The network held its 1st meeting of the year for 2025 last week which is the 5th meeting since it was launched in 2024. The questions discussed at the meeting are now available to members in My BIMCO (login required).
Key points discussed
Cargoes not listed in the IMSBC Code
- Trigger of section 1.3 and members involvement in such process
- Problems encountered by members dealing with these cargoes
- Some cargoes currently transported under section 1.3
- Anticipated set up and use of IMO Global Integrated Shipping Information (GISIS) module tracking these cargoes.
Port Reception Facilities (PRF) – challenging issues encountered
- Difficulties assessing when a PRF is inadequate in order to allow for discharge in special areas
- Advice sought with flag State and P&I club for cases of inadequate PRF
- Importance of ships/masters to lodge reports of inadequate PRF to flag State immediately
- Use of IMO/GISIS/PRF module to check on PRF facilities, reports of inadequate PRF and contact points.
The next meeting
The next online meeting which will be the 6th meeting is on Thursday 22 May 2025 at 07:00-08.30 UTC and the topics voted by the members to be dealt with at this meeting are as follows:
- Experiences (eg cargo declaration form required) regarding loading of grain cargoes or cargoes behaving like grain (Appendix 3 of the IMSBC Code)
- Loading of scrap metal – challenging issues encountered (e.g., loading in wet conditions as per custom trade, fire risk etc)
Join the network
We encourage all BIMCO owner members dealing with the shipment of dry bulk cargoes to join the network, where you will get the opportunity to ask questions and get useful information and knowledge from other members. Meetings are all held online.
For more information about the network and how you can join, please contact Henriette Dybkær.
The BIMCO Dry Bulk Cargo Network’s mission
The BIMCO Dry Bulk Cargo Network is a network created with the sole intention of allowing working professionals involved in the shipment of dry bulk cargoes the opportunity to learn from each other. Meetings are thus neither recorded nor minuted, and operate under the Chatham House Rule**.
To enable the network to work progressively, it is driven by the needs of its members. We encourage members to attend the online meetings regularly, because the more they can get to know each other, the more comfortable they will be sharing knowledge and having friendly discussions in the network. In turn, this will assist their business operations with sea transport of solid bulk cargoes. In addition, members facing any challenges are welcome to send us the same so that they can be raised at the network meetings for a full discussion.
* IMSBC Code – The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code
** When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.
