Marine Advisory: 03/2018 - Carriage of Ammonium Nitrate Based fertilizer (Non-Hazardous)

05 February 2018

Marine Advisory: 03/2018

SUBJECT: Carriage of Ammonium Nitrate Based fertilizer (Non-Hazardous)

Dear Shipowner/Operator/Master:

The purpose of this Marine Advisory is to provide safety awareness for the transport of Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizer (non-hazardous) in bulk and the risks posed by such a cargo.

In 2015, following an incident on board M.V. PURPLE BEACH carrying a cargo of Ammonium Nitrate based fertilizer (non-hazardous) which underwent self-heating and decomposition with emission of toxic fumes, it was proposed at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to classify ammonium nitrate based fertilizer (non-hazardous) in the IMSBC Code as a Group B (MHB) cargo and was referred for further consideration and inclusion, if appropriate in the draft amendment 04-17 of the IMSBC Code. However, the view was that a reclassification of ammonium nitrate based fertilizer (non-hazardous) to MHB (OH) cargo Group B was not justified, and Member Governments and international organizations were invited to provide more information in order to facilitate the decision making process.

Following a similar incident in 2017 on the M.V. CHESHIRE carrying a cargo of ammonium nitrate based fertilizer (non-hazardous) and further discussions at IMO, it was noted that practical experiences and lessons learned from incidents should be sufficient justification for reclassification and dividing the existing schedule for ammonium nitrate based fertilizer (non-hazardous) into two schedules, i.e. Group B (MHB) and Group C, could be a way forward and the IMO published interim guidance in CCC.2/Circ.4 providing safety measures for the transport of this cargo.

Pending a comprehensive review of the existing schedule at IMO, Shipowners, Operators and Masters should exercise extreme care and appropriate action, taking into account the provisions of relevant IMO instruments when handling and carrying ammonium nitrate based fertilizer (nonhazardous) in bulk and the conditions in the attached IMO circular, CCC.1/Circ.4.

For more information, please contact the Technical Department at Technical@liscr.com or telephone +1 703 790 3434.

Enclosure: CCC.1/Circ.4

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4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT

LONDON SE1 7SR

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7735 7611 Fax: +44 (0)20 7587 3210

CCC.1/Circ.4

22 September 2017

CARRIAGE OF AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZER (non-hazardous)

1. The Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers (CCC), at its fourth session (11 to 15 September 2017), considered matters related to the carriage of AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZER (non-hazardous).

1. AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZER (non-hazardous) is described as a Group C cargo in the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. In this connection, the Sub-Committee noted the accidents involving the MV Purple Beach (2015) and MV Cheshire (2017) and the carriage of AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZER (non-hazardous). The Sub-Committee also noted that the accident investigation reports were pending and the need for further examination of the properties of this cargo was raised in order to ensure its safe carriage and to address awareness of the risks.

1. According to the Guidance for sea transport of AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZERS by the Organization Fertilizers Europe^*, the safety principles for this cargo are as follows:

1. The measures listed in the individual schedule for AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZER (non-hazardous) in appendix 1 of the current IMSBC Code should be applied carefully even though it is classified as Group C. Some fertilizers which have passed the prescribed tests have shown the potential to still undergo decomposition.

^* Refer to the Guidance available at:

http://fertilizerseurope.com/fileadmin/user_upload/publications/tecnical_publications/guidence_techn_docu mentation/Guidance_for_sea_transport_of_ammonium_nitrate_based_fertilizers_01.pdf

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CCC.1/Circ.4

1. The gas clouds produced during the aforementioned accidents were large enough to envelop the ship, and cover the sea area surrounding the ship. The vapour emitted was highly toxic. Such conditions could affect the safe abandonment of the ship and hinder rescue and firefighting efforts. In such events, cargo decomposition may last for multiple days and the temperatures in cargo holds may reach in excess of 500^oC.

1. The best protection for seafarers is awareness of the decomposition process to allow it to be identified at an early stage. Regular monitoring of the cargo throughout the voyage is crucial to detect beginning of decomposition.

1. When heated strongly, this cargo may decompose and release toxic gases. Timely opening of cargo hatches can prevent the build-up of pressure and help cool the cargo, impeding the development of cargo decomposition.

1. In case of decomposition or fire involving this cargo:

1. Member States are invited to bring the above information to the attention of shippers, terminal operators, shipowners, ship operators, charterers, shipmasters and all other entities concerned, requesting that extreme care and appropriate action be taken, taking into account the provisions of relevant IMO instruments and the information above when handling and carrying AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZER (non-hazardous) in bulk.

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