Loading and unloading solid bulk cargo transported by sea

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Rules and requirements for bulk carriers and bulk terminals

In the Netherlands, the loading and unloading of solid bulk cargo is governed by the Wet laden en lossen zeeschepen, Wllz (loading and unloading of seagoing vessels Act, Wllz, in Dutch). The Wllz applies to:

• Seagoing bulk carriers as defined in:
  • IMO Resolution A.866(20), sections 4 and 5.
  • IMO Resolution MSC.277(85).
  • Regulation IX/1.6 of the SOLAS Convention of 1974, as interpreted in resolution 6 of the SOLAS Conference of 1997.
• Terminals loading or unloading solid bulk cargo to or from these bulk carriers. Terminals may be land-based, floating or mobile. They must operate an ISO 9001 quality management system to ensure compliance with legal requirements (in Dutch). See the list of certified bulk terminals in the Netherlands (in Dutch).

Please note: the Wllz does not apply to grain products.

The Wllz implements EU Directive 2001/96/EC. The international background of both the Wllz and the Directive is the Code of practice for the safe loading and unloading of bulk carriers (BLU Code).

Role of the ILT

The Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) monitors whether maritime carriers and bulk terminals comply with the Wllz. They must report any deficiencies, irregularities or incidents to the ILT. The ILT can be contacted:

• Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:30 on +31 70 456 46 50.
• Outside these hours for emergencies on +31 88 489 00.
• By e-mail: psc@ilent.nl.

Before loading or unloading begins

The shipowner must:

• Ensure that proper International Safety Management (ISM) procedures are in place for the loading, unloading and carriage of solid bulk cargo.
• Provide certificates proving that the vessel is suitable for the intended cargo.
• Request the determination of the moisture content (transportable moisture limit, TML) from the cargo owner and the bulk terminal.
• Arrange assistance, if necessary, for cleaning and disposal of cargo residues.

The cargo owner or cargo surveyor must:

• Provide the cargo declaration, requested cargo information and any other relevant details to the vessel and the bulk terminal.
• If the cargo is a dangerous substance, provide a Material Safety Data Sheet (in Dutch).
• If the cargo is waste, provide the required European Waste Shipment Regulation (EWSR) notification.
• When using biocides, comply with the applicable regulations for fumigated cargo (in Dutch).

The bulk terminal operator or terminal representative must:

• Check whether the bulk carrier meets the minimum safety requirements for safe loading or unloading. Deficiencies that could pose a risk, include:
  • Unsafe access to the vessel (e.g. gangway).
  • Inadequate command of the English language by the ship master or chief officer, making clear coordination impossible.
  • Poor condition or insufficient securing of hatch covers when open.
  • Poor condition of cargo hold accesses and hold ladders.
  • Structural damage or issues affecting watertight integrity, such as loose frames, holes in hatches or hull, leaking tank caps or similar defects.
• Immediately report identified deficiencies to both the ILT and the ship master.
• Refuse berthing of a bulk carrier if it does not meet the minimum safety requirements.
• When the vessel meets the safety requirements and all relevant cargo information is available, agree on and sign a loading or unloading plan with the ship master, and complete the Ship/Shore Safety Checklist.

The ship master must:

• In the case of dangerous cargo, notify the port authority of the vessel’s arrival in advance.
• Provide all relevant information to the bulk terminal operator.
• Cooperate with inspections of the vessel and cargo by the terminal operator.
• In case of fumigation, ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is used.
• Immediately take corrective action if deficiencies are identified.
• When the vessel meets the safety requirements and all relevant cargo information is available, agree on and sign a loading or unloading plan with the terminal operator, and complete the Ship/Shore Safety Checklist.

Loading or unloading

Loading and unloading must be carried out according to the agreed plan and in compliance with Articles 9 to 14 of the Wllz (in Dutch). The port authority supervises the process, with particular attention to dangerous substances, fumigation and waste disposal, and intervenes when necessary.

The bulk terminal operator must:

• Comply with their ISO 9001 quality management system.
• Minimise cargo residues as much as possible.
• Assist with the removal and disposal of residues.

The ship master must:

• Arrange cleaning of the vessel if necessary.
• Ensure that any cargo residues, sleeve remnants and other waste are properly disposed of.