COAL (SF 1.25 TO 1.

35m³/t)

TYPES
Coal duff – coal with an upper size of 7mm.
Coal slurry – coal with particles generally under 1mm in size.
Coke – solid residues from the distillation of coal.
Small coal – sufficient particle material below 7mm to exhibit a
flow state when saturated with water.
HAZARDS
1. Spontaneous heating
Coal is liable to spontaneous heating. Freshly mined coal
absorbs O2 forming peroxides which break up into CO &
CO2. This is an exothermic reaction (chemical reaction
giving out heat and light). The heat released causes
further oxidation and more heat. CO has a large
flammable range (12% to 75% by volume) and is also
highly toxic.

If the heat is not dissipated, spontaneous combustion can

occur. Breakage of coal into smaller pieces should be
prevented during loading as it offers a larger surface area
assisting oxidation.

2. Release of Methane Gas

Coals emits methane gas, particularly when the coal is
freshly mined. Methane, a flammable gas when mixed
with air, forms an explosive mixture. Being lighter than
 air, it accumulates in the upper regions of the cargo space
and must not find its way into adjoining spaces, such as
cofferdams, tanks, etc.

3. Corrosion
Many coals contain sulphur. Coals left over from earlier
mining, dumped into fresh water ponds for later retrieval
and shipment, is called “pond coal”. It has a high moisture
and sulphur content. Due to self-heating, pond coal in the
presence of sulphur and moisture can release sulphuric
acid which is highly corrosive to the ship’s holds.

4. Liquification
This is a process whereby moisture in the cargo migrates
to the surface due to compaction and vibration during the
voyage, resulting in the development of a flow state. This
happens particularly when carrying coal slurry, small coal,
even coal duff. The surface of the cargo behaves like a
liquid and a transverse shift of cargo will result in reduced
ship’s stability.

PRECAUTIONS FOR LOADING AND CARRIAGE OF COAL

1. Gas tight bulkheads and decks: Take all measures to
prevent gas accumulating in trunks and adjacent
compartments.
2. Spar ceiling (cargo battens): To be removed prior loading
as these would harbour O2 pockets deep into the heart of
the stow
3. Test bilge suctions and seal bilge bays: To prevent coal
dust from clogging them.
4. Temperature control:
a. Cargo to be stored away from high temperature
areas and machinery bulkheads.
b. Monitor temperatures at minimum 3 levels in the
cargo compartment on a daily basis.
c. Keep decks cool in tropical climates by rigging
awnings or running deck water.
d. Spontaneous combustion can get accelerated at
temperatures of 38°C or more. At temperatures of
around 55°C, existence of a fire should be strongly
suspected and cargo spaces shut down and sealed
against entry of air. Seek expert shore advice and in
case of fire, consider making port of refuge.
5. Ventilation:
a. Surface ventilation is necessary during carriage of
coal to
i.Remove any accumulated methane gas; and
ii. Dissipate any heat formed by oxidation of
coal.
b. Ensure no through ventilation is permitted. It is
recommended that for the first five days after
loading, surface ventilation should be carried out for
removal of gases and heat, thereafter ventilators to
the lower holds are to be plugged and opened only
for six hours every two days.
c. In fine weather, hatches must be open to facilitate
surface ventilation.
6. Safety lamps: Sufficient number of safety lamps to be
carried on all coal carrying vessels.
7. Intrinsically safe electrical equipment to be used inside
cargo spaces. Points of entry and exit of cables should be
sealed to prevent passage of gas to adjacent
compartments. Electrical circuits shall be isolated in
spaces where gas accumulation is suspected.
8. If there is evidence of cargo burning, the space shall be
closed, ventilation stopped and sealed against entry of air.
Boundary cooling to be carried out. Introduce CO2, inert
gas or a high expansion foam and keep the hold closed till
arrival port. In port obtain specialist assistance before
opening the holds.
9. No naked flame, smoking, sparking equipment, or welding
shall be permitted in or around the cargo hatches.
10. Monitor methane, O2 and CO concentrations with
suitably calibrated gas detection equipment in cargo and
adjacent spaces.
11. Shifting:
i.Determine the moisture content and
transportable moisture limit by obtaining a
certificate from the shipper.
ii. Prevent ingress of any water into the cargo
compartments. Suspend cargo operations
during wet weather.
iii. Cargo should be trimmed into the wings
and ends as is reasonably practicable.
iv. Hold bilges to be regularly pumped out.
12. Bills of Lading to be appropriately claused when
shipping coal in a wet condition as it may turn out to be
 3% less in weight at the discharge port resulting in cargo
claims from the receiver.

ASSESSMENTS, READING AND OBSERVATIONS DURING COAL

CARRIAGE AT SEA
The IMSBC Code states that prior to loading the shipper shall
provide in writing to the Master, the characteristics of the
cargo, their hazards and the recommended safe handling
procedures. These details should include
a. whether the cargo maybe liable to emit methane; or
b. self-heat.
This essential information will decide the method of safe
carriage.
Coals emitting Methane
Methane, being a flammable gas, can be readily ignited by a
spark or naked light. Suitable precautions shall be observed,
including:
a. Maintaining adequate surface ventilation without
directing air into the body of the coal;
b. Venting any gases prior to opening the hatch covers or
other openings; and
c. Enclosed working spaces shall be adequately ventilated
with equipment safe for use in a flammable atmosphere.
Self-heating Coals
Coals (low grade) which are prone to oxidation are more liable
to spontaneous heating. Recommendations of IMSBC code are
as follows:
a. CO, O2 and Methane can be detected by the same
instrument. It is essential that instruments are used and
maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions.
b. In case of adverse weather conditions, it is recommended
that sample measuring points be fitted one on either side
of the hatch cover to provide an accurate picture of the
gas concentration in the hold;
If CO content in cargo hold is increasing:
a. Potential self-heating maybe developing. Cease all
ventilation and ensure no air gets directed into the
body of the coal cargo as air promotes self-heating.
b. Continue monitoring CO concentration in the cargo
and adjacent spaces.
c. Seek advice from the shipper and owner
d. Water should not be used for cooling the cargo or
fighting coal fire at sea. Water may, however, be
used to cool the boundaries of cargo spaces.
Gas Monitoring of Coal Cargoes
The IMSBC code provides detailed procedures for gas
monitoring of coal cargoes, equipment to be used, design and
sighting of sample points and measurement.
1. The ship shall be fitted and carry appropriate instruments
for measuring the following, without requiring entry in the
cargo spaces:
 - Concentration of methane in the atmosphere;
- Concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere;
- Concentration of CO in the atmosphere; and
- The pH value of cargo hold bilge samples.
2. These instruments shall be regularly serviced and
calibrated and ship’s personnel shall be trained in their
use.
3. The atmosphere in the space above the cargo in each
space shall be regularly monitored for the presence of
methane, O2 and CO. Details of gas monitoring
procedures are provided in the IMSBC code.
4. Records of these readings shall be maintained.
5. The frequency of testing depends on information provided
by the shipper and analysis of the atmosphere in the cargo
space.
ACID CONDITIONS
Many coals contain sulphur. If sulphur is in a soluble form it
may react with moisture in the coal to form sulphurous and
sulphuric acids. These acids will attack steel and corrode bilge
systems, tank top areas and bulkheads. Hence, regular hold
bilge testing should be conducted. If acid conditions are
indicated, the bilges shall be pumped regularly to minimise
contact between acids and hold structures.