Types of cargoes that could be exempted from CO2 fittings, and clarification on the new charcoal shipment rules were among topics discussed by members. Are you interested in joining? Read all about our member networks and get in touch. Our 3rd meeting for 2025 and 7th meeting of the BIMCO Dry Bulk Cargo Network was held on 28 August 2025 focusing on the following topics chosen by the network members: Types of cargoes exempted from CO2 fittings Charcoal shipments in bulk or bags – clarification on new rules entering into force on 1 January 2026. Below are some of the takeaways from the meeting Types of cargoes exempted from CO2 fittings From a polling question conducted amongst the members on whether they encountered difficulties on checking whether cargoes required CO2 fittings or not, 21% of the members polled said "yes", while 39% responded with “sometimes” and 39 % “no” The regulatory basis for exempting such cargoes was explained as well as what type of cargoes are exempted 68% responded with a “No” to a poll question on whether their chartering department is aware of cargoes where CO2 fittings are deemed ineffective whilst 31 % said yes Cheshire Incident (August 2017) carrying ammonium nitrate-based fertilisers was revisited highlighting the risks of knowing whether CO2 fittings are required for fighting fires of these cargoes. Charcoal shipment rules –clarification on new regulations entering into force on 1 January 2026 Applies only to charcoal shipped in bags under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) All charcoal shipped under the IMDG Code would now be classified as dangerous goods UN 1361 No UN N4 test is required New special provision (SP) 978 replacing SP 925 and 223 Charcoal shipped in bulk under the IMSBC Code*: no changes, certification is still required to declare the shipment that it is not class 4.2 cargo. We will update the full details in our member area on the website. If you are not a member and would like to join, or ar