I’m going to be penalized…
Why?
The magnesium oxide in this shipment of solid bulk cargo is dangerous goods, and it wasn’t declared, so it will be penalized…
Last time, magnesium oxide was transported as general cargo…
What’s the difference between them?
Let’s take a look together below!
I. Cargo Characteristics
(I) Cargo Introduction
Magnesium oxide is usually white. Depending on the processing technology, magnesium oxide can be divided into synthetic magnesium oxide and calcined magnesium oxide. Calcined magnesium oxide can be further divided into light-burned, dead-burned, and fused. China is a major producer of magnesium oxide, often produced from magnesite through heat treatment technology. Magnesium oxide (MgO), as a versatile inorganic compound, has a wide range of uses covering industrial, medical, environmental protection, agricultural, and other fields.
(II) Cargo Transport Name and Group
In the “International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code”, there are two schedules listed for magnesium oxide. One is Magnesium oxide (dead-burned), with the English transport name MAGNESIA (DEADBURNED), belonging to Group C. The other is Magnesium oxide (unslaked), with the English transport name MAGNESIA (UNSLAKED), belonging to Group B.
(III) Physical and Chemical Properties of the Cargo
Different production and processing techniques for magnesium oxide cargo result in different crystal structures and inconsistent cargo characteristics. Unslaked magnesium oxide is typically calcined at temperatures between 700-1000°C, has a large specific surface area, strong hygroscopicity, and high reactivity. It reacts with water to produce magnesium hydroxide, causing volume expansion and releasing heat. It can cause combustion of low-ignition-point materials. Its reaction with water is similar to that of lime (unslaked) but weaker. It is corrosive to the eyes and mucous membranes. Dead-burned magnesium oxide is natural magnesite that has been calcined at high temperatures, generally between 1500-2000°C, resulting in a non-reactive magnesium oxide. The cargo’s size, appearance, and handling method are similar to gravel, and it is dry and prone to generating dust. It does not hydrate or self-heat.
II. Cargo Transport Requirements
(I) Cargo Trimming
Magnesium oxide (dead-burned) has a stowage factor less than 0.56 m³/t, making it a high-density cargo. Due to the extremely high density of this cargo, care should be taken to ensure the cargo is spread evenly across the tank top to distribute the weight evenly; otherwise, the tank top may be overstressed. During voyage and handling, appropriate care must be taken to ensure the cargo is not piled up causing overstress on the tank top.
(II) Stowage and Segregation
Magnesium oxide (unslaked) must be “separated from” all packaged dangerous goods and Group B solid bulk cargoes.
(III) Weather Precautions
Magnesium oxide (unslaked) must be kept as dry as possible. The cargo must not be handled during periods of precipitation, as it will react with water. During handling of this cargo, all hatch covers of compartments containing, or intended to contain, this cargo that are not in use must be closed.
(IV) Dust Protection
Due to the characteristics of magnesium oxide (unslaked), appropriate precautions shall be taken to protect machinery and accommodation spaces from the dust of this cargo. Prevent cargo from entering bilge wells serving these spaces. Due consideration shall be given to the protection of equipment from cargo dust. Persons who may be exposed to the dust of the cargo shall wear goggles or other equivalent dust protection for the eyes and dust filter masks. Personnel shall wear protective clothing as necessary.
III. Other Precautions
(1) According to the “Regulations on the Safe Supervision of Ship Carriage of Dangerous Goods”, Group B solid bulk cargo Magnesium oxide (unslaked) is classified as dangerous goods. Cargo loading, transit, and pre-arrival reporting must be conducted in accordance with legal regulations. The applicant for port entry and exit procedures shall, 24 hours prior to the ship’s entry into or departure from the port (or before departure from the last port if the voyage is less than 24 hours), submit a dangerous goods declaration to the maritime safety authority.
(2) Prior to the shipment of Magnesium oxide (dead-burned), the shipper or manufacturer shall provide the master with a certificate stating that the cargo has been sufficiently heat-treated and is suitable for shipment.
(3) According to the “International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code”, Magnesite (dead-burned), Magnesite (fused), and Magnesite (calcined) are to be transported as Magnesium oxide (dead-burned); Magnesite (light-burned) and Magnesite (caustic calcined) are to be transported as Magnesium oxide (unslaked).
(4) Before transporting magnesium oxide cargo, the shipper must understand the production process and characteristics of the magnesium oxide cargo intended for transport, inform the carrier of the applicable cargo transport name, group, characteristics, and safety transport protection requirements, and report to the maritime safety authority as required.
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