Answer
SOLAS Chapter VI – Carriage of Cargoes covers cargoes, including dry cargoes, that may require special precautions because of their hazards.
A practical IMO-based classification is:
| Dry cargo category | Examples | Main IMO instrument |
|---|---|---|
| Solid bulk cargo | Coal, iron ore, bauxite, concentrates, fertilizers | IMSBC Code |
| Grain in bulk | Wheat, maize/corn, barley, rice | International Grain Code |
| Packaged/general cargo | Machinery, steel products, bags, drums, crates | SOLAS VI / CSS Code |
| Containers | Containerized general cargo | SOLAS VI + CSS/CTU requirements |
| Dangerous goods in packaged form | Explosives, flammable solids, oxidizers, toxic substances | IMDG Code |
| Dangerous goods in solid bulk form | Certain hazardous solid bulk cargoes | SOLAS VII + IMSBC Code |
| Timber deck cargo | Logs, sawn timber, packaged timber carried on deck | 2011 TDC Code |
Group A — Cargoes presenting a liquefaction/dynamic-separation hazard
These cargoes present a hazard due to moisture. Traditionally, Group A is described as cargoes that may liquefy when shipped above their Transportable Moisture Limit (TML).
Examples include certain:
- Mineral concentrates
- Nickel ore
- Iron ore fines
- Bauxite fines
- Coal, where classified as Group A/B
Main concern: loss of shear strength → cargo shift/free-surface-like effect → sudden loss of stability → capsize.
Group B — Cargoes possessing chemical hazards
These cargoes possess a chemical hazard capable of creating a dangerous situation onboard.
Hazards can include:
- Self-heating
- Fire/explosion
- Toxic gas emission
- Flammable gas generation
- Oxygen depletion
- Corrosion
Examples include certain coal, DRI, ferrosilicon and metal products.
Group C — Neither Group A nor Group B
These cargoes are neither liable to liquefy as Group A nor possess the chemical hazards of Group B.
Examples can include various ores, minerals and other relatively stable solid bulk cargoes, depending on the specific IMSBC schedule.