating falls on Charterers.
6. Legal & Environmental Indemnity
• Charterers warrant full compliance with the IMSBC Code, MARPOL, and local environmental regulations and indemnify Owners for fines, delays, or penalties.

 

⚠️ Common Pitfalls & Real-Life Implications

• Late Notification: Delays occur if slip coat requirement is conveyed post-arrival. Vessel may not be prepared, leading to demurrage claims.
• Non-IMO Approved Materials: Using non-compliant coatings may lead to port fines or cargo contamination.
• Improper Application: If the coating is not applied correctly, cargo residue can harden on hold surfaces, leading to costly hold cleaning or delays at the next port.
• Assumed Off-Hire: Some Charterers mistakenly assume coating application time is off-hire—it is not.

🧠 BIMCO Commentary Insight:

BIMCO clauses such as the Cement Cargo Clause and guidance under the IMSBC Code underscore that cementitious cargoes require careful handling due to hygroscopic nature and risk of contamination or residue. Slip coating serves as a protective measure, not a luxury.

 

🔧 Actionable Steps for Operators, Managers, Owners & Charterers:

For Charterers:

• ✅ Notify Owners early if slip coating is required.
• ✅ Supply IMO/MARPOL-compliant coating materials.
• ✅ Budget time and costs for application (vessel remains on-hire).
• ✅ Provide clear instructions and technical sheets for coating type.

For Owners/Managers:

• ✅ Ensure crew is trained and equipped for proper application.
• ✅ Document coating process to avoid disputes.
• ✅ Refuse non-compliant materials that risk violating MARPOL/IMO codes.
• ✅ Record hold condition before and after discharge for claims protection.

For Operators:

• ✅ Plan port stays considering coating time.
• ✅ Communicate between Charterers and Vessel to align expectations.
• ✅ Monitor post-discharge cleaning responsibilities to avoid post-voyage surprises.

 

🧭 Conclusion & Call-to-Action

Understanding and properly implementing the Slip Coating Clause under NYPE 2015 can save you thousands in delays, disputes, and cleaning costs. Don’t let a layer of lime wash become a mountain of legal risk!

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📌 Disclaimer:

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or commercial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult relevant charter party clauses, classification societies, and legal professionals for specific guidance.