Report liquefaction incidents says Intercargo

Last year the association warned that cargo liquefaction continued to be a major risk for dry bulk shipping with 188 lives lost at sea during 2009 – 2018 as a result of bulk carrier losses.

Intercargo urges all relevant administrations to investigate incidents and publish the reports and welcomes the recent announcement by the IMO’s secretary general of his determination to improve the number of reports that are submitted to the IMO. Under SOLAS and MARPOL flag states are required to conduct casualty investigations and supply the IMO with any relevant findings. Additionally, for very serious casualties (defined as casualties which involve total loss of the ship, loss of life, or severe pollution) the full investigation report should be submitted to the IMO.

Intercargo has regularly highlighted the lack of reporting of very serious casualties, not only via media releases but also in its Bulk Carrier Casualty Report, as well as interventions at IMO and various fora.

The association therefore welcomes the IMO’s commitment to improve casualty investigation reporting and is hopeful that the flag states fulfil their obligations so that safety improvements can be made.