ABCML

Steel Cargoes Notes

Capt. G. Stamatelatos
2013
Carriage Of Steel
introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

Types Of Steel Products ................................................................................................................................... 3

Hot Rolled Coils ........................................................................................................................... 3

Cold Rolled Coils ......................................................................................................................... 4

Susceptibility To Damage ................................................................................................................................. 6

Clausing Bills Of Lading For Preshipment Damage ..................................................................... 9

Club Circulars .................................................................................................................................................. 10

Handle With Care ............................................................................................................................................ 11

Loading And Stowing Coils ............................................................................................................................. 12

Steel Commonly Shipped By Sea........................................................................................................................ 17

Principles Of Stowage......................................................................................................................................... 19

Round Products - Coils ................................................................................................................. 22

Imperfect And Damaged Coils ....................................................................................................... 24

California Block Stowage............................................................................................................... 26

Long Products - Bars, Profiles, Angles, Channels, Beams And Girders .................................................................. 27

Principles Of Securing......................................................................................................................................... 28

Cargo Officer's Duties During Steel Cargo Loading / Discharge ............................................................................. 30

Ship Husbandry And Steel Cargo ........................................................................................................................ 32

Safety When Working With Steel ......................................................................................................................... 35

Case Study 1 - Damaged Cargo And Clean Bills Of Lading................................................................................... 39

Case Study 2 - Poor Dunnage............................................................................................................................. 45

Instructions For Stowing And Securing Coils On Ocean-Going Ships ......................................................... 47

General Advises On Stowage And Securing Of Steel Coils: ........................................................................ 59

Stowage Within A Row: ............................................................................................................. 59

Lashing And Securing ............................................................................................................... 60

California Block Stowage (CBS): The Hazards To Crew, Cargo And Vessel .............................................. 67

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Carriage of steel

INTRODUCTION
This article describes the more common types of steel products transported and their
susceptibility to damage.
It emphasises the importance of clausing accurately the bills of lading and makes some
recommendations as to stowage and the way in
which cargoes found damaged on outturn should
be examined. The article draws particularly on
knowledge of the Antwerp trade, but much of
what is said applies equally to the trade from
Japan. Indeed, it is hoped that it will be relevant
to those engaged in the carriage of steel by sea
wherever in the world they may operate. It is also
hoped that it will help to reduce the amount of
claims directed against carriers by sea.
Photo 1. Coils of hot rolled steel

These coils are usually between 1.20 and 4.50 metres in

diameter and weigh between 5 and 15 tonnes each

TYPES OF STEEL PRODUCTS

Basically, there are three types of steel commonly carried by sea in appreciable quantities;
sheets, rolled sections and small section material, rods and wire.

Steel sheet

HOT ROLLED COILS

Steel sheet is mainly carried in the form of coils, but smaller quantities are frequently carried
in packs. It is produced by heating and rolling steel ingots through reduction mills. As the
thickness of the steel is reduced, its length increases and, for convenience in handling the
long narrow sheet is rolled into a coil. The coil is then tightly strapped through the core and
around the circumference and made ready for transporting to the loading port. These coils
are described as hot rolled coils or raw steel and they will require further processing in the
country of destination. The import of raw steel into the USA has been decreasing.

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COLD ROLLED COILS
Instead of being prepared for shipment as hot rolled coils, the steel may be further
processed in the country of manufacture. In
the first place, it is passed through baths filled
with a weak acid solution to remove rust and
scale. This process is described as pickling.
The sheet is then washed, dried, oiled and
re-coiled before being passed on to the cold
reduction mill, where it will be cold rolled
under tension, the end result being a product
of better temper and improved finish.

Further processing

Cold rolled sheet may be further processed

by dipping the sheet into a bath of zinc to produce coils of galvanised steel sheeting.
Alternatively, tin plate may be produced by covering one or both surfaces of the sheet with a
thin layer of tin.

Wrapped

Cold rolled steel, galvanised steel sheet and tin plate are of course very much more valuable
than hot rolled sheet. Coils of cold rolled steel, galvanised steel sheeting and tin plate will be
strapped in the same way as hot rolled coils and in addition, before leaving the factory for
transportation to the port of loading, will normally be wrapped in bitumenised paper and then
covered with fine gauge steel sheeting which is itself secured in place with metal strapping.

Packs

On occasions cold rolled sheets, galvanised sheets and tin plate may be carried in packs
instead of coils. The bundle of cold rolled sheets forming a pack is secured with steel
strapping. It is then usually completely wrapped in bitumenised paper and covered with a
metal envelope. The package will then be secured by metal straps to wooden skids.

Rolled sections or constructional steel

Rolled sections or construction steel are usually fairly massive sections, in the form of ‘H’, ‘I’
or ‘U’ (channel) beams. They are produced by passing the steel ingots through a series of
rollers.

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Small section material rods and wire Small section material
Small section material, rods and wire may be composed of special steel alloys or may
consist of steel that has been given a special finish at the factory. Small section material is
usually destined for use in the manufacture of machine tools, of components for electrical
machinery, or of steel furniture. Other uses to which small section material is put
are the construction of ladders for fire escapes, of racks in factories or warehouse, of railings
and of numerous other appliances or fittings where a quality finish may be required. Small
section material is shipped in bundles and may or may not be wrapped.

Reinforcing bars

Reinforcing bars may be mentioned here: they are often referred to as ‘rounds’ or ‘concrete
iron’ or ‘deformed reinforcing bars’ or just ‘re-bars’. The use of the word ‘deformed’ means
that the bars have ridges in various patterns introduced into their surface during production.
These ridges improve the bond of the bar with the concrete and thus increase the
constructional strength of the finished structure.

Wire rod

Wire rod is largely produced by drawing larger bars through dies. It is prepared for shipment
at the factory by being rolled into coils and usually four or five coils are then strapped
together to form a
unitised coil bundle
(see Photo 3 ).

Bright basic wire

In the country of
destination the wire
will be cold drawn
through dies so
that the gauge is
reduced and the
wire elongated and
polished to form
what is called
bright basic wire.
Wire rod is used in
the manufacture of
numerous goods such as nails, wire mesh, galvanised wire and a large quantity of this wire
is chromed and used in the manufacture of supermarket shopping baskets and trolleys.

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SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DAMAGE

Rust
All steel is susceptible to damage by rust. Rusting is a continuous and progressive process.
The longer it continues, the greater the damage to the product. Rust that appears
insignificant at the time the consignment leaves the mill or is loaded onboard the
ocean-going ship, may develop to a serious extent by the time the consignment reaches the
port of loading on the one hand and the port of discharge on the other, even though there
has been no failure whatsoever on the part of the inland or ocean carrier to care properly for
the cargo whilst it was in his possession.
Mill scale

When raw steel leaves the mill it is covered by a thin layer of hard oxide known as mill scale.
This mill scale will protect the steel from deterioration by rust as long as it remains an
unbroken skin covering all surfaces of the product. Unfortunately, mill scale is very brittle
and is easily shattered or splintered off the steel, and when this happens, rusting takes
place. Rusting is accelerated in areas where bare steel and mill scale are in close roximity.
The ordinary shocks to which steel products are subjected in their transport to the carrying
ship are sufficient to jar some of the scale off the surface of the steel. The scale will also
gradually fall away if the steel is left exposed to the weather for any appreciable length of
time.

Rust damage to coils

Where coils are concerned, the coiling process itself is often sufficient to loosen the scale
and expose the steel to rusting. With hot rolled coils, much of the rust will probably be
removed in the normal course of further processing in the country of destination; but if by
that time the rust has developed so far that the surface of the steel is damaged or pitted, the
steel may be unfit for the purpose for which it was originally intended. The higher quality
surface finish of cold rolled steel makes it much more susceptible to claims for rust damage
than is the case with hot rolled coils. It is for this reason that cold rolled steel is usually
packed in bituminous paper.

Rust damage to constructional steel

Constructional steel on the other hand is usually not packed and will almost always be
rusted to a greater or lesser extent. It is not unusual for steel producers to fill orders for
constructional steel from stock which has been held on their premises for some time. It is
usually transported from the factory to the loading port by rail, either in open or covered
wagons, or in lighters which are usually covered but may not be weather tight so there is a
danger of free water collecting in the bottom. Cargoes are frequently assembled a week or a

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fortnight before the ocean-carrying ship
arrives at the loading berth, and as this steel is
usually stored unprotected in the open, it will
be exposed not only to the weather but also to
the atmosphere. Where the atmosphere
contains salts and/or is polluted the steel can
be seriously attacked. The amount of rust on
constructional steel will largely depend on the
amount of handling to which it has been
subject and on the length of time it has been
exposed.

Rust damage to small section material

As we have said, small section material may or may not be wrapped, in any event, it should
be transported and stored under cover, protected from the elements. Unfortunately, this is
not always done and frequently piles of small section steel rods are to be seen stored in the
open, covered perhaps by very patched and old tarpaulins. Complaints can be expected if
material of this type is received rusty since as already explained, much of it is used in the
production of office furniture and fittings where appearance is very important. This is
particularly true of painted material which is highly susceptible to rusting where the surface
has been scratched.

