Maritime Loss Prevention:. A soybean meal claim followed significant heat damage in cargo stowed above an aft double-bottom fuel oil tank. On discharge, about 3,500 tonnes were allegedly rejected. The claim was estimated at a quarter of a million dollars.
Agricultural cargoes may suffer heat damage at temperatures between 40°C and 55°C. Service and settling tanks can exceed 80°C during fuel transfer. Without temperature records, the cargo team may have no indication that the margin is closing.
The guidance calls for fuel to be heated gradually, only as much as necessary and ideally not above 40°C. Tank temperatures should be recorded throughout the voyage.
For the next heat-sensitive parcel, can the chief officer and chief engineer see the temperature history of every heated tank beside or below the cargo?
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