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