Rust damage to reinforcing bars

Reinforcing bars are normally shipped unprotected in bundles which can retain a lot of water
if they have been exposed in open storage for any length of time. As the wetness on the
outside of the bundles dries quickly, the interior of the bundle may be considerably more
rusty than is apparent
from an examination of
the outside.
Unfortunately, the
‘purpose-built’
deformations on the bars
are susceptible to
erosion by rusting. If the
reinforcing bars are
subject to strict
specifications (as for
example in any US
Federal project) then
Photo 5. Typical small section steel
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erosion of the deformation may mean that the goods are off specification.

Rust damage to wire rod

Wire rod is usually shipped unprotected, In many cases the pickling and other processing
the wire rod later undergoes will be sufficient to remove any rust that may have formed. If on
the other hand, the surface of the wire has been damaged or pitted, it may be necessary to
eliminate this by reducing the diameter of the wire in which event the wire may be off
specification.

Physical damage
As we have seen, the nature of the steel industry is such that any physical damage such as
bending or denting is likely to give rise to a claim.
Loose and deformed coils

Where coils are concerned, care should be

taken not to displace or break the steel
strapping. It is particularly important where coils
are brought forward in railway wagons, that they
be well secured so that they do not come adrift
with the motion of the train (which may be
considerable if the wagons are shunted). If the
strapping is displaced or broken the coil will

become loose and possibly deformed. An

Photo 6. Hot rolled coils which have telescoped
added danger with loose coils is that abrasive
matter may get between the turns of the steel and chafe or scratch the surface. We have
already noted that any deterioration of the surface of either hot or cold rolled steel may be
serious since, if pitting, scoring and chafing are not removed, the surface of the finished
plate may be marred. Blemishes of this type cannot usually be eradicated without some
waste of material.

Telescoping

Coils may also become telescoped, that is, some laps may be projecting on one side of the
coil; this in itself is not of great importance unless the telescoping is excessive, in which case
it may be difficult to put the coil onto the de- coiling machine at the receiver’s premises.

Crimped edges

The edges of coils may be crimped by the careless use of unsuitable lifting equipment. The
misuse of handling gear can lead to chafing damage even when the coils are wrapped. The

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edge of packaged sheets may be crimped or bent or cut if they overhang the wooden
bearers.

Distortion

Constructional steel can also be damaged if the flanges are bent by the careless use of
lifting gear, and if the bundle is incorrectly packed, the whole section may be distorted.

Kinked or bent smaller section material

If the smaller section material is bent or wire rod is kinked, the value of the material will be
reduced. Thus if the rod is kinked or bent, it may damage the dies through which it is drawn
and the finished product may have a score mark or nick that can only be removed by
reducing the diameter of the wire, which again involves the risk of putting it out of
specification. Heavily twisted or nicked wire cannot be straightened satisfactorily and
therefore may be regarded as scrap.

CLAUSING BILLS OF LADING FOR PRESHIPMENT DAMAGE

From all that we have said it must be obvious that before steel cargoes are loaded into the
ship they have already been subject to considerable risk of damage, both by exposure to the
elements, and by reason of the number of times they have been handled. It is extremely
important that any pre-shipment damage be noted on the bills of lading and, to this end, it
has been found by experience that the services of a skilled and conscientious surveyor are
usually necessary. Masters and agents of ships stemmed to load steel cargoes should
contact the local UK Club correspondent who can normally arrange for a surveyor to be
instructed to attend the loading of cargo.

Rust damage
Nowhere is the need to clause bills of lading greater than in the case of rust. Without
exception, whenever a consignment is rusty this should be stated in the bills of lading. Cargo
interests may well insist that the rust to be seen is normal or customary, or will not affect the
value of the cargo, or will be removed in any event by further processing, and therefore that
the bill of lading can be issued clean without any danger of prejudicing the interest of the
carrier.
Representations of this type are to be ignored. The best way of protecting the carrier’s
interests is to clause the bill of lading. If the rust is indeed normal or customary there should
be no difficulty in the bills of lading being negotiated through the banks. The master’s job is
not to concern himself with the marketability of the cargoes that he carries, he should simply
describe the condition of the cargo as he sees it.

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Further, when clausing bills of lading against rust, it is essential not to qualify the word rusty
in any way by using words such as ‘atmospherically’ or ‘superficially’ or ‘slightly. The reason
for this is simply that rust which may appear on loading to be only slight, may have worsened
progressively during the voyage (without there being any fault on the part of the carrier in the
care of the cargo) to such an extent that the cargo is pitted or otherwise seriously affected on
discharge. Commonsense would tell us that the damage seen on outturn in this type of case
is directly consequent on the damage noted on loading, but it is not always so easy to
persuade a court to see things in this way. If the damage on outturn is more severe than the
damage noted on loading a court may be tempted to attribute the deterioration in the
condition of the cargo not to the natural development of the rusting process but to some
alleged fault of the carrier in the care of the cargo. One of the best ways therefore of
minimising this danger is simply to describe rusty cargo as ‘rusty’.

CLUB CIRCULARS
In 1963 and 1964 the London-based P&I clubs issued circulars setting out certain clauses
that were suitable to describe pre-shipment rust damage to steel. Probably the most
effective of these have been found to be the following (to be used where appropriate):
• Rusty.
• Rusty edge.

• Rusty end.

• Top sheets rusty.

• Rust on metal envelopes.

• Goods in rusty condition.

• Wet before shipment.

• Covered with snow.

Where goods are shipped packed the following clauses may be used where appropriate:
• Covers wet.

• Covers rusty.

• Packing wet.

• Packing rusty.

Physical damage
Any physical damage such as denting or bending should also be entered on the bill of lading.
Where the packing is damaged this should be noted too, together with any obvious damage
to the contents.

Describe accurately
It must be emphasised that the clauses used must accurately describe the apparent
condition of the steel shipment.

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Loading and stowage

Residues
Residues of previous cargoes which may have an adverse effect on steel, particularly salt
and fertilisers should be very carefully removed.

Bulk carriers
It has been found from experience that the most suitable ships to be engaged in this trade
from the point of view of loading and stowing are bulk carriers with wide, large hatches and
unobstructed holds.

HANDLE WITH CARE

The loading and stowage of steel cargoes calls for skilled and experienced stevedores.
Steel can easily be damaged or indeed damage the ship, if not handled with care, as each
separate lift is likely to weigh in the region of five to twelve tonnes. In Antwerp, it has been
found that the cranes used for loading and discharging containers are the very best
equipment for handling steel cargoes, where conventional means are used, lifting gear such
as wire slings, spring laid rope strops or chains should be adequately protected to avoid
damaging the edges of coils. Winch drivers should be instructed to avoid violent acceleration
or braking when lifting or lowering coils, Forklift trucks should have the forks adequately
protected with timber, unless they are specially designed for use with steel cargoes and
crowbars should only be used by stevedores in handling material not capable of being
damaged thereby.
Steel is not an easy cargo to stow. In making recommendations, it should be appreciated
that we are describing the ideal. In practice, the ideal is not always possible and we know
from experience that satisfactory alternative arrangements can be made where the stowage
cannot be effected exactly as we recommend. Our comments imply no criticism of other
methods of stowage that may be adopted and which have been found to achieve equally
good results.

Locking coils
Generally, coils should be given bottom stow. The method of stowing coils that has been
used with considerable success in Antwerp consists of stowing them in athwart- ships rows
with their major axes horizontal and in the fore and aft line. The bottom tier of coils should
stand on double lines of good dunnage placed athwartships so that any moisture that may
collect on the tank top or ceiling of the hold can run to the bilges without damaging the cargo.
This dunnage also helps to spread the weight of the coils over the tank top plating. The first

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coils loaded are placed in the wings against the bulkhead and then the row is extended
inwards towards the centre line of the ship. Invariably a gap will be left on the centre line and
the first coil of second tier in that row will be placed in that gap. The next coils of the second
tier will be placed in the wing above and outboard of the extreme wing coils of the first tier
and these three coils, that is the one on the centre line and the one in each wing, will
effectively jam and block off the first tier of that row. These three coils are known as the
locking coils. The remainder of the second tier in that row will be placed in the cantlines of
the coils beneath them. For each further tier the same procedure is followed until the first row
has been built up to the required number of tiers Coils of up to ten or twelve tonnes in weight
may be stowed in three tiers but over this weight it is better that they should be started in the
same way, loading the first two coils in the wings and against the first row loaded. Working in
toward the centre line and then placing the three locking coils. Reference to Fig 1 will help to
make this method of stowage clear.

