ANALYSIS OF MOISTURE CONTENT IN SOLID BULK LOADS OF NICKEL ORE WHICH ARE AT RISK OF LIQUIFICATION THUS DISTURBING THE STABILITY OF THE SHIP

Abstract

Solid bulk cargoes of Nickel ore pose a risk in transportation because they can melt (liquefy) during transit which reduces the stability of the ship and thus endangers the safety of the ship. Solid cargoes of Nickel ore that can be classified as group A cargoes are those that may melt if shipped at a Moisture Content (MC) content greater than the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML). Liquefaction of cargo nickel ore has caused the capsizing of several ships and reduced safety in transportation.  To overcome the risk of liquefaction in solid bulk cargoes of iron ore before loading begins, a laboratory test for moisture content must be carried out so that the cargo is safe before loading. The aim of this research is to analyze the water content in solid bulk cargoes of nickel ore which are at risk of melting which could disrupt the stability of the ship. If the Moisture Content of a Group A cargo exceeds the Transportable Moisture Limit, then the cargo can be declared unsafe to be loaded onto the ship. The load must have its Moisture Content reduced until it is smaller than the specified Transportable Limit Moisture.