The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code 2018 Edition

The IMSBC Code & Supplement, 2018 Edition was released in March 2018. This new edition incorporates amendment 04-17 (Resolution MSC.426(98)), which may be applied from 1 January 2018 on a voluntary basis, anticipating its envisaged official entry into force on 1 January 2019.

To keep pace with the expansion and progress of the, the IMSBC Code, as amended, includes:

• Fully updated individual schedules for solid bulk cargoes. In addition, the following 13 new schedules have been added to Appendix 1:

  • Foam Glass Gravel

  • Iron Smelting By-Products (11 iron by-products listed under this schedule)

  • Metal Sulphide Concentrates, Corrosive UN 1759

  • Monoammonium Phosphate (M.A.P), Mineral Enriched Coating

  • Monocalciumphosphate (MCP)

  • Olivine Sand

  • Olivine Granular and Gravel Aggregate Products

  • Sand, Mineral Concentrate, Radioactive Material, Low-Specific Activity (LSA-I) UN 2912

  • Silicomanganese (carbo-thermic)

  • Sugarcane Biomass Pellets

  • Synthetic Calcium Fluoride

  • Synthetic Silicon Dioxide

  • Titanomagnetite Sand

• References to the text of SOLAS 1974 as most recently amended;

• Updated information from the 2016 edition of the IMDG Code.

Other notable changes to the IMSBC Code include the following:

• In Section 4.5, confirmation of responsibilities regarding Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) determination test and required sampling and testing intervals for moisture content before loading Group A cargoes (cargoes that are liable to liquefy);

• In Section 13, the inclusion of applicable MARPOL Annex V references for shippers to meet the mandatory requirements for declaration of whether a solid bulk cargo is classified as Harmful to the Marine Environment (HME) or non-HME:

• In Appendix 2, a new, modified Proctor/Fagerberg test procedure for determination of the TML of coal up to a nominal size of 50 mm in size.

Want More Information?

For further information on how to classify your solid bulk cargo to address the new MHB designation requirements or for any other maritime transport compliance query please contact Davoren Environmental  maria@davorenenvironmental.com.au