Ore and mineral cargoes cannot be planned from a trade name alone. Particle size, moisture, bulk density, contamination sensitivity and the applicable carriage schedule can change acceptance, storage, sampling and vessel requirements.
The mandatory IMSBC Code addresses hazards associated with solid bulk cargoes and provides individual cargo schedules. It also establishes the Bulk Cargo Shipping Name used for sea transport. Grain is covered separately, so a grain workflow should not be reused for a mineral shipment.
Identify the cargo before requesting a method
The shipper should provide current, cargo-specific information including:
- commercial name and proposed Bulk Cargo Shipping Name;
- source and production process at a non-sensitive level;
- particle-size distribution and tendency to create fines or dust;
- bulk density;
- moisture information and applicable testing;
- chemical or physical hazards and safety data;
- contamination and commingling restrictions;
- total quantity, lots and contractual tolerance;
- governing IMSBC schedule or approval path for an unlisted cargo;
- intended vessel, storage and inland transport concept.
The terminal should not infer a schedule or hazard group from a marketing label such as “ore concentrate” or “mineral material.”
Confirm shipper, carrier and terminal roles
The shipper supplies the cargo information and certificates required by the applicable rules. The carrier and master determine vessel acceptance and safe carriage. The terminal confirms whether the proposed receiving, storage and handling operation can be performed within its approved scope. Surveyors and laboratories perform the contractually appointed sampling and tests.
Establish the sampling and moisture plan
For cargoes that may liquefy or undergo dynamic separation, current IMSBC requirements and approved procedures govern sampling, testing and moisture control. The terminal’s operational observations are not a substitute for the shipper’s required certificates or the master’s acceptance decision.
Define:
- responsible sampling party;
- sampling lot and frequency;
- approved laboratory;
- sample custody and retention;
- applicable moisture and transportability evidence;
- procedure after rain, prolonged storage or cargo change;
- authority to hold or reject a lot.
Plan contamination and storage
Confirm whether the cargo may be stored on an approved open area or requires another arrangement. Define surface preparation, drainage controls, separation from other materials, stockpile or lot boundaries, dust controls, runoff and housekeeping requirements, and release sequence. Product acceptance and environmental measures require project review.
Coordinate quantity and vessel loading
Agree the commercial quantity basis: terminal certified weighing, vessel survey, origin figures or a defined combination. The carrier supplies the loading and distribution instructions required for vessel safety. The terminal executes the accepted operational sequence and records quantities within its scope.
Mineral cargo inquiry format
exact cargo identity → IMSBC schedule/status → hazards and certificates → particle/moisture data → lots and quantity basis → storage/segregation → sampling and survey → arrival mode → nominated vessel → responsible parties
New Energy can review qualifying ore and mineral inquiries privately. Acceptance is not automatic and must follow cargo-specific regulatory, safety, operational and OPSEC review before dispatch.