LOADING AND STOWING COILS

The manipulation of coils into place where the crane or derrick cannot plumb the coil into the
desired position calls for the exercise of ingenuity and skill. If one attempts to swing into
position the coils to be stowed in the wings or at the fore or aft ends of hatch, the coils may
frequently be damaged by being positioned at the wrong instant. Equipment and the use of
dedicated trucks has now been evolved which has improved immensely the means by which
coils of steel can easily be properly handled.
It is better to stow coils at least two tiers high. A single tier of coils nearly always allows
movement, and as result, the stow may work loose. If there are not sufficient coils to make
two complete tiers over the whole surface of the hold then the hold should be partially floored
out with two tiers of coils so that the stow ends in a brow or wall across

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the hold. The face of the coils should be protected by a strong timber fence when other
cargo, such as constructional steel, is stowed adjacent to them
Each individual coil in the top tier of the stow should be secured by driving wedges between
it and its adjacent coils on either side and fore and aft.
terminating adjacent to, the sides of the hopper tanks in the wings of the compartment. If
during the voyage the dunnage compresses, the beams may settle, leaving the ends resting
against the hopper tanks and the middle of the beams unsupported. As a result, the beams
will probably be permanently bowed (quite apart from the risk of damage to the tanks!).

Forward compartments
Particular attention should be given to cargo in the forward compartment of a ship where the
effects of heavy pitching are more pronounced.

Coils of various dimensions

When coils of various dimensions and weights are offered for shipment, the lighter smaller,
coils should be given a top stowage position. Furthermore, precautions should be taken to
see that the smaller coils cannot work down too far into the cantlines of the rows of larger
coils underneath. If they do so, they may become deformed. There is no objection to
overstowing a coil cargo with wire rods, bales or other cargo and whether a floor of dunnage
over the stow of coils is necessary will depend on the nature of the overstowing cargo.

Sheet steel in packs

Sheet steel in packs should also be stowed on double lines of athwartships dunnage. The
ordinary principles of cargo stowage may be applied to the stowage of these packs. They
are not as likely to shift in stow as coils since they stow more compactly.

Small section material

Small section material, particularly rods and bars should, wherever possible, be given a top
stowage position. They too should be stowed in a fore and aft direction, the stow being kept
level to ensure that the material is adequately supported at frequent intervals along its
length. Rods and bars should be handled only with rope slings and on no account should
crowbars be used in manipulating the bundles into their stowage positions.

Dunnage for constructional steel

The customary and recommended method of stowing constructional steel also entails the
use of considerable quantities of dunnage. Quantities of timber amounting to between
seventy-five and one hundred tonnes per ten thousand tonnes of cargo are quite common.
This dunnage, usually 6" x 1" (15cm x 3cm) should be laid in double lines athwartships at
intervals along the length of the steel which is stowed fore and aft. The dunnage is inserted

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to assist in reslinging the steel for discharge
and to help bind the steel into a solid block.
As the steel is very heavy it needs to be
supported at intervals of about 10ft (3m)
along its length, Care should be taken to
ensure that each line of athwart ships
dunnage is vertically over the line
immediately beneath it (see Fig 2). If this
precaution is not taken the steel may very
well become warped. When stowing beams,
it is important that the webs are kept vertical
and that the flanges overlap in an ‘in and out’ manner (see Photo 4) as experience has
proved that when all flanges are overlapping in the same direction the beams can become
severely distorted. The stow should be kept level and complete. Efforts should be made to
avoid mixing sizes as this may create gaps in the stow which can later lead to the whole stow
collapsing. Athwartships stowage of steel beams should be avoided if at all possible. In
particular, try to avoid the ends of beams stowed at the bottom of the hold in a bulk carrier
resting against, or
Unitised bundles of wire rods are usually stowed in the ship with their axis in a fore and aft
direction and in a manner similar to that described for coils. It is not recommended to stow
the coils of rod more than, say, six tiers high as the weight on the lower bundles may be
excessive. As a result the lower bundles may become deformed and the stow may collapse.
As with coils, a two tier stow in part of the hold is preferable to a single tier over the whole
floor of the hold. The face or brow of the stow also needs to be fenced or secured in the
same way. Loading slings should be made of composition fibre or of wire rope covered with
rubber tubing. When forklift trucks are used, the forks should either be covered with timber or
fitted with a specially constructed metal tube. One common fault with bundles of wire rod is
that if the strapping bands break, or work round the coil to one particular point on the coil, the
unsecured turns open out and become crushed, distorted and twisted in the stow.

Reinforcing bars
As far as reinforcing bars are concerned, the bundles should be given good, level stow and
should be well supported throughout their length to avoid any bending or distortion which
may make them unsuitable for the purpose for which they were intended.

Pipes

Considerable claims have been experienced in the carriage of pipes. They are usually
shipped in bundles except where the diameter is very large. In that case, they are usually
presented for shipment in single pieces. Special stowage is frequently called for, particularly

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in the case of lighter pipes, where top stowage is preferred. Where top stowage is preferred,
pipes should be stowed fore and aft in the hold. On occasions where pipes have been
stowed some fore and aft and some athwartships almost invariably one or other tier has
become deformed owing to the weight of the over stowing cargo. These goods are most
vulnerable at their ends, and where the ends are threaded then great care should be taken
to ensure that the threads are not nicked or otherwise damaged.

Care onboard
Little has been said so far on the all important question of avoiding rust damage to steel
cargoes while they are in the ship’s care. Every effort should be made to avoid loading (or
discharging) during wet weather, and all the hatches should be covered during rain showers.
The shippers will frequently object and have been known to bring considerable pressure to
bear on a ship’s staff to continue loading when the latter have wanted to stop loading during
wet weather. Such pressure should be firmly resisted. It is not advisable to continue loading
in the rain even if the steel already inside the hatch has been covered with tarpaulins or
plastic sheeting, since protection of this type has not been found to be of any great
assistance in avoiding rust damage claims. One surveyor reports that within hours of
covering a parcel of steel with plastic sheeting, that steel was covered with condensation
and rusting had started.

Fact finding on discharge

If damage is suspected on arrival at the discharge port then the master should contact the
UK Club’s local correspondents direct and ask for the appointment of a competent surveyor
to examine the hatches and the stowage of cargo. Contacting the Club’s correspondents
direct is usually preferable to contacting the ship’s agents at the discharging port who may
be appointed by, and closely identified with, the cargo interests.

Photographs

Frequently, the receivers of the cargo or the cargo underwriters also appoint surveyors who
will want to board the ship and inspect the hatches and other openings into the holds. In the
USA, and perhaps elsewhere as well, cargo interests can obtain a court order granting them
access to the ship for this purpose. When cargo interests surveyors are onboard the ship
they should be accompanied by the shipowner’s surveyor wherever they go. The effect of
cleverly composed photographs in enhancing the amount of damage apparently suffered by
cargo is well known and photographs taken by the cargo interests surveyor should, if
possible, be countered with photographs taken by the shipowners’ surveyor showing the
overall condition of the cargo. A responsible person should always be on duty at or near the
gangway at all times to prevent unauthorised people boarding the ship.

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Sea water entry or condensation?

Sometimes, on opening hatches, a pattern of rust extending right down through the stow
coinciding with the hatch coamings or hatch joints is discovered. This may indicate that the
hatches have leaked during the voyage;
it may on the other hand be indicative simply of heavy condensation. In any event it is
imperative that the pattern of damage in each compartment is accurately noted for only in
this way will it be possible to distinguish between pre-shipment damage and damage
incurred during the course of the voyage.
A careful examination should be made of any rust which is not pre-shipment in origin to
establish whether it is caused by sea water or fresh water. An experienced surveyor should
normally be able to say, fairly conclusively, which is which without resorting to silver nitrate
tests, which can be quite misleading.

Stevedore damage

Any further damage caused by the discharging stevedores should also be noted so that
recovery can be made from them for any claims that may be lodged for physical damage to
the cargo caused by them.

Conclusions
The interests of the shipowner and the charterer are parallel, or should be. Both will be
involved in any claims that arise and by persistently delivering damaged cargo the charterer
may lose business.
We would again emphasise that when wrapped steel products, e.g. cold rolled material, tin
plate, etc, which are highly susceptible to moisture damage, are being loaded and rain
threatens, or becomes a reality, loading should be stopped and the hatches covered. With
unwrapped hot rolled material fresh water exposure over a limited period should have no
adverse effects, but some discretion should still be exercised as prolonged rain could result
in large quantities of water collecting on the ship’s tank tops. As a consequence, a cargo
could stand in salty or brackish water for a significant period and the humidity levels in the
holds could be increased. The dead-weight nature of steel cargoes causes the ship’s
structure to work more heavily in high seas and the maintenance and securing of the
hatchcovers could be critical. In this respect we refer readers to the article on steel
hatchcovers.

Source: UK P&I Club

[16]
STEEL COMMONLY SHIPPED BY SEA

[17]
[18]
PRINCIPLES OF STOWAGE

[19]
Steel is shipped in a variety of shapes, sizes and weights. Consequently, it is difficult to stow
in classic block stowage. Careful preparation of the hold is essential.

When loaded in a ship's hold, steel is placed on dunnage, and dunnage is placed between
successive tiers of cargo. Dunnage has two functions. To spread the steel's load uniformly in
relation to the ship's structure and to provide frictional resistance. Insufficient or incorrectly
applied dunnage can result in high point loads on the ship's tank top, possibly deforming it.
When laying dunnage, place it along the top of a solid floor.

