AMSA EXEMPTIONS RELATING TO CORROSIVE PROPERTIES OF SOLID BULK CARGOES

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued two recent exemptions in respect of assessing the corrosive properties of solid bulk cargoes.

EX5450

AMSA issued EX5450 on the 19th of December 2016, which allows shippers of the following solid bulk cargoes

1. IRON ORE and IRON ORE FINES
2. COAL
3. BAUXITE

to use an alternative method for evaluation of the localised corrosive properties of these cargoes for Materials Hazardous in Bulk (MHB) classification.

What does the exemption mean?
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The exemption means that producers and shippers of the above listed cargoes may use the standard DIN 50 929 Part 3[1] as an alternative method to evaluate localised corrosion of these cargoes. The rate of uniform corrosion shall still be evaluated using the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, part III, Section 37 Test C.1 and as prescribed in Section 9.2.3.7.3 in the IMSBC Code, inclusive of the 03-15 amendments. This exemption replaces previously issued EX5389 which is now revoked and was specifically for IRON ORE and IRON ORE FINES only.

EX5451

EX5451 was issued on the 21st of December 2016 and allows shippers of the following solid bulk cargoes

1. METAL SULPHIDE CONCENTRATES
2. MINERAL CONCENTRATES

to use a modification of the Test C.1 method for evaluation of the corrosive properties (uniform and localised) of these cargoes.

What are the modifications?

The main change is the use of steel coupons only which are considered to be more representative of ships’ structures. Other notable amendments in the modified test are the sealing of the test container to prevent air exchange, a specified air to solids ratio and more prescriptive guidance on sample introduction and compaction within the test container.

Want more information?

For further information for assessment of localised corrosion according to DIN 50 929 Part 3 (EX5450) or the modified Test C.1 (EX5451) or for any other maritime transport compliance query please contact Davoren Environmental  [email protected].

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[1] Corrosion of metals; probability of corrosion of metallic materials when subject to corrosion from the outside; buried and underwater pipelines and structural components. September 1985.
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