Shipment procedure for cargoes in different forms

Shipment procedure for cargoes in different forms - general cargo ships guideline

General cargo is a term that covers a great variety of goods. In regard to modern cargo handling it refers to loose cargo that has not been consolidated for handling with mechanical means such as unitised or containerised cargo. It refers to individual items of any type of cargo, bagged or baled items, cases or crates, individual drums or barrels pieces of machinery or small items of steel construction.

If general cargo is to be loaded on a ship in general stow it is usually man handled into place. Hence the reason why general cargo is rarely seen in developed countries today, the cost of handling such items is prohibitive and the time taken is unacceptable for most maritime operations.

In stow, general cargo is susceptible to crushing damage from other items of cargo or damage from the ship's steel work, general handling damage, sweat damage and from pilferage. Hence cargo stowed in this state must be protected with suitable dunnage depending on the type of cargo and the risk of such cargo in stow.

For example, bagged cargo if susceptible to moisture damage should never be stowed against the steel in the cargo compartment, some type of dunnage or cargo battens must be placed between the cargo and the steel work.

Cargo susceptible to crushing General cargo must be appropriately labelled. Usually with the port of destination and must be placed in top stow. Food stuff can often taint other cargoes so must be stowed apart. Some cargoes need ventilation and must be stowed accordingly.

Cargo that has a value to any individual must be protected from pilferage, examples of this are shoes and clothing, beer and spirits, grocery items and electrical goods. the consignee's identification, this is called the ‘cargo mark’. And it is this mark that is also shown on the Bill of Lading and the Cargo Manifest.

International sysmbol for cargo stowing

Shipment of ore in a general cargo ship

While it is now very uncommon for ore to be carried in a `tween deck cargo ship, it should be noted that the cargo should be spread between both the hold and the `tween deck(s) and trimmed into the ends and wings of each space to ensure that stresses are kept to a minimum. Great care must be taken to ensure that prescribed tanktop and deck loadings are not exceeded.

Should the ore be forming only part of the cargo, it must be levelled off and a substantial separation laid to ensure that any overstowing cargo is completely protected from contact with the ore. Such separation should consist of at least dunnage and plastic sheeting. Great care should be taken in selecting cargo to overstow ore as it is likely to prove impossible to provide complete protection from contamination and/or wet damage. Oils or acids should never be stowed on or over ore.

It is the responsibility of the shipper to ensure that general cargo is presented for shipment suitably packaged to prevent damage in handling. If there is any risk in handling damage then the items should be clearly marked with the international symbols as shown above.

Due to the numerous small parcels making up general cargo, it is usual to tally such cargo onto the vessel while loading and in some instances discharge tallies are also conducted. Cargo quantity on board is confirmed by the ship's officers signing a Mate's Receipt, details from the Mate's Receipt then make up the information on the Bill of Lading.

Tallies, Mates Receipts and thence Bill of Ladings must accurately record the quantity and condition of the cargo. The ship is then obliged to discharge the cargo at its destination in the same quantity and condition as stated on the Bill of Lading. If it does not then the carrier (the shipowner) is liable.

It is important therefore, that any defects, damage, lack of suitable packaging, or any deterioration whatsoever to general cargo sighted by the ship during or prior to loading is outlined on the Mates Receipt. The Bill of Lading must then be suitably claused prior to signing by the ship's Master or his agent.

Obviously the usual type of ship carrying general cargo are general cargo vessels, although it is not unusual for bulk carriers to carry certain types of general cargo such as forest or steel products. In addition it is fairly common for bulk carriers to also carry large quantities of bagged cargo, although this is often referred to a specialised or particular bulk cargo.

Cargo handling at conventional berth

Carriage of cargo rules for merchant ships

The MS (Carriage of Cargoes) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/336) specifies that the master and terminal representative must agree a loading plan before bulk cargoes are loaded. The plan must be adhered to, and the master may stop loading if the permissible limits are or might be breached.“Cargo” is defined in regulation 2 as any cargo which, owing to its particular hazard to ships or persons on board, may require special precautions, with the exception of liquids carried in bulk and gases carried in bulk. (The Regulations do not, therefore, apply to oil, gas and chemical tankers or ships carrying noxious liquid substances in bulk.)

Summarized below some more details on general cargo ship cargo handling procedure and operational info:

Cargo handling procedure for general cargo ship

Shipment procedure for cargoes in different forms - general cargo ships guideline

Machinery system main info pages