Steel is generally loaded in the fore and aft direction, with part cargoes loaded forward from
aft. When loading coils, wedges may be used below the coils, placed on their in-board side
to locate a coil as it is stowed. A key coil will always be used to lock a row of coils with the key

coil in subsequent rows placed in a different position. Key coils take up any gap that may
occur between coils during ship movement.

Coils are stowed in rows or tiers, and are generally placed in the hatch square before
stacking with a forklift. As each successive row or tier is completed, the coils are lashed
before the next row or tier is loaded. A small gap is left between each successive row.

The hold area used for landing coils has to be free from debris and/or raised objects.
Landing a coil on a bulldog grip, ring bolt or shackle will cause considerable damage to the

[20]
coil. When lifting coils with a forklift, only forklifts with coil-friendly tines, those fitted with a
single central lifting arm, should be used.

Steel is lashed using wires, chains and steel bands. Pneumatically tightened steel bands are
preferred for coils. When using wire lashings, suitable chafing pieces should be inserted
between the lashing and the steel's edge. Standing faces of coils are lashed (banded) back
to the second row.

To allow access for lashing, coils are usually stowed with a 20 to 30 cm gap between rows
and/or a transverse bulkhead.

The lashing procedure for coils involves securing the top coil to the coil immediately below,
rather than securing the entire stow to the ship. By this method, the top coils act as a cap
holding the remainder in place.

Profiles and plate are secured by a variety of methods with the objective of preventing initial
movement. With the exception of coils, lashings that do not ultimately connect to the ship's
structure will be of little value. When assessing the value of lashings, it is necessary to
consider how the cargo has been stowed, the potential for movement and how movement is
prevented. Frictional resistance is the principal means by which movement is suppressed.

During loading, the ship's cargo officers must maintain a diligent watch and record cargo
activities during the watch. Good records can prevent and reduce certain claims, and
support any clauses made in the mate's receipts and bills of lading.

The watch officer should report to the master and note in the cargo record book:

•any cargo damage

•any stevedore damage to the ship

•the cargo's condition

•instructions given to stevedores and/or lashing gangs

•times when hatches were open or closed

•stoppages due to weather

In addition, photographs of cargo can be taken.

Ports that specialise in steel have skilled stevedores and specialist equipment for stowage
and securing. Greater vigilance is needed if loading in non-specialist ports.

[21]
ROUND PRODUCTS - COILS

Steel coils should be loaded in a minimum of two tiers or layers. When loaded in a single tier,
locking the tier is essential. This is done by placing a coil to force those beneath it into a
tighter stow. This coil is known as a key, or locking coil. A key coil is most effective when
placed at the centre of a row. However, it is important to avoid a continuous line of weight on
the ship's tank top and, consequently, key coils placed in subsequent rows are staggered.
Great care needs to be exercised when placing key coils.

Key coils are placed so that the coil's bottom edge is one-third of its diameter below the top
of the coil(s) being locked. This will
correspond to a gap between the coils
being locked of about half the key coil's
diameter. However, if the gap is greater
than 60% of the key coil's diameter, then
the key coil could be damaged or
crushed. In which case, two key coils are
needed. Timber may be inserted to raise
a key coil and to satisfy the 30%
requirement.

When a key coil is placed above different-sized coils, the smaller coil takes the most weight.
Care is necessary to avoid damage to the smaller coil.

Stevedores may attempt pyramid loading, a method that should be avoided, because
excessive weight can be transferred to the ship's tank top and because it is difficult to lash
pyramid coils.

[22]
[23]
 Pyramid loading should be avoided because
excessive weight can be transferred to the
tank top and because it is difficult to secure
the top coil. In the above diagram showing
pyramid loading, it is seen that 2.5 times the
centre coil's weight is passed to the tank top.
In non-pyramid loading, only twice the coils'
weight is passed to the tank top.

IMPERFECT AND DAMAGED COILS

Coiled wire rod correctly stowed in a square hold.

Damaged coils being returned to a steel

mill are shipped as steel cargo rather than
as scrap. Special care is necessary when

[24]
loading and stowing them. Badly damaged coils should be stowed in the second or top tier
and independently lashed or shored. Do not load cargo on top. Extra securing and additional
chocking may be required to secure the stowage.

Damaged coils carried as cargo should have the damage accurately described on bills of
lading or mate's receipts.

Flat products - plate and slabs

Steel plates are generally stowed with their longest axis fore and aft, on dunnage laid
athwartships. Cargo is loaded from the hold's side to its centre. Dunnage is placed between
adjacent plates.

Coiled wire rod

Coils of wire rod are stowed in a tight block

stow, with their cores fore and aft on
plywood sheets placed on wide dunnage.
Direct contact between the coils and the
ship's tank top should be avoided. Wire coils
are wedged to avoid movement. Standing
faces should be avoided but, if not, lash the

[25]
coils back to a bulkhead by passing a wire through their core.

Care should be taken when lashing with chain because chain can damage steel. This can be
prevented by placing dunnage at the point
where the chain contacts the steel.

After loading, wire coils will settle and mesh

together and no further lashing is necessary,
except for those coils that are not held in a
block stow. When cargo is locked together,
care is needed during discharge to avoid
damage: inform stevedores at the discharge
port of this requirement.

Long plate is susceptible to waviness. Sufficient

rows of dunnage are needed to prevent distortion.
The higher or heavier the stow, the greater the
number of pieces of dunnage required. Less
dunnage can be used higher in the stow, provided
there is sufficient dunnage to support the plate and
prevent buckling. In addition, dunnage has to be
sufficiently thick to facilitate cargo handling and
lashing.

Gaps between parcels of steel plate have to be

chocked with strong timber. Any wooden structure
built to support steel has to be self-supporting,
otherwise, the structure could collapse if the cargo moves.

CALIFORNIA BLOCK STOWAGE

This is used to stow semi-finished steel slabs.

Mariners have learned by experience that a tight stow, without spaces, is a good stow; a
stow that is unlikely to shift; a stow that is safe. So they are extremely sceptical about the
California Steel Industry (CSI) method for stowage of semi-finished steel slabs because the
slabs are stowed vertically, without interlocking plates, without restraint to the ship's
structure, and with gaps between the ship's side and the cargo.

[26]
This method of stowage relies on frictional resistance and can be used only for semi-finished
slabs, steel with a very rough surface. When loaded, the slabs do not follow the hold's shape
but are stacked flat in a vertical stow, one on top of the other, interspaced with dunnage. It is
extremely important to keep the stack vertical; dunnage is used at the sides and between
columns to facilitate stacking. Typically, the slabs are loaded eight high, with the top three
slabs lashed together to form a cap, which secures the top plates. There are no lashings to
the ship's structure. It is normal to load the wings of a hold first, with slabs placed in the fore
and aft direction. However, if the holds have deep wings then stowage may remain in the
hatch square. Each slab weighs about 10 tonnes.

California block stowage relies on the high co-efficient of friction of semifinished steel slabs
to prevent movement. Indeed, static tests by CSI on a single unsecured steel plate found
that it would not move until tilted to an angle of more than 32 degrees from the horizontal.
Detailed theoretical study by CSI found that roll angles in excess of 50 degrees would be
needed to move the stow. Since it is friction that prevents each plate from shifting, the
method is only suitable for cargoes with a very rough, dry surface.

Take extreme care when using this method of stowage. Avoid using it unless absolutely
necessary. Never use it for smooth-surfaced steel plate, wet plate or in holds that are not
box-shaped, except when the hold has been 'squared off'.

High values of GM can lead to violent ship rolling and very high dynamic forces on cargo.
Avoid high values of GM.

LONG PRODUCTS - BARS, PROFILES, ANGLES, CHANNELS, BEAMS AND GIRDERS

Profiles

Steel profiles should be loaded 'winged out', stowed so that the ship's side provides support.
When this is not possible, tightly stow the profiles and secure them with chains or wires
leading to the ship's structure. Unlike coils, profiles should not be lashed to themselves but
lashed to the ship's structure.

At times, long products are secured together with banding in an 'Olympic' style of lashing,
with wires and bottle screws designed to lock the top tiers and prevent longitudinal
movement. The bands are applied as the stow progresses and cargo is bundled together
and interconnected.

[27]
 Pipes

Loose pipes are generally stowed fore and

aft, in a box-shaped hold, laid on dunnage
placed athwartships and loaded from aft. If
stowed in an irregular-shaped hold, such
as No.1, 'square off' with wooden shoring
before loading begins. Use wedges on the
first tier of pipes. This helps with alignment
and is safe.

Smaller pipes are loaded in bundles. Pieces

of timber can be included within the
bundles, placed horizontally between the
pipes. Even though the pipes are separated
by timber, the normal amount of dunnage
should be applied, and the usual care taken
to lay dunnage on the tank top and to place
dunnage between successive tiers of
cargo.

