Bulk Carrier Notes

This is a good modern introduction to bulk carriers and bulk cargoes.

It describes and illustrates the various types of bulk carrier, including their structures and equipment, and outlines potential hazards presented by bulk cargo, such as shifting, liquefaction, overheating, oxygen depletion, ship stress and corrosion.

Details are provided on the parties, documentation and terminology encountered in bulk trade. There is also practical guidance covering all stages of cargo handling, including hold preparation and testing, stowage planning, information exchange, transfer equipment, draught survey, monitoring on passage and preparations for discharge.

The Appendices contain example loading calculations, checklists, reporting forms and other essential documentation, as well as case studies illustrating the causes of explosion, structural failure, crew injury, etc.

1 Bulk Carriers

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Bulk Carrier Design
1.3 Types of Bulk Carrier by Size
1.4 Types of Bulk Carriers According to Trade
1.5 Hybrid Configuration (HyCon) Bulk Carriers
1.6 Stresses in Bulk Carriers
1.7 Structural Problems Associated with Bulk Carriers
1.8 Structural Standards for Bulk Carriers

2 Bulk Cargoes
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Terminology Used in Bulk Cargo Operations
2.3 Recommended Publications for Bulk Cargo Carriage
2.4 Intact Stability Criteria According to the International Load Line Convention
2.5 Hazards Associated with Bulk Cargoes
2.6 Examples of Bulk Cargoes

3 Bulk Trade
3.1 The Voyage
3.2 Voyage Orders/Instructions
3.3 Charter Parties for Bulk Trade
3.4 Load Line Zones and Calculations

4 Cargo Loading
4.1 Hold Preparation
4.2 Silver Nitrate Test
4.3 Ship Shore Information Exchange
4.4 Cargo Samples when Loading
4.5 Loading Methods
4.6 Fumigation
4.7 Cargo Documentation
4.8 Loading Cargo During Rain

5 Draught Survey
5.1 Objective of Draught Survey
5.2 Steps for Draught Survey
5.3 Reading Draughts
5.4 Taking Density
5.5 Cargo Weight, Volume and Ullage Measurement
5.6 Bunker Quantity Estimation
5.7 Precautions During Draught Survey
5.9 Deadweight Surveys

6 Ballast Water Management
6.1 Ballast Water Exchange Methods
6.2 Ballast Water Exchange Requirements
6.3 Ballast Water Management System

7 The Voyage
7.1 Conditions of Carriage
7.2 Ventilation
7.3 Discharging Hold Bilges
7.4 Periodic Checks
7.5 Logs and Record Keeping
7.6 BLU Manual
7.7 Bulk Carrier Loading Manual

8 Cargo Discharging
8.1 Discharging Plan
8.2 Arrival at the Discharge Port
8.3 Notice of Readiness
8.4 Cargo Samples when Discharging
8.5 Cargo Calculation – Draught Survey
8.6 Discharging Methods
8.7 Cargo Damage Surveys
8.8 Hold Damage Surveys

Appendices
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Case Studies

Master Mariner, MICS, PG Cert (Shipping), MSc (CBIS), HND Nautical Science, BSc (Maritime Studies)

Abdul Khalique was awarded the President of Pakistan Gold Medal for best cadet during BSc Maritime Studies at Pakistan Marine Academy and received the High Achievement Award and the Merchant Navy Association (Tasmania) prize on completion of second mate studies from the Australian Maritime College.

After spending some time at sea, Abdul pursued a shore-based career. He was a Principal Lecturer in Maritime and Offshore Safety at Warsash Maritime Academy, a role that led him to the position of Head of the LJMU Maritime Centre at Liverpool John Moores University.