⚓ Bitumen Is Excluded… But You’re Loading Bituminous Coal – Are You Technically Protected?

 

⚓ Bitumen Is Excluded… But You’re Loading Bituminous Coal – Are You Technically Protected?

There are moments in port when paperwork looks simple…
Yet the implications are not.

You receive the shipper’s documents.
You see “Bituminous Coal.”
Then you remember — your Charter Party excludes Bitumen.

That one word difference can create confusion… and risk.

Let us break this down calmly — Master to Master.

 

1️⃣ Bitumen vs Bituminous Coal – Commercially Similar Words, Operationally Different Cargoes

On paper, they look related. In practice, they are worlds apart.

Bitumen is a petroleum asphalt product. Sticky. Semi-liquid. Carried hot in tanks.
Bituminous coal is solid fossil fuel. Loaded in bulk cargo holds. Covered under the IMSBC Code.

Your cargo documents clearly state Bulk Cargo Shipping Name (BCSN): Bituminous Coal with particle size up to 50 mm, bulk density around 1.0 t/m³, angle of repose 35–39°. This is standard thermal or metallurgical coal.

So from a commercial and technical standpoint:

Bitumen exclusion in the Charter Party does not apply to bituminous coal.

This is important for Owners and Operators. A misunderstanding here could lead to unnecessary dispute or refusal.

Always read the IMSBC schedule — not just the word.

#CharterParty #BulkCarrierLife #ShippingLaw #CargoOperations #MaritimeClarity

 

2️⃣ What the Moisture Certificate Really Means – And Why It Matters ⚓

The Certificate of Moisture declares:

Transportable Moisture Limit (TML): 17%
Actual moisture: 8–11%

In simple language — the cargo moisture is well below the level where liquefaction becomes a concern.

Liquefaction risk? Low.

This is not iron ore fines.
This is not nickel ore.
Coal at this moisture range is generally stable.

However, many officers relax once they see “moisture within limits.”

That is the mistake.

Coal claims rarely arise from liquefaction.
They arise from heating.

Moisture is not your main enemy here.
Gas is.

So yes, document review is important.
But understanding the real hazard is even more important.

#IMSBCCode #CoalCargo #ShipMaster #MarineSafety #BulkShipping

 

3️⃣ The Real Risk – Self-Heating and Gas, Not Liquefaction 🧭

Bituminous coal carries three primary risks:

Self-heating due to oxidation.
Methane gas emission.
Carbon monoxide generation.

Carbon monoxide is your early warning.
If CO readings rise steadily, heating has started internally.

Methane accumulation creates explosion risk in enclosed spaces.

That is why the shipper’s declaration instructs:

• Natural surface ventilation for 24 hours after departure
• Then close ventilation
• Regular monitoring of oxygen, methane, and carbon monoxide

Uncontrolled ventilation after departure can actually feed oxygen and accelerate heating.

This is where seamanship matters.

Coal voyages fail quietly — not dramatically.

#GasMonitoring #CoalHeating #Seamanship #MaritimeRisk #ShipOpsInsights

 

4️⃣ Loading Precautions – Where Most Coal Claims Begin 🚢

Before loading:

Holds must be completely clean and dry.
Bilges operational and protected.
No residues from previous cargo.
No oil contamination.

If cargo appears steaming or unusually hot — stop loading and issue protest immediately.

During loading:

Trim reasonably level.
Avoid segregation.
Prevent formation of gas pockets.
Stop operations during rain. Document everything.

Remember — once the hatch covers are closed, your documentation becomes your shield.

Coal disputes are rarely emotional.
They are technical — and evidence-driven.

#PortOperations #CargoCare #MasterMariner #BulkCarrier #MaritimeDiscipline

 

5️⃣ Sea Passage and Discharge – Where Reputation Is Tested 🌊

After departure:

Ventilate naturally for 24 hours.
Then close ventilation as per instructions.

Daily:

Measure methane.
Measure oxygen.
Measure carbon monoxide.
Record readings carefully.

If CO rises progressively — heating may be developing.

Never open holds unnecessarily.
Never enter without gas testing.

At discharge:

Test atmosphere before opening.
If cargo is steaming or smoking — stop discharge and inform P&I immediately.

Receivers often allege:
“Cargo heated during voyage.”

Your defence?

Gas logs.
Ventilation records.
Temperature records.
Weather data.

Documentation wins coal claims.

#VoyageManagement #CoalDischarge #PAndI #ShippingReality #OperationalExcellence

 

⚓ Final Reflection – Coal Is Routine… Until It Isn’t

Bituminous coal is a common cargo.

Moisture safe.
Liquefaction unlikely.

But heating and gas risk remain very real.

The difference between a smooth voyage and a costly dispute is rarely luck.

It is preparation.
Monitoring.
And disciplined documentation.

If this perspective resonates with your operational experience:

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Because in bulk shipping…
The quiet risks are the ones that demand the most attention. ⚓