PRINCIPLES OF SECURING

Steel is prevented from shifting by friction between the steel and dunnage. Lashings prevent
initial movement.

A variety of methods are used to secure steel. Here is some general guidance:

[28]
•always consult the ship's cargo securing manual before applying lashings

•lashings are not designed for the most violent storms encountered at sea

•the purpose of lashing cargo is to prevent initial movement. The majority of restraint comes
from frictional resistance between the steel and the dunnage

•smooth-surfaced steel that is wet has almost no frictional resistance

•it is only steel coils and slabs, stowed in the method known as California block stowage, that
are secured to themselves; otherwise lashings should be secured to the ship's structure

•long products and plate may be intermediately lashed to themselves in order to bundle the
steel together and produce a tighter stow

•lashings placed across the top of the stow are of no value. Lashings around a stow serve
only to hold the steel in a block

•loosely fitted lashings serve no useful purpose

•steel wires and chain can cause damage if applied directly to steel being lashed

•insert dunnage between steel and the lashings to increase friction and to prevent damage

Friction

Friction is important as it prevents cargo

movement during ship rolling. The table
below shows the co-efficient of friction
for smooth plate. It is interesting to note
that wet steel-to-steel surfaces are
considered to have no friction at all.

Steel with a rough finish will have higher

values than those listed below.

Water or oil reduces friction. Slippery

decks will contribute to cargo sliding, so
it is important to keep decks clean and

[29]
 free from oil. Any leaks from winches, hatch motors and piping should be repaired. Check
cargo for leaking oil and, wherever possible, deal with this as well.

Actual co-efficients of friction are normally expressed as the angle of inclination rather than
the figure given in the table. It is given as the angle of inclination, from the horizontal, at
which movement between the two surfaces first occurs, without application of external force.

Assuming that the co-efficient of friction of dry steel-to-steel surfaces is 0.1, the
corresponding slippage angle is approximately 6 degrees. In other words, when loose dry
steel is stowed with metal-to-metal contact, without dunnage or lashing, it will shift when
inclined to an angle of 6 degrees. This angle is easily reached during ship rolling. When steel
is placed on dunnage, the angle is increased to 21 degrees. Therefore, lots of dunnage
should be used to avoid shifting.

These examples ignore acceleration forces induced during ship rolling.

Friction co-efficient table for smooth plate

Materials in contact Friction co-efficient (M)

Timber to timber, wet or dry 0.4

Steel to timber or steel to rubber 0.4

Steel to steel, dry 0.1

Steel to steel, wet 0.0

CARGO OFFICER'S DUTIES DURING STEEL CARGO LOADING / DISCHARGE

A diligent cargo watch is an important tool to prevent avoidable claims. Watch officers
should ensure that:

•the hold is ready to receive cargo and stevedores understand the loading plan

[30]
•stevedores should correctly use the right equipment so as not to damage cargo. Steel wire
slings or chains when not used correctly can damage bundles of pipe, plate or steel coils.
Steel lifting rods, for example, are often used for safe lifting of heavy steel coils

•stevedores are carefully monitored and not allowed to handle cargo roughly or to stow it
badly. A significant proportion of steel cargo damage can be attributed to the manner in
which stevedores load and discharge cargo

•forklifts are fitted with proper lifting or

protective tines

•all damage to finished steel cargo is noted

by the cargo watch officer and presented to
the shipper's or receiver's agents by the
master. In such circumstances, if the P&I
club steel surveyor is attending, pass details
of the damage to him as well

•assistance is provided to the appointed

steel surveyor during a preloading survey,
and that the survey is carried out in a
diligent manner with discrepancies reported
to the master

•lashing and stowage is carried out as per

the cargo plan. It is vitally important for safe
carriage of cargo and ship safety that steel
is loaded in the proper manner. If it is not, it should be reported to the master and
owners/charterers immediately

•keep a log of all activities, including:

- details of any cargo damage

- where and how the cargo was stored, in the port and on the quay, i.e., was it stored raised
from the ground on dunnage and protected from rain?

- how cargo arrived at the berth. Did it arrive by rail/truck/directly from the warehouse or was it
shifted by a forklift truck?

- weather, was it raining during loading/discharge? Was the steel wet?

[31]
- whether stevedores were using the correct lifting equipment so as not to damage the cargo

- times when hatches were open and closed and times of cargo operations

- condition of the cargo (take photographs)

SHIP HUSBANDRY AND STEEL CARGO

Stability

The ship's stability will need to be calculated for the proposed loading to make sure the GM
is acceptable.

Large quantities of steel stowed in the bottom of a hold will cause the ship's centre of gravity
(KG) to reduce considerably, possibly giving a high GM. This can make the ship 'stiff' and
cause violent rolling in bad weather,
something that can cause cargo to shift. If
loading does result in an unacceptably
high GM, and this cannot be corrected by
ballast or moving weights, then an
alternative stowage arrangement will be
necessary.

Weather route to avoid swell conditions

that cause heavy rolling and wavelengths
equal to half the ship's length, which can

initiate parametric rolling in slender ships during pitching in head seas.

Corrosion and relative humidity

Atmospheric corrosion of steel starts when the relative humidity (RH) of air reaches 40%.
The corrosion rate increases slowly until RH reaches 60% and, thereafter, it increases

[32]
rapidly. Other elements will cause corrosion such as salt, funnel gases, dust or other
oxidising agents. These need to be removed from the hold by cleaning before loading. Dust
can be hydroscopic, trapping moisture and making corrosion worse.

To prevent atmospheric-induced corrosion, it is essential for holds to be dry and hold air to
have a RH below 40%. Other forms of corrosion can be prevented by thorough hold
cleaning, freshwater washing and drying.

Any source of water such as wet dunnage, water on the tank top, or in bilges, must be
removed prior to closing and securing hatch covers. When at sea, carefully monitor the hold
humidity and ventilate when the
conditions are correct. In certain
conditions, dehumidifying is essential to
prevent cargo sweat.

It is the ship's responsibility to ventilate

properly or to dehumidify hold air. If steel
is damaged by atmospheric corrosion,
the receivers will claim damages.
Making sure that cargo holds are clean
and dry; correctly following the
ventilation procedure may not be
sufficient to avoid atmospheric
corrosion. Dehumidifying hold air will
also be necessary.

Hatch covers

Hatches leak for a variety of reasons, but mainly because of poor maintenance or failure to
close them properly. Hatch covers are designed to a weathertight rather than to a watertight
standard. This means water that passes the sealing gasket should not enter the hold.

[33]
Drainage channels are arranged to prevent water from entering the hold, by allowing it to
drain away.

Steel is easily damaged if it comes into contact with salt water. Prior to loading steel, close
and seal hatch covers and test them for water tightness.

In addition, regularly check:

•sealing gaskets for physical damage, detachment or chaffing

•quick acting cleats for the correct tension

•drainage channels for cleanliness, rust or other debris

•cross-joint wedges for damage and/or deficiency

•hatch alignment and that metal-to-metal contact provides the correct gasket pressure

•hatch corner non-return valves for damage or deficiency

•hatch locating or pressure points for wear

•compression bars for damage

Include hatch covers in the ship's system for planned maintenance and complete repairs if
any of the above are found damaged or deficient.

In exposed locations, hatch covers can be further sealed by placing expanding foam in
cross-joints and along the hatch skirt. Cross-joints can also be protected with bitumen-based
tape.

The club's survey programme has shown that the principal cause of hatch cover leakage is
poor panel alignment and,
consequently, incorrect pressure on
sealing gaskets. This usually occurs
because of wear on metal-to-metal
contact surfaces.

• main securing cleats for damage

[34]
 SAFETY WHEN WORKING WITH STEEL

Steel is dangerous, and care is needed when working with or near steel.

