Dangers of carrying Nickel Ore from Indonesia and the Philippines -Mandatory Notification Requirements 1 June 2012 No.12-005 Background This circular should be read in conjunction with the previous circular No.10-026 dated 1February 2011 relating to the safe carriage of nickel ore cargoes and nothing in this circular supersedes the previous advice. The liquefaction of such cargoes has resultedin the sinking of a number of ships with a loss of many lives in the last 18 months. Nickel ore is a cargo which may liquefy if the moisture content of the material exceedsits Transportable Moisture Limit (TML). Cargo liquefaction may lead to a loss of stability, to the extent that the ship may capsize. Due to the numerous dangers and difficulties associated with this particular cargo, the International Group is actively involved with other industry bodies in discussions currently taking place within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to determineif and how the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code can be amended toimprove the safe carriage of nickel ore cargoes. Representatives from the International Group also recently met with the Indonesian Administration in Jakarta, as part of anindustry delegation, to discuss industry concerns with regard to the safe carriage of such cargoes from Indonesia. The issues discussed included the duty of a competent authority to oversee compliance by shippers of their obligations under the Code inrespect of reliable testing and accurate certification of the cargo to be shipped. Inthe absence of an early resolution to these discussions and the ongoing risks to safety, Members considering the carriage of nickel ore from ports in Indonesia and the Philippines should note the recommendations contained in this circular. Mandatory Notification Requirement Whilst it remains the Members' responsibility to ensure full compliance with the IMSBC Code and to take any measures necessary to ensure the safe carriage of nickel ore c