The slides, written out
AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale.
Slide 1 · IRON ORE FINES
IRON ORE FINES:
SAMPLING &
LIQUEFACTION
What Every Master Must
Verify Before Loading
IMO IMSBC
Code Guidance
Slide 2 · HOW SHOULD
HOW SHOULD
IRON ORE FINES
BE SAMPLED?
1
ACCESS TO STOCKPILES
The shipper must provide access
to stockpiles and allow inspection
by the Master's representative.
2
REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING
Samples must represent the entire
stockpile and its full depth.
3
SEALED SAMPLE HANDLING
Samples should be immediately
sealed and identified to prevent
moisture changes.
4
DOCUMENTED PROCEDURE
Sampling must follow a Competent
Authority–approved procedure.
MASTER MUST RECEIVE THE
APPROVED SAMPLING PROCEDURE
BEFORE LOADING.
Source:
IMSBC Code / MSC.354(92)
Slide 3 · MASTER'S CHECKLIST
MASTER'S CHECKLIST
Verify the following before accepting iron ore fines for loading.
1
MOISTURE CONTENT CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE
Valid certificate of actual moisture content must be provided.
2
TRANSPORTABLE MOISTURE LIMIT (TML) CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE
The TML for the cargo must be specified.
3
CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY RECOGNISED ENTITY
The certificates must be issued by an entity recognised by the Competent Authority.
4
CARGO MOISTURE CONTENT BELOW TML
The actual moisture content must be less than the TML.
CAN TEST IS ONLY A SHIPBOARD INDICATOR
It does NOT replace laboratory determination of moisture content and is not a substitute for valid certificates.
NO VALID CERTIFICATE = DO NOT LOAD
Source: IMSBC Code
Slide 4 · FROM SOLID
FROM SOLID
TO FLOW STATE
How Liquefaction Happens in Iron Ore Fines
1
LOADED AS A GRANULAR SOLID
Water occupies the voids
between fine particles.
2
SHIP MOTION & VIBRATION
Rolling, pitching and vibration
cause the cargo to compact.
3
PORE WATER PRESSURE RISES
Void spaces reduce and
water pressure increases.
4
LOSS OF SHEAR STRENGTH
Effective stress between particles
reduces significantly.
5
CARGO FLOWS
The cargo may behave like a liquid
and shift within the hold.
6
LIST → STABILITY LOSS →
CAPSIZING RISK
The shifting cargo creates a free
surface effect leading to capsizing.
THE KEY
TAKEAWAY
Cargo may appear
safe during loading
and still liquefy
within a short time
after the vessel
leaves port.
VERIFY – CONFIRM – PROTECT
Proper sampling and valid certificates
prevent disasters at sea.
Source:
IMSBC Code Guidance on Liquefaction
Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.
Spotted a mistake?