NEVER

•enter a cargo hold without informing someone

•enter a cargo hold without means to test the hold atmosphere for oxygen

•stand in the fall or swing zone of lifted steel

•enter a dark hold to examine steel without adequate lighting

•enter a cargo hold in bad weather

•tighten wire lashings to the wire's breaking point

•climb between stowed steel, especially steel coils

[35]
 •walk on or between wet steel

•walk in the path of a coil that is not wedged - it could move

ALWAYS

•respect the hazards associated with steel, and work safely

•point out loose or poorly stowed steel to stevedores before they begin work

•stand well back and away from fall or swing zones while steel is being moved

•always wear personal protective equipment

•always wear high-visibility clothing

•pre-plan steel stowage. Make sure steel is

stowed on solid floors and, when
applicable, key coils are positioned
correctly. Coil widths and/or cargo
dimensions may not always permit
'text-book' stowage

•mark the location of solid floors in the cargo

space to enable easy reference during
loading

•make sure cargo spaces are squared off by

construction of a stout buttress or support.
Use new timber and remember that No. 1 hold is most likely to be the hold where damage
might occur

•wash holds with fresh water before loading, remove all debris and hard objects, fully dry the
holds

•when arranging stowage of steel coils, make sure the maximum tank top point load is never
exceeded

•arrange for key coils to be placed in such a manner that the coil's bottom edge is one-third of
its diameter below the top edge of the coil being locked. Stagger the position of key coils to
avoid overloading the tank top

[36]
•make sure sufficient dunnage, of the correct type and thickness, is used. Apply dunnage
along solid floors

•use dunnage of uniform thickness. Remember, certain countries have import regulations
that apply to ship's dunnage; check the regulations before taking dunnage and use only
approved dunnage, especially if discharging in North American ports

•record all pre-shipment damage on mate's receipts or bills of lading by carefully describing
the damage found and clearly identifying the damaged article

•if required to load wet steel, endorse the bills 'wet before shipment'

•ensure hatch covers are watertight before loading

•load steel dry, especially if steel is packaged (wrapped)

•segregate, and load in a different hold, steel that must be kept dry, from steel that can be
loaded wet or products that contain moisture

•work with the surveyor to examine steel for preloading damage, double-check any cargo
found damaged. Make an effort to understand what the surveyor is looking for

•whenever surveyors visit to examine cargo, check their credentials to verify who they are
acting for, before allowing access to the ship or cargo

•minimise the amount of cargo stowed with metal-to-metal contact. If this type of stowage is
unavoidable, make sure the cargo is not wet. Wetness reduces frictional resistance and
increases the danger of cargo shifting during ship rolling. Special care is needed when
loading during periods of rain showers

•try to avoid loading damaged cargo but accept that this may not be possible, in which case,
details of the damage have to be endorsed on the bills of lading. Bent and buckled steel can
be shipped for reprocessing, the bills should not record the cargo as 'steel products'

•report to the P&I correspondent or ship's owners when problems are found with cargo or
cargo stowage

•take daily dew point readings of hold and outside air, ventilate or dehumidify when
necessary. Keep detailed records of these measurements

•remember the voyage ventilation mantra, cold to hot, ventilate not. Hot to cold, ventilate bold

•calculate the ship's GM and, if possible, take measures to reduce high values

[37]
•remember that cargo has to be properly chocked and secured, and that only steel coils and
semi-finished steel slabs stowed in California block stowage are lashed to themselves. All
other steel is lashed to the ship

• point out any ship or cargo hazards or limitations to the stevedores

NEVER

•rely on stevedores to determine cargo stowage. They may opt for the easiest stowage rather
than the best

•use the maximum allowable tank top loading weight to determine the number of steel coils
that can be safely loaded. Steel coils produce a point load. The maximum allowable tank top
loading weight assumes a homogenous weight distribution

•be surprised if the text book size and type of dunnage is not delivered to the ship. The
dunnage supplied may be the best available, in which case, greater application of dunnage
may be required

•use wet or 'green' timber for dunnage

•sign, or allow the ship's agents to sign, clean bills of lading or mate's receipts for damaged
cargo

•allow coils to be loaded in a pyramid pattern. See section 6 - Round products - coils

•load steel before evaluating the strength of the tank top against the proposed weight
distribution

•ventilate when the relative humidity of ambient (outside) air is greater than that of the hold air
or when the ambient air's dew point is greater than the temperature of the cargo. These
conditions exist when cargo is cold, because it was loaded in winter (cold) conditions for
discharge in, or passing through summer (warm) conditions

•ventilate if unsure that ventilation conditions are correct

•stow steel products in the same compartment as cargo with different ventilation
requirements

•load steel in holds that have previously carried oxidising agents or acidic compounds, until
the holds have been thoroughly washed with fresh water and dried

[38]
•think that space remaining in the hold after loading steel needs to be filled with other cargo;
it does not. When loading a full cargo of steel, the tank top maximum loading will be reached
before the hold is full and often before the ship reaches her marks

CASE STUDY 1 - DAMAGED CARGO AND CLEAN BILLS OF LADING

This study is based on a claim presented by cargo insurers.

The cargo

A cargo of steel products was loaded for

the Arabian Gulf. The cargo consisted of
600 bundles of black steel pipe and 2,000
steel coils.

The steel was delivered to the port by road

and rail, and stored in a covered
warehouse. When delivered to the ship,
the steel was placed on open trailers.

Dunnage was placed between successive

tiers of pipe and between the pipe and the
ship's side. The coils were moved by
forklift trucks, slung with wire ribbon slings
and positioned in the ship's hold with a
forklift. Dunnage was laid on the ship's
tank top. It rained during loading and the
cargo on the quay became wet. During
prolonged periods of rain, exposed cargo
on the quay and in trailers was covered
with tarpaulins. However, wet cargo was
eventually loaded with dry cargo.

[39]
 The coils were surface rusted and bound with steel binding, some of which was bent,
broken, rusted or missing. Some of the pipes were scratched.

The preloading survey

The club arranged a preloading survey and instructed a surveyor to examine the steel for
damage before loading and to assist the master with clausing of the mate's receipts and bills
of lading. During the survey, the surveyor also completed:

•a silver nitrate test in the ship's holds, which did not find evidence of chlorides

•a visual examination of the ship's hatch

covers, coamings, compression bars,
gaskets, drainage channels and cleats, and
found them in good order

•a visual examination of access hatches and

ventilation pipes, which were also found in
good order

At the end of the survey, the surveyor issued

a report and recommended that bills were
endorsed with details of the damaged cargo and that loading had occurred during rain and
that the steel was wet on shipment. The master issued a note of protest regarding the
stowage and lashing of pipes.

[40]
 Clauses and endorsements - wording for the bills of lading

Details of the damaged cargo needed to be endorsed on the mate's receipts/bills of lading
and the surveyor attending for the club's preloading survey suggested that the master
incorporate the following wording:

•10% of the pipes nicked, dented and scored along the body of the pipe. A small number,
less than 2%, end caps missing. All steel strapping bands showing signs of rust in varying

[41]
 degrees. About 2% of strapping bands missing, loose or adrift. Pipes pre-assembled in open
hold square were wetted prior to loading

•8% of coils showing signs of surface rust to varying degrees and extent. Approximately 10%
of the coils' steel bands and wire ties were surface rusted with 5% broken. 20% of the steel
coils (no markings available) arrived on the quayside in the rain and were wet prior to loading

The standard recommendations and wording for the clauses that accurately describe the
damage and the damaged article on page 9 of this Standard Cargo were not used.

The master authorised the charterer's agent to sign bills on his behalf subject to:

•all bills of lading signed by the charterer's agents conformed with the quantities and
description of the cargo actually loaded on board the vessel at this loading port and during
her present call only

•all remarks endorsed on the mate's receipts must be endorsed in full on the bills of lading
issued at this or any other transport bill of lading

The master further made clear that the letter of authorisation was intended to complement
the charterparty and must be applied in conjunction with the relevant provisions contained
therein and that bills of lading signed by charterer's agents without the above conditions
being fulfilled will be considered to have been signed without the authority to do so.

The master further requested the charterer's agent to sign for receipt of the letter of
authorisation and acknowledgement of its contents.

Bills of lading and endorsements

Bills of lading were issued clean by the charterer's agent even though the authority to sign
bills granted by the master was subject to the bills being correctly endorsed with details of
the cargo. The charterer's agent simply did not include the surveyor's remarks on the bills.
The ship had sailed and the master was unaware that clean bills had been issued.

It is normal practice for the master to allow agents to sign and issue the bills of lading on his
behalf, but more often than not the appointed agent is the charterer's agent rather than the
shipowner's agent. Consequently, the agent is inclined to act in the interest of the charterer
rather than the shipowner. Bills are normally issued after the ship has sailed. When authority
has been given to the charterer's agent to sign the bills, there is very little a ship's master can
subsequently do to check that the cargo's description in the bills accurately reflects its
condition.

[42]
 The charterers came under commercial pressure from the shippers to issue clean bills,
because of the terms of the letters of credit. However, this is not in the interests of the
shipowner, because clean bills issued for damaged cargo render the shipowner liable for
any cargo damage regardless of whether the damage occurred before or after loading (see
page 9). On a more serious note, issuing clean bills for damaged cargo may be a fraud
against the receivers which can invalidate P&I cover.

Letters of Indemnity - LOIs

In commercial reality, the charterparty often contains an LOI clause -depending upon the
type of charter. The shippers require clean bills for their sales contracts or letters of credit,
and so there is considerable commercial pressure to have clean bills issued. In return for the
issuance of a clean bill, a letter of indemnity is offered or agreed. On the face of it, the letter
appears to indemnify the owner (or charterer) against the possible consequences of issuing
a clean bill for damaged cargo. However, there are a number of pitfalls with this approach:

•issuing a bill of lading that does not reflect the true condition of the cargo is a crime in some
countries as it could be construed as an act to defraud the receiver

•such a letter of indemnity is almost always legally unenforceable. Therefore, the value of the
LOI is very much dependent upon the probity and reputation of the entity giving the LOI. For
example, in a long-term charter, it would be reasonable to assume that the LOI given by the
charterer may be honoured. In a contract of carriage or short voyage charter, this may not
always be the case

•the shipowner may loose his P&I cover if he or the master knowingly issues or authorises
issuance of a clean bill for damaged cargo

At the discharge port

At the discharge port, joint surveys were

carried out to assess the condition of the
cargo. After detailed examination, the
consignee concluded that the majority of
coils were damaged. Many were
entangled, bent or crushed, were
considered unsuitable for their intended
purpose and were rejected. The

[43]
receiver alleged that as part of the next manufacturing process, the coils would be placed in
an acid bath and then drawn out.
However, due to the damage, the coils
would be difficult to unwind.

