IMSBC CODE
Spring 2023
Amendment 06-21 to the IMSBC Code
The IMSBC Code provides an international standard for the safe handling and transport of solid bulk cargoes. As part of the IMO’s regular review of the IMSBC Code for new cargoes or updates to existing cargoes, Amendment 06-21, MSC.500(105), provides numerous amendments to the Code. These latest amendments to the IMSBC Code include but are not limited to:
• Changes to the definition of Group A cargoes to emphasize their potential hazards of liquefaction or dynamic separation if shipped at a moisture content above their transportable moisture limit and the introduction of a new definition for dynamic separation
• Amendments within Section 7: Cargoes Which May Liquefy: The purpose of these amendments is to clarify that procedures for safety design, verification and validation applicable to cargo tanks containing liquefied bulk cargoes also apply to tanks containing cargoes that undergo dynamic separation
The latest amendments to the IMSBC Code include new cargo schedules for:
• Ammonium nitrate-based fertilizer, also known as non-hazardous form and MHB form
• Clamshell
• Leach residue containing lead
• Superphosphate (triple, granular)
This set of amendments will enter into force on 1 December 2023 but may voluntarily apply from 1 January 2023.
Effective Date: 1 December 2023
Sources: MSC.500(105)
Section 9: Materials Hazardous Only in Bulk — Corrosive Solids Test
IMO circular 1600, Rev. 1, "Guidance for Conducting the Refined MHB (CR) Test details the MHB (CR) Test" provides the method for assessing solid bulk cargo materials against corrosive solids, as described in the updated paragraph 9.2.3.7.3 of the IMSBC Code.
This test is intended to determine the corrosivity of a solid bulk cargo material in contact with a carbon steel test coupon, thereby determining the impact the cargo may have on cargo hold structures. Several minor clarifying amendments have been made to this circular to correlate with Amendment 06-21 of the IMSBC Code.
Effective Date: 28 April 2022
Source: MSC.1/Circular.1600/Revision.1
