Meteorological and

Climatological Effects on
Hygroscopic Cargo
In Partial Fulfilment of the Course Requirements of
Capt. Peter Grunau in Cargo Hold Meteorology.

Prepared by:

D/C RIGDAUS,CONRAD E.
Emsstrom D12
 Course Objective
At the end of the session, the trainee should be able to:

 Identify the Meteorological and Climatological Factors Affecting

the transportation of hygroscopic cargo.
 Identify the Meteorological and Climatological Effects on
Hygroscopic Cargo.
 Know the Cryptoclimate Diagram.
 Know the use and importance of a Hygroscopic Checklist.
 Identify possible counter measurements against cargo damage.
3 Step-Report System

Factors

Effects

Counter-measurements
Cryptoclimate Diagram

Figure 9: Factors influencing container cryptoclimate

 Meteorological and Climatological Factors

Radiation
Temperature
Wind/Air
Precipitation
Spray
Humidity
The Global Climate
 Effects on Hygroscopic Cargo
Desiccation (Extreme dryness)
Sweat Damage
Mold Growth
Germination (for grain products)
Excessive weight (for logs, timbers, etc.)
Rapid ripening process (for fruits)
Wetness
Tainting
Odour Accumulation
Contamination
Triggers Chemical processes
Triggers Biological processes
Damages

Green moss grows

Germination on Corn Cargo
Wetness on Paper
Sweat Damage of Coffee
Damaged Paper
 Transportation Properties of Cargo

Classification of Goods to be transported Diagram

Flowchart of container types according to requirements of
goods to be transported
 Cargo Information
The risk factors and loss prevention section addresses the specific
transport properties of the product. Practical loss prevention
measures are recommended on the basis of existing potential risks.
The following product properties or factors having an influence on
transport are addressed:

 RF Temperature: Required temperatures (journey, loading and

unloading temperatures), risks associated with excessively high or
low temperatures and with temperature variations, influence of
temperature on the formation of condensation in holds/containers,
temperature measurements during transport

 RF Humidity/Moisture: Relative humidity, water content of product,

maximum equilibrium moisture content, water vapor absorption
capacity of the product (sorption behavior, hygroscopicity), influence
of humidity/moisture conditions on the formation of condensation in
holds/containers
 RF Ventilation: Recommended ventilation (air exchange rate,
circulating air, surface ventilation), supply of fresh air, air flow in
holds/containers, instances where ventilation is prohibited.

 RF Biotic activity: Classification of the product on the basis of biotic

activity during transport

 RF Gases: Changes in carbon dioxide content, upper limit of

admissible CO2 content, changes in oxygen content, evolution of
ethylene by the product, ethylene-sensitivity of product

 RF Odor: Active behavior (release of odor by the product), passive

behavior (sensitivity to foreign odors), prohibited mixed cargoes on
the basis of active and passive behavior
 RF Self-heating/Spontaneous combustion: Hazards arising from self-
heating/spontaneous combustion or external heating/ignition,
influence of oil content, influence of fiber content, influence of
temperature, influence of humidity/moisture, influence of oxygen .

 RF Contamination: Active behavior (contamination caused by the

product), passive behavior (sensitivity to contamination by other
products), prohibited mixed cargoes on the basis of active and
passive behavior

 RF Mechanical influences: Sensitivity (to pressure, impact, abrasion

etc.), cargo handling and cargo securing recommendations

 RF Toxicity/Hazards to health: Hazard due to elevated carbon dioxide

concentrations, hazard due to oxygen shortages, toxic substances
present in the product
 RF Shrinkage/Shortage: Weight losses due to release of water vapor,
loss of volume due to breakage, theft etc..

 RF Insect infestation/Diseases: Activity of molds, bacteria,

microorganisms and enzymes, infestation by insects, small animals
and other living organisms, certificates required
 Hygroscopic Cargo Checklist
Prior to loading

Ensue holds are clean, dry and free from odour

Ensure bilges are clean, free from odour and tested
Test bilge non-return valves and high level alarms (where fitted)
Protect bilge covers with burlap and secure in place (bulk cargoes)
Flush sounding and thermometer pipes with water
Check holds for signs of infestation
Ensure ventilation arrangements (eg fans, trunkings, dampers, seals) are working
correctly
Verify that hatch covers and hold access doors are watertight
Test smoke detection and smothering systems (where fitted)
Ensure tank top manhole gaskets are sound and that covers are tight
Ensure ballast suction cover plates are secure (ballast holds only)
Record details of pre-loading measures in the deck logbook
Loading

Discuss dunnaging plan with stevedores

Ensure only sound cargo is loaded1
Measure and record cargo temperatures regularly during loading
Reject any cargo with abnormally excessive temperatures
Monitor weather conditions carefully and close hatches at the first sign of rain
Ensure equipment for measuring hold dew point temperature is available and
working
Additional for bagged cargo
Cover tank top with double dunnage or bamboo2
Position dunnage or bamboo crosswise against frames, interwoven to provide a
barrier
Cover dunnage/bamboo and all exposed steelwork with fibre matting or kraft liner
Prevent use of cargo handling hooks by stevedores
Ensure bags are not loaded in the spaces between frames
Follow requirements of shippers/charterers regarding construction of ventilation
channels 3
On passage

Record hold dewpoints, external air dewpoint and sea temperature once per watch4
Follow enclosed space safety procedures if necessary to enter holds
Continue, stop or resume ventilation in accordance with Dewpoint or Three Degree Rule
Record times when ventilation was commenced, stopped or resumed
Record details of necessary halting of ventilation due to heavy weather or precipitation
Record soundings of cargo hold bilges at least daily
Inspect in-hold steelwork for condensation (again following enclosed space procedures)
Record details if signs of cargo deterioration are observed
Ensure ventilation and bilge sounding records are retained in case of cargo claims
Notify club correspondent at discharge port prior to arrival if cargo deterioration occurs
1 Reject bags which are torn, stained, damp or in otherwise suspect condition
2 Lay first layer in direction of the bilges, not more than 20 cms apart. Lay second layer at
right angles to the first
3 For certain bagged cargoes, ventilation channels may be required by the IMDG Code, (eg
some types of seed cake, fishmeal)
4 Dewpoint Rule only. If following the Three Degree Rule, record external air temperature and
sea temperature once per watch
 References
 www.westpandi.com
 www.wikipedia.com

 www.tis-gdv.de