The damaged coils seen at the discharge

port were in part caused by their poor
condition, noted at the load port. At the
load port, the club's surveyor had noted
that some of the coils were distorted and
sprung, and that retaining bands and ties
were broken, adrift and rusting, but the
bills were not claused to reflect the cargo's condition.

The claim

The receivers submitted a claim against the shipowner for 60 damaged coils, all of which
were considered a total loss. Cargo interests demanded $80,000 in settlement for their loss.

Liability

Where the consignee is different from the shipper, a clean bill is irrefutable evidence of the
apparent condition of the cargo at the time of loading. Since the bills issued here were
owner's bills of lading, cargo interests had a direct action against the shipowner for breach of
the contract of carriage. The shipowner can claim against charterers for reimbursement of
any settlement reached with cargo interests, but such recovery action is not always
successful because legal costs can be greater than the resulting award.

Comments and analysis

A clean bill is one that describes the cargo as being 'in apparent good order and condition',
without containing adverse remarks. It can be evidence that the cargo was loaded in a good
condition. If the bills are not claused with remarks indicating the true condition of the cargo
then the carrier is usually held liable to the receiver for the damage or impairment of the
cargo.

As a consequence of the charterer's failure to endorse the bills of lading to record the cargo
damage, the carrier (shipowner) was liable to cargo interests for the damage, even though
the damage existed prior to loading.
[44]
 To prevent claims arising from incorrect issue of clean bills, the following advice is given:

•masters should always be provided with a copy of the charterparty so that they are aware of
the commercial agreement between the owners and charterers with respect to the issuance
of bills of lading and letters of indemnity

•deck cargo officers should be diligent in their duties to observe and note damages to the
cargo and make sure these are recorded in the cargo log and mate's receipts. They should
not rely solely on cargo surveyors. All cargo damage seen should be brought to the master's
and surveyor's attention

•wet cargo should not be loaded with dry cargo, such cargo should stay on the quay until it is
dry or, alternatively, bills should be cargo claused 'wet when loaded'

•always ensure that bills are claused to reflect the true description of the cargo, using
descriptions similar to those set out in this guide

•when agents are authorised to issue bills on the master's behalf, this authorisation should be
followed up by an email acknowledgement directly from the master to the agents with the
wording agreed for the clausing to be included in the bills of lading

•masters should follow up after departure from the port and request confirmation that bills
have been issued as per the master's instructions

•members should take a diligent interest in who issues bills of lading on their behalf and when
they are issued. Procedures relating to issuance of bills of lading should form part of the
ship's cargo procedures

The mistakes made during loading resulted in a claim against the shipowner even though
the ship had not caused the damage. Had the correct procedures been followed, as set out
in this guide, the claim would have been avoided.

CASE STUDY 2 - POOR DUNNAGE

This study is based on a claim presented to the shipowner by cargo receivers.

A consignment of 2,400 steel pipes and 1,500 pipe casings was loaded at various Chinese
ports for discharge in Antwerp. Each pipe weighed approximately 3.5 tonnes and each
casing weighed between 0.5 and 1.2 tonnes. Wooden bulkheads were built in No.2 hold to
correct the ship's shape and to enable block stowage. Flat dunnage was laid athwartships

[45]
over hold strong points for the pipes to sit on, but dunnage was not placed between the pipe
ends and the hold's transverse bulkhead.

The club's surveyor who attended for the preloading steel survey examined the cargo and
suggested that bills be endorsed to reflect that:

•cargo had lain in the open without protection or covering

•cargo was rusty along its edges and surfaces

•cargo was slightly scratched along its edges and on its surfaces

•89 pipes had their protecting end covers missing

In spite of these recommendations, the bills of lading were signed clean.

During the voyage, heavy weather was encountered and a number of the wooden bulkheads
in No. 2 hold wings collapsed and allowed the pipes to move. Pipes located close to the
hold's transverse steel bulkhead struck it
and were damaged.

At the discharge port, the outturn surveyor

remarked that 10% of the pipes had one
or both ends bent or flattened. Their end
covers were missing.

Comments and analysis

The principal cause of the damage was

poor preparation of the hold prior to
loading cargo, and poor stowage during
loading. In particular, insufficiently strong
timbers had been used to square off the
hull's shape in No. 2 lower hold and the wooden bulkhead was weak. In addition, during
loading, dunnage had not been placed between the ends of the pipes and the hold's
transverse bulkhead.

Stout dunnage should always be used to square off a hold's shape. Deck officers should
supervise the construction of timber shoring to make sure it is correctly built and sufficiently
strong. Although mariners may not always have experience in construction of timber
shoring, they should check that the construction appears correct. Flimsy timber is unlikely to
be sufficiently strong to withstand the forces associated with heavy ship pitching and rolling
during a storm. If in doubt advice should be sought.

[46]
Dunnage should always be placed vertically between the ship and cargo to prevent cargo
movement and to protect the ship and cargo from damage.

Receivers were able to claim against the ship even though the damage occurred during bad
weather. Had the wooden bulkheads been more robust, it is probable the damage, and the
claim, would have been avoided.

Source: Standard PandI club

INSTRUCTIONS FOR STOWING AND SECURING COILS ON OCEAN-GOING SHIPS

by Capt. W. Strauch, extract from paper "Steel cargoes on board ocean-going ships",
Duisburg 2000

IMO BC/Circ. 54 of 9.7.1991 relates to the stowage of steel coils in ocean-going ships. It particularly
emphasizes the necessity of securing coils in the transverse direction.

Slight gaps of 10 - 15 cm in the longitudinal direction of the ship are considered unproblematic. It is suggested
to stow coils with a short axial length, such as slit strip, against bulkheads or between rows.

The hold floor should be covered with wooden dunnage of a large area. The outer coils of each row should be
securely wedged.

One option mentioned is to place a locking coil as the final coil of the lower layer, which should be located no
lower than one third of the coil diameter of adjacent coils:

[47]
If the width of the gap is such that the coil could sink lower, wooden dunnage should be used to narrow the gap
...

... or a second locking coil should be inserted.

Maximum "cantline depth" of locking coils

Locking coils should not (cannot) be placed on the sloping surfaces of double-bottom wing tanks.

The second or subsequent layers must be stowed in the cantline, i.e. not against the ship's side. Steel
strapping is recommended for securing coils. The following example is modelled on the recommendations of
the Circular.

The coils are wedged on the inside (this detail

was omitted from the previous drawings).

[48]
In this manner, a pyramid stow is obtained, which is actually intended more to prevent damage than to secure
the cargo, as block stowage is recommended for ships with box-shaped holds.

IMO BC/Circ. 54 of 9.7.1991 proposes that systematic lashing systems be developed for a limited number of
stowage patterns. In the light of the importance of lashing to a safe voyage, a quality assurance program is
required for the steel strapping, the seals and the lashing gear.

Wooden dunnage should be used appropriately in line with the load-bearing capacity of the stowage place, the
direction of load-bearing members in the ship, anticipated stack pressures, the sensitivity of the coils and the
intended type of securing. Depending upon the design of the ship, gaps at the outer ends of the coil bay should
be blocked with squared lumber. It is strongly advised to wedge all coils in the bottom layer. Small gaps should
be filled with driving wedges to that each layer of cargo forms an independently stable and compact unit. Gaps
relative to the subsequent block which be retained for cargo handling reasons are braced with squared
lumber.

The use of steel strapping has become established only in recent decades, wire having hitherto mainly been
used for securing. In order to be able to include a turnbuckle in the lashing and tighten it, "Maputo" lashing was
used, which comprises a figure eight shaped connection of three coils.

Maputo lashing = figure eight shaped connection of three coils

The "locking coil" securing principle was, of course, used in this case too. Due to the "angle of rest", this
method gives rise to a solid transverse connection while the ship is at rest. In order to prevent movement in this
cargo block during the voyage, numerous additional lashings are required, which may be applied in various
ways.

Basic principle of "locking coil" securing

In the case of multilayer loading of coils, the coils are always stowed in the cantline from the second layer
onwards. It is advisable to lash the wing coils lying in the cantline on each outside end to the coils on which they

[49]
are lying. Depending upon the number of coils per bay, further coils should be lashed together. Using wire
ropes entails using "Maputo" lashing, while lashing with steel strapping is performed with simple "core bights":

"Core bights"

In some ports, despite the use of steel strapping, it has become established practice to secure the locking coils
and wing coils with steel strapping in the form of "Maputo" lashings. It is to be feared that the twisting of the
steel strapping involved in this method of securing considerably reduces the strength of the attachments.

