Bulk Distributor May/Jun 16

BULKDISTRIBUTOR www.bulk-distributor.com May/June 2016 Est. 1990 Your single information source for bulk and semi-bulk logistics Tank Containers • Flexitanks • IBCs • Drums • FIBCs • Bulk Liners • Road Tankers • Loading/Bagging • Bulk Logistics • Cleaning & Repair Depots • Components IN THIS ISSUE Shipper 2 China 4 Tank Cleaning 7 Tank Containers 8 Components 13 Russia 17 Road Tankers 18 Dry Bulk Handling 20 FIBCs & Bagging 21 Logistics 24 Ports 27 Managing Editor: Neil Madden [email protected] Tel: +33 (0)3 88 60 30 68 Advertising Director: Anne Williams [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)20 854 13130 Business Development Executive: Mike Reardon [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1565 653283 Circulation: Berni Chetham [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1565 653283 © Ashley & Dumville Publishing Ltd Bulk Distributor is published by Ashley & Dumville Publishing Ltd Caledonian House, Tatton Street, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6AG, United Kingdom www.bulk-distributor.com To advertise or contribute please email [email protected] or [email protected] Calcium hypochlorite guidelines aimed at preventing container fires F ollowing an apparent upsurge in container fires involving calcium hypochlorite, new guidelines have been published for carriage of the chemical in containers. The guidelines were issued jointly by CINS (the Cargo Incident Notification System) and the International Group of P&I Clubs. Global production of calcium hypochlorite for both domestic and export markets is estimated at about 400,000 tonnes a year. The product is marketed widely as ‘chlorine powder’ or ‘bleach powder’ for applications, such as water treatment or as a bleaching agent. It is commonly used to sanitise public swimming pools and disinfect drinking water. The practices set out in the new Guidelines are intended to allow carriage of the product under controlled circumstances, to ensure that it is properly declared, packaged and carried. The practices are also designed to encourage carriers to have the confidence to accept the commodity for shipment under an acceptable method. Key recommendations of the guidelines are the use of plastic drums with adequate air circulation, a package limit of 45kg net weight and a limit on the maximum payload per container not exceeding 14 tonnes. Dry or reefer containers may be used - provided that a proper risk assessment is undertaken. The IG Clubs have reported an increase in recent years in container fires involving calcium hypochlorite, leading to some shipping lines imposing very strict carriage precautions or even outright carriage bans. Fire incident investigations also suggest that, in the vast majority of cases, the chemical has been either mis-declared by shippers, and so wrongly described as a product that would ordinarily be considered harmless; or having less strict carriage requirements under the IMDG Code. However, both the Protection and Indemnity Clubs (under the IG Clubs) and the carrier members of CINS recognise that many responsible shippers do properly declare their calcium hypochlorite shipments. These have been carried without incident by applying the additional precautions recommended by the IG Clubs as well as carriers’ own precautions, which have led to the joint recommendation. Working groups established by members of CINS and the IG Clubs have shared their views and experience. It is intended that the resulting guidelines will be seen as providing a clearer and more logical step-by-step guidance, starting with issues surrounding cargo hazards and categorisation under the IMDG Code, through to issues concerning container selection, container stuffing and stowage on the ship. A full overview of the precautions can be found in the guidelines published on the websites of CINS and IG Clubs. www.cinsnet.com www.igpandi.org FEATURES IN THE NEXT ISSUE Flexitanks & Bulk Liners Equipment Leasing Tank Manufacturing Transport insurers have reported an increase in recent years in container fires involving calcium hypochlorite Suttons to exit British Sugar contract U K road tankers specialist Suttons Tankers will not seek to renew its current contract for the supply of bulk sugar products with British Sugar Plc when the current contract expires later this year. This decision will bring to an end an eight year relationship between the two companies. The decision not to seek renewal comes following a review of Suttons UK’s activities and reflects the company’s desire to focus on its core business in the hazardous chemicals, gases and fuels sectors. The decision also follows Suttons’ acquisition of Imperial Tankers in September 2014 which increased the Suttons ADR network fleet to more than 700 road tankers. Suttons Tankers managing director Michael Cundy commented: “We have valued the relationship with British Sugar over the past eight years. Nevertheless it is in the best interests of the company to have a clear focus on developing our core activities in the hazardous chemicals, gases and fuels sectors. We have agreed to continue beyond the end of the contract to ensure British Sugar have time to find a suitable replacement.’’ Suttons says a desire to focus on its core business in hazardous goods is behind the decision not to seek renewal of the British Sugar contract