Intercargo, the trade association representing the interests of the bulk shipping industry, has launched the “Intercargo Guide for the Safe Loading of Nickel Ore”. The Guide explains how nickel ore can continue to be safely shipped, whilst at the same time raising awareness of the seriousness of liquefaction.

The Guide has been produced in response to several recent incidents where vessels and, tragically, the lives of seafarers have been lost as a result of liquefaction. Intercargo states that many owners are already becoming uneasy about carrying cargos which may liquefy, and says that its aim “is to address the problem and stop seafarer deaths before the momentum of unwillingness to carry becomes unstoppable”.