Signode has published standards which differ in accordance with the type of hold used, coil weight, number of
layers etc.. In the Signode standards, steel strapping is not used as described above. The standards contain
numerous instructions for securing coil cargoes. Various stowage patterns are described. In general, a
distinction is drawn between...

light coils of a weight of up to 6 metric tons,

medium weight coils of a weight of 6 to 15 metric tons,

heavy coils of a weight from 15 to 22 metric tons and

ultraheavy coils of a weight greater than 22 metric tons.

The following drawings are in accordance with these standards:

[50]
 Single-layer stowage with a centrally placed locking coil for light sheet metal coils

Single-layer stowage with a centrally placed locking coil for medium weight sheet metal coils

Single-layer stowage with two symmetrically placed locking coils for light sheet metal coils

Single-layer stowage with two symmetrically placed locking coils

for medium weight sheet metal coils

[51]
 Two-layer stow "with sharp shoulders"
(inverted pyramid type) for medium weight coils

Two-layer stow "with round shoulders" (pyramid type) for light coils

Two-layer stow "with round shoulders" (pyramid type) for medium weight coils

[52]
Partly two-layer stow "without shoulders" with two "locking coils" for
light sheet metal coils

Partly two-layer stow "without shoulders" with two "locking coils" for
medium weight sheet metal coils

Complete three-layer stow for light coils

[53]
Complete three-layer stow for medium weight coils

Complete three-layer stow "with sharp shoulders"

(inverted pyramid type) for light coils

Complete three-layer stow "with sharp shoulders"

(inverted pyramid type) for medium weight coils

[54]
 Complete three-layer stow "with round shoulders" for light coils

Complete three-layer stow "with round shoulders" for medium weight coils

Partly three-layer stow "without shoulders" for light coils

[55]
 Partly three-layer stow "without shoulders" for medium weight coils

The following diagrams illustrate loading of heavy and ultraheavy coils:

Single-layer stow with one "locking coil" for heavy and ultraheavy coils

[56]
 Single-layer stow with two "locking coils" for heavy coils

Single-layer stow with two "locking coils" for ultraheavy coils.

Blocking is applied between layers.

Two-layer stow "with sharp shoulders" (inverted pyramid type)

for heavy and ultraheavy coils

[57]
 Two-layer stow "with round shoulders" (pyramid type)
for heavy and ultraheavy coils

Partly two-layer stow with two "locking coils" ("shoulderless" type)

for heavy coils

Partly two-layer stow with two "locking coils" ("shoulderless" type)

for ultraheavy coils. Blocking is applied between layers.

The paper could only give a brief excerpt from the instructions and examples of steel loading methods.

[58]
GENERAL ADVISES ON STOWAGE AND SECURING OF STEEL COILS:

The following notes are provided only as guidelines for Master’s consideration.

STOWAGE WITHIN A ROW:

1” dunnage should be used between the coils and the tank top (e.g. wingtank). A bottom row
should always be finalized with a locking coil.

The locking coil should have a sinkage of minimum 1/3 up to maximum ½ of the coil
diameter — not much more to avoid sinking away in the line and not much less either to keep
the line secured sideways. If the locking gap is either too wide or too small, two locking coils
should be used.

When loading coils two tiers high, the second layer may not be stowed from side to side. The
first coil in the second layer will then be placed in the saddle formed by the first two coils in
the bottom row. The rest of the coils in the second layer are placed in the same way. When
loading coils three tiers high, one coil may be stowed on the hopper on either side of the
second tier. On the third tier, the outermost coil will be placed in the saddle of the first two
coils of the second tier. When tank top strength permits, coils can be stowed three tiers high
in the form of a pyramid, leaving the outside saddles on the third tier open.

The diameter and width of the rolls in the second (and third) layer may not exceed the roll
diameters of the rolls in the underlying layer. When possible, we advise that the width of the
upper roll should not be much smaller than the underlying rolls.

With regard to safe and sound stowage, it is very important that the position in the row and
the dimension of the coils should be attuned to each other carefully. Therefore, it is very
important that before loading a pre-stow plan is made.

Coils with a relatively small width can be placed against the bulkhead and/or placed with
reduced space between the rows. In a final row, additional horizontal block lashings can be
used to prevent coils tumbling down from the upper layer.

[59]
In box-type vessels, one can consider using the conventional block-type stow since the
loading and discharging disadvantages due to understow do not exist there.

LASHING AND SECURING

Since the signode steel strap lashing system replaced the use of wirerope lashing in the end
of the seventies, it proved to be a successful, easy to use, safe, and cost-saving innovation.
The steel strap lashing system leads to each row of coils having a more massive, compact
structure while allowing the amount of wood for stowage to be decreased significantly.

Hereafter are examples of the most common coil stowing - and lashing patterns.

[60]
BELGOMER LASHING

SHORT LASHINGS

[61]
BELGOMER COILLASHING 2 TIERS HIGH

[62]
BELGOMER COILLASHING 3 TIERS HIGH

[63]
SHORT LASHINGS 2 TIERS HIGH

[64]
SHORT LASHINGS 3 TIERS HIGH (1)

[65]
SHORT LASHINGS 3 TIERS HIGH (2)

Source: sailors-club.net

[66]
CALIFORNIA BLOCK STOWAGE (CBS): THE HAZARDS TO CREW, CARGO AND
VESSEL
CBS poses unacceptable threats to certain types of vessels.

Skuld News - Circulars 18 June 2002

The California Block Stow (CBS) method of stowing steel slabs was developed by the California Steel
Industries a number of years ago. The idea behind this method is to speed up loading and discharge
operations on vessels.

The system involves loading steel slabs straight upwards in a fore and aft direction, one slab on top of the
other, in free- standing stacks interlinked with square timber and secured by Steel Strapping bands using the
‘Olympic’ lashing method only on top tiers. This may give rise to an unacceptable risk of cargo shift that would
pose a serious threat not only to the safety of cargo, but also to the vessel itself and her crew.
In most instances, a gap between stow and the ship’s sides of about three metres is left without any securing.

In conventional slab stowage, the only securing is with timber driven between any gaps in the top tier slabs.
With the CBS system, after loading and securing with steel strapping bands, the dunnage compresses and the
bands slacken off.

Thomas’ Stowage, arguably one of the leading authorities on stowage and carriage of cargoes, states inter alia
that stowage of slabs in normal type bulk carriers should be winged out, over the lower wing tanks, to the ship’s
sides, overlapping and fully dunnaged in every tier.

In a recent case, where a bulk carrier loaded nearly 15500 metric tons of steel slabs using the CBS method in
Italy for the US East Coast, only a week into the voyage during rough sea with heavy swell, the cargo in all five
holds collapsed to port.

This caused a list of about 12 degrees. Thus, the vessel had to put into a port of refuge so that the cargo could
be restowed and relashed in accordance with recommendations given by the surveyors attending on behalf of
the various parties involved. A General Average was declared.

Interestingly, the surveyors in attendance also agreed that steel brackets should be welded in each cargo holds
in order to contain the stow and prevent shifting, but other than that, the restowage plan was essentially the
same as had been used at the load port, i.e. the CBS method of stowage.

Subsequently it was discovered that the stevedores in load port had wrongly increased the number of slabs in
each stack in one of the cargo holds, creating an excessive load on tank tops. The stow had to be undone and
restowed. The vessel eventually sailed and discharged her cargoes without any further incident.

[67]
The reason why California Block stowage is attractive to charterers is that it saves costs on loading and
discharging.

Given the concerns regarding the safety of the method, however, it seems that the cost saving argument is not
a good enough reason to put the cargo, vessel and crew at risk.

For this reason, Skuld does not recommend the use of the CBS method of stowage and lashing.

OSLO, 18 JUNE 2002

HANS JØRGENSEN
SENIOR MANAGER – CLAIMS SUPPORT

Steel Slabs – California Block Stowage March 2002

The California Block Stowage (CBS) method of stowing steel slab cargoes. CBS was developed by shippers
and carriers involved in the regular transport of steel slabs between Brazil and California and allows for quicker
loading and discharge of cargo.
The essential elements of the CBS method are:

• semi-finished steel slabs are loaded onto the hatch square tank top area as a free-standing stow

• slabs are loaded fore & aft with minimum dunnage under and between slabs

• minimal lashing - upper and outer tiers only - by metal bandings and clips.

• stow is held in place by the inertia of its own mass and the friction between the semi-finished slabs

• weight of stow is centred on half of the tank top area, thus lift is limited to half hold capacity

The CBS method was designed for a particular cargo from a particular industry and for a particular route with
stowage carried out under the supervision of those with specialist knowledge of the method. It cannot be
transplanted to other situations without serious safety risks associated with the collapse of the stow.
The Club does not recommend the use of the CBS method and would advise that members do not agree, by
charterparty or otherwise, to use the CBS method.
If, nonetheless, members find themselves under pressure to agree to the CBS method, they should ensure that
they do so only if all the circumstances of carriage are those for which the method was originally designed. It is
also recommended that members contact the Club before agreeing to use the CBS method.

[68]