Loss Prevention Advice
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The use of jumbo bags (FIBCs) to certain bulk cargoes presents distinct challenges.
As explained, jumbo bags, also known as Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs), are industrial containers designed for bulk materials. They typically hold 500 kg to 3,000 kg, come in various sizes and shapes, and are constructed from woven polypropylene with an inner polyethylene layer. FIBCs must comply with standards like ISO 21898, specifying details such as their maximum compressive load and safe stacking height to prevent overloading. Higher stacks experience greater acceleration forces during transport. If hazardous goods are involved, it should be checked if they are certified for such goods.
Key risks
- Cause uneven load distribution and reduced stack stability when bags deform or settle unevenly; bag rupture can destabilise the entire stow. Risk increases for Group A cargoes loaded above FMP.
- Shift during heavy weather if not properly shored or chocked, as bags move to fill voids; shifting on multiple decks can cause a severe list.
- Fail due to compromised bag integrity from rough handling or excessive top weight, leading to spillage, contamination, and product loss.
- Release toxic or flammable gases from certain chemical cargoes; many gases cannot be detected by standard 4-gas monitors (e.g., ferrosilicon may require detectors for hydrogen, phosphine, and arsine).
- Trap heat and increase fire risk when self-heating cargoes (e.g., copper concentrates) are bagged.
- Overload bottom bags and reduce stability by exceeding the FIBC stacking limit or ignoring the cargo’s compaction characteristics.
- Ignite from external sources like discarded cigarettes, which can set fire to bag packaging and release toxic fumes.
- React dangerously or contaminate other cargoes when incompatible or misdeclared chemicals are loaded together in the same hold.
- Misapply the regulatory code by using bags to avoid IMSBC requirements; in such cases, the IMDG Code applies, and a proper dangerous goods declaration is required.
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On 24 July, unidentified individuals aboard a wooden boat opened fire on a Comoros-flagged livestock carrier in the Red Sea near Yemen, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey.
As reported by Reuters, the incident occurred near the Hanish Islands, approximately 30 nautical miles northwest of Mocha, a port city on Yemen’s Red Sea coast. Following the attack, Ambrey advised vessels to avoid transiting east of the Hanish Islands and to keep a safe distance from small boat activity in the area.
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The crude oil tanker PUSHPA, formerly Djibouti-flagged and now operating without a flag, suffered an explosion likely in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Malta, around 16 July.
According to Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group, this marks the eighth known incident of its kind in recent months. As stated, PUSHPA is a sanctioned vessel and had previously called at St. Petersburg, Russia, earlier in July.
While the incident follows a familiar pattern seen in other recent attacks, the key difference is PUSHPA’s sanctioned status, which most previous targets did not share.
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Below you will find ARC’s weekly report dated 23 July 2025, covering the period of 17 to 23 July 2025, where no incidents were reported:
- 0 maritime security incidents in West Africa in the last 7 days
- 0 maritime security incidents in the Indian Ocean/Middle East in the last 7 days.
Full advisory at the following link.
https://britanniapandi.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ARC-Weekly-Report-23.07.25.pdf