Sea Transportation of Some Agriculture Products Liable to Self-heating

Abstract

Propensity of cargoes to self-heating is determined by many factors which can be divided into two main types - properties of the cargo and environment/storage conditions. Some agricultural products are susceptible to self-heating which can cause many serious problems during handling, storage and sea transportation of such commodities. Palm kernel shells (PKS) have been shipped in bulk since 2007 but they are not a currently listed cargo in the IMSBC. PKS are a natural by-product of palm oil processing and differ materially from the palm kernel expellers currently regulated by the IMSBC Code. However, their specific characteristics and negative external influences may cause them to behave like a substance from Class 4.2 (Substances liable to spontaneous combustion) or MHB cargo. Due to the importance of spontaneous combustion, particularly with respect to the storage and sea transportation of PKS, an investigation has been conducted.

Keywords

• Safety of Sea Transportation
• Sea Transportation
• Agriculture Products
• Self-Heating
• Palm Kernel Shells (PKS)
• IMSBC Code
• MHB Cargo
• Materials Hazardous only in Bulk (MHB)