Mark

I have never heard of this but can understand it.

We load up to 20,000T of cement and also up to 9,000T of fly ash per ship.

The cargo is loaded via belt conveyors into several holds at rates up to 1000tph.

Time is lost during loading trimming and changing holds acc.

But at the end, after the final trimming - which takes some time - pkus the final draft survey, the ships leave as long as the tide is OK otherwise they have to wait.

The Captain/Master has the first and final say over the loading process and aslo the decision to leave.

I suggest that U need to talk to them and their owners.

Cheers

James ■

IF THE CEMENT IS BEING LOADED IN THE BARGES/HOLDS PNUEMATICALLY THEN THE CEMENT NEEDS MORE TIME TO SETTLE DOWN AS COMPARE TO OTHER METHOD SAY BY BULK HEAD ETC.

THE TIME OF SETTLING OF CEMENT CAN BE REDUCED DOWN BY PROVIDING VIBRATING RODS IN A PROPER WAY AND THEY, GET ACTIVATED WHEN THE CEMENT IS BEING LOADES IN THAT HATCH.BY DOING THIS WE CAN EVEN INCREASE THE CARRYING CAPACITY OF BARGE.

ANIL ■

Quoting from Thomas' Stowage, Third Edition : "When pumped into vessel through hoses, cement flows like a liquid whilst in motion, and it is important that the ship remains upright at all times. On completion cargo should be reasonabely level. A period of time should be allowed for the cement to settle and any air to escape. Once settled cement is not liable to shift and shifting boards, or bagging, is not considered necessary." This doesn't tell you how long a period of time.

From pracatical experience on our own 7,000 dwt bulk barge which recently loaded bulk cement ex Bandar Khomeini, Iran. After completion of loading into the 3 holds via cement holes, the barge waited at berth for 3 hours, then proceeded by tow via the protected port channel for 9 hours to the sea pilot station. This was deemed sufficient time for the cargo to be settled for the sea voyage to Kuwait.

Best Regards

Kassim ■

dear kassim, thanks for your very important and practical information.

regards, anil seth ■