Question

1. In order to deal with the problems and hazards arising from improper stowage and securing of certain cargoes on ships, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued guidelines in the form of Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing (CSS Code). This Code applies to cargoes carried on board ships (other than solid and liquid bulk cargoes and timber stowed on deck) and to those cargoes whose stowage and securing have proved in practice to create difficulties. What are the risks in cargo operations? Why are liquid bulk cargo not included in the code?

Answer 1

The risks in cargo operations are:

- Unreliable carriers pose a great threat to the safe transportation of the products in containers.

- If the business that transports the products fail to understand the conditions that impact the products and its packaging during the transportation would result in damages of the product.

- Cargo operations are highly vulnerable to theft. It can also lead to unauthorized access eventually leading to theft of cargo containers or the products.

- The products are at great risk if the third party warehouse that is used to transport the goods does not follow proper storage and handling procedures.

- Cargo operations that do not include potential risks due to the natural calamities might have to face huge losses of the products or investment.

- Unsuitable cargo distribution and improperly designed ship are vulnerable to high risk in cargo operations.

The reason that liquid bulk cargoes are not included in the CSS code is because liquid is transported in tanks that are attached rigidly and permanently with the vehicle to avoid any spillage of the liquid. However, the cargo unit means a vehicle or container or portable tank or any other pallet that is not permanently fixed to the ship. Hence, it is not possible to transport liquid or gaseous products via cargo or sea transport. Road tank-vehicle is best suited to transported liquid as the tank is permanently fitted to the vehicle to avoid being toppled over.