The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code 2023 Edition
The IMSBC Code and Supplement, 2023 Edition was published in September 2023. This new edition incorporates amendment 07-23 (Resolution MSC.539(107)), which may be applied voluntarily from 1 January 2024 and has an official entry into force on 1 January 2025.
To keep pace with the expansion and progress of the industry, the IMSBC Code, as amended, includes the following twelve new schedules:
BARYTE, FLOTATION CHEMICAL GRADE - Group A
BROWN FUSED ALUMINA - Group C
CRUSHED GRANODIORITE FINES - Group A
DIRECT REDUCED IRON (D) (By-product fines with a moisture content of at least 2%) - Group A and B
DUNITE - Group C
DUNITE FINES - Group A
ELECTRIC ARC FURNACE DUST, PELLETIZED - Group A and B
GROUND GRANULATED BLAST FURNACE SLAG POWDER - Group A
MAGNESITE FINES - Group A
POTASSIUM NITRATE - Group C
SODIUM NITRATE - Group C
SODIUM NITRATE AND POTASSIUM NITRATE Mixture - Group C
Other notable updates to the IMSBC Code include the following:
Bulk density (as required by SOLAS regulation XII/10) to be provided on the cargo declaration form.
The existing schedule for FISH MEAL (FISH SCRAP), STABILIZED UN 2216 Anti-oxidant treated, is replaced by a new schedule for FISH MEAL (FISH SCRAP), STABILIZED Anti-oxidant treated. The cargo is no longer classified as UN 2216 but remains a Group B cargo.
CELESTINE CONCENTRATE has been added as a new Bulk Cargo Shipping Name (BCSN) to the existing schedules for:
METAL SULPHIDE CONCENTRATES (see also Mineral concentrates schedule)
METAL SULPHIDE CONCENTRATES, CORROSIVE UN 1759 (see also Mineral concentrates schedule)
METAL SULPHIDE CONCENTRATES, SELF-HEATING UN 3190 (see also Mineral concentrates schedule)
MINERAL CONCENTRATES (see Bulk Cargo Shipping Names below)
The list of non-cohesive cargoes has been amended.
The following circulars were also updated and included in the Supplement
Lists of solid bulk cargoes for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system may be exempted or for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is ineffective MSC.1/Circ.1395/Rev.6 (26 June 2023).
Guidelines for the submission of information and completion of the format for the properties of cargoes not listed in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code and their conditions of carriage MSC.1/Circ.1453/Rev.2 (26 June 2023).
Guidelines for developing and approving procedures for sampling, testing and controlling the moisture content for solid bulk cargoes which may liquefy or undergo dynamic separation MSC.1/Circ.1454/Rev.2 (26 June 2023).