BLU code

Answer

“BLU Code is the Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers. Its purpose is to prevent structural damage and casualties during solid bulk cargo operations. Before loading or unloading, the Master and terminal representative agree and sign a cargo plan specifying hold sequence, quantities, rates and ballast operations. During operations the ship continuously monitors draught, trim, shear force, bending moment and tank-top loading, and cargo operations should be stopped if the agreed plan or structural limits are exceeded.”

The BLU Code (Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers) was adopted under IMO Resolution A.862(20) and made mandatory under SOLAS Regulation VI/7 to prevent structural overstressing, hull failure, or loss of stability during shore-side cargo handling operations.

Applicability

The BLU Code is principally intended for bulk carriers of more than 500 GT engaged in loading/unloading solid bulk cargoes at terminals. Grain cargoes and certain operations using shipboard equipment are outside the normal BLU Code scope

Primary Objectives

• Prevent Hull Overstressing: Protect the ship's structure from excessive Shear Forces (SF) and Bending Moments (BM) caused by uneven or rapid cargo distribution across holds.
• Synchronize Deballasting & Loading: Ensure shore loading rates do not exceed the ship's ballast pumping capacity, preventing structural overload or unsafe draft/trim conditions.
• Standardize Ship-Shore Communication: Establish a formal operational framework and clear division of responsibilities between the Master and the Terminal Representative.

Key Statutory & Operational Requirements

• Ship-Shore Agreed Plan (SOLAS VI/7.3): Before cargo operations begin, the Master and Terminal Representative must formally sign a joint Loading or Unloading Plan. This plan outlines hold loading sequences, cargo tonnage per pass, loading rates, deballasting rates, draft limits, and target density.
• Terminal Information Booklet: Terminals must supply ships with a comprehensive information booklet detailing water depth alongside, air draft restrictions, conveyor loader capacities, trimming capabilities, and emergency shutdown procedures.
• Continuous Stress Monitoring: Ship officers must continually cross-check actual hold tonnages, drafts, and deballasting progress against calculated SF and BM limits using the ship's approved loading computer.
• Cargo Density Verification: The terminal must advise the Master of the cargo's gross density and stowage factor ($m^3/tonne$) to verify inner bottom / tanktop loading limits ($\text{tonnes/m}^2$).
• Power to Stop Operations: Both the Master and the Terminal Representative hold explicit authority to stop cargo transfer immediately if structural limits are approached, damage occurs, or safety criteria are compromised.

Master vs. Terminal Representative Responsibilities