[Revised] Hazards of Carrying Cargoes Classified as Group A under the IMSBC Code 13 February 2026 No.1351-1 Tweet Download PDF (167KB) The content of our Japan P&I News issued on 10 February 2026 has been updated in red as follows: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   1. Risks Associated with the Carriage of Nickel Ore We have recently encountered an extremely grave casualty in which a vessel entered with the Association sank after loading nickel ore in the Philippines. It is highly probable that the accident was caused by cargo liquefaction, which tragically resulted in the loss of precious lives of the crew members.   Nickel ore is classified as a Group A cargo under the IMSBC Code, which identifies it as a material that may liquefy if shipped with a moisture content exceeding its Transportable Moisture Limit (TML). Such liquefaction can lead to a significant loss of vessel stability, potentially resulting in the vessel capsizing.   Historically, there has been a series of casualties involving the listing or capsizing of vessels due to the liquefaction of nickel ore loaded in the Philippines and Indonesia. In response, the Association issued circulars No. 10-026 dated 1 February 2011 and No. 12-005 dated 6 June 2012 respectively, to highlight the specific risks and provide guidance on necessary precautions. Furthermore, we have requested Members to provide advance notification to the Association whenever an entered ship is scheduled to load nickel ore at ports in these regions.   Please refer to the aforementioned circulars when instructed to carry nickel ore in the Philippines and Indonesia and kindly provide the Association with the following information:   Ship name Port/anchorage of loading and estimated time of arrival (ETA) Date of intended loading Charterer/shipper's details Agent's details Copy of the shipper's cargo declaration and supporting cer