Loss Prevention Guidelines for PTA Cargo in Bags

Published on 13 Feb 2025, 02:05 PM #

Before loading PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid) in bags onto a vessel, the cargo holds must be meticulously prepared to ensure that the product remains in optimal condition during transit. Here are the key requirements for preparing a vessel’s cargo holds:
• Cleanliness:
The cargo holds must be thoroughly cleaned and free of any residues from previous cargoes, especially if they were chemicals, fertilizers, coal, or other materials that can contaminate the PTA. The holds should be swept, washed, and, if necessary, steamed to remove dirt, dust, grease, or oil residues. No traces of rust, paint flakes, or any foreign particles should be present that could contaminate the bags.

• Dryness:
The holds must be completely dry before loading PTA. Moisture is one of the main threats to PTA as it is hygroscopic. Any presence of water, condensation, or high humidity in the hold can cause the PTA to absorb moisture, leