Ship owners, operators and charterers must address potential risks when loading flexible intermediate bulk containers, or ‘jumbo bags’, containing dry chemicals or risk voiding their P&I cover, warns The London P&I Club.

Following a number of incidents reported across the industry, it says that failure to strictly comply with all relevant International Maritime Organization regulations and guidance governing the storage and handling of jumbo bags could prejudice P&I cover.

Ian Barr, director at The London P&I Club, said: “Serious problems also occur when FIBCs are stored incorrectly with break bulk or steel cargoes, which can damage the integrity of the jumbo bags and cause significant spillage leading to delays, fines or claims.”

To help operators and wider industry to understand the risks, the Club has developed a detailed case study of a fictional bulk carrier – MV Calm Sea – which can be used as a training resource for identifying risks, liabilities and best practices.

Barr added: “We urge owners, operators, charterers and masters to be extra vigilant when developing stowage plans and loading FIBCs and other big bags onboard. They should alert us immediately so that assistance can be sought from qualified industry experts before proceeding.”

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