“Steel products” is not a handling method. Coils, plates, sheets, billets, pipes, profiles and fabricated pieces differ in geometry, surface sensitivity, lifting, dunnage and securing. A terminal can qualify the operation only from an itemized cargo file.

IMO’s CSS Code makes planning, execution and supervision central to safe stowage and securing. It also contains cargo-specific guidance for coiled sheet steel. The actual vessel plan remains the master’s and carrier’s responsibility; the terminal handling method must align with it.

1. Describe the product form

For each group provide:

  • commercial description and grade where relevant;
  • unit count and identification marks;
  • verified dimensions and gross weight;
  • orientation: coil eye, bundle direction or plate stack;
  • packaging, bands, skids and edge protection;
  • centre of gravity and approved lifting points;
  • surface or coating sensitivity;
  • allowable stacking and support points.

Do not use average unit weight where the lifting plan depends on the maximum item.

2. Define condition and survey

Agree the pre-shipment condition standard and how rust, wetting, dents, band damage, deformation, contamination or missing marks are recorded. Identify the independent surveyor if required and set the moments for inspection: before discharge, at receipt, after storage and at onward release.

3. Exchange the handling method privately

The qualified file should include lifting instructions, accessory certification requirements, dunnage concept, no-contact zones, turning restrictions and sequence. Exact equipment compatibility and terminal limits are confirmed privately and are not public specifications.

4. Coordinate vessel stow and terminal sequence

The carrier supplies the applicable stowage and securing plan. The terminal needs the working sequence, access constraints and discharge or loading order early enough to map items to storage and onward transport. Changes require controlled approval, not informal substitution at the point of lift.

5. Select storage protection

Confirm whether the product may be stored outside, requires covered space, or needs additional wrapping and dunnage. Define drainage from packaging, separation from contaminating cargo, ground-contact controls, stack stability and inspection access. “Steel” does not mean weather exposure is commercially acceptable.

6. Plan inland dispatch

For each road or rail movement match the cargo item to suitable equipment, verified load distribution, securing responsibility, appointment and transport documents. Preserve item marks through every restack.

Steel cargo control sheet

item ID → form → dimensions → verified weight → packaging → lift points → surface controls → survey status → vessel position → storage position → onward equipment → final receipt

New Energy can review a steel-products project within a controlled technical exchange. Feasibility and method approval depend on the complete cargo schedule, nominated vessel and onward plan.