What did you miss at the 6th meeting of the BIMCO Dry Bulk Cargo Network?

Our 2nd meeting for 2025 and 6th meeting of the BIMCO Dry Bulk Cargo Network was held on 22 May 2025 focusing on the following topics chosen by the network members:

• Loading of scrap metal – challenging issues encountered  
  (e.g., loading in wet conditions as per custom trade, fire risk) 
• Experiences regarding loading of cargoes behaving like grain 

The scrap metal topic was discussed quite extensively in the meeting and we went out of time. Below are the takeaways from this topic as well as from cargoes behaving like grain.

Takeaways and FAQ 
Below are some of the takeaways from this meeting where a lot of discussion was had amongst members:  

Loading of scrap metal – challenging issues encountered
(eg loading in wet conditions as per custom trade, fire risk)  

• 60% of members polled that the IMSBC Code is adequately addressing the risks for scrap metal Group C while 40% polled otherwise. 
• Lack of a good description in scrap metal schedule covering types of scrap metal, contaminated articles or materials, extent of contamination increasing fire risk due to self-heating and oxidation.
• Mitigating the fire risks by knowing the type of scrap metal being shipped, the relationship between the owners and the charterers/shippers (trust/credibility) and the ports where issues are likely to occur.
• Difference explained with wetted cargo loading in a cargo hold from open storage unable to drain or ventilate as it would when it is in open storage.
• Risks of accepting to load scrap metal that has been stored exposed to rain or loading in rain:  risk of losing insurance cover and non-compliance of the IMSBC Code.
• Recommendations: seek P&I assistance, engage cargo surveyor, improve charter party terms and avoid issue of LOIs.

Experiences regarding loading of cargoes behaving like grain 

• Section 5 of the IMSBC Code*: trimming procedures, non-cohesive cargoes, angle of repose (AOR) and the trimming procedures applicable and how many did not realise that some IMSBC Code cargoes may need to be transported as grain cargoes as required.   
• Identifying non-cohesive cargoes in the IMSBC Code via Appendix 3 and AOR in individual cargo schedules   
• AOR –Important for shipper to declare in the cargo declaration form one AOR number for a non-cohesive cargo and not a range as depicted in the IMSBC Code individual cargo schedule. 
• 59% of members polled that they seldom have difficulties in getting terminals to trim cargoes as per section 5 with 34% having often this issue whilst 6 % never have such difficulties.

We will update the FAQ section of the BIMCO Dry Bulk Cargo Network, exclusively available to BIMCO members, with the questions collected from this meeting and inform members when it is ready. 

The next meeting  

The next online meeting which will be the 7th meeting is on Thursday 28 August 2025 at 07:00-08.30 UTC and the topics voted by the members to be dealt with at this meeting are as follows: 

• Types of cargoes exempted from CO2 fittings
• Charcoal shipments in bulk or bags – clarification on new rules from 1 January 2025 (voluntary) 

Members are most welcome to write to us if they have topics that they wish to discuss at one of these meetings. Please write to Ai-Cheng Foo-Nielsen at acfn@bimco.org 

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 HDY@bimco.org.   

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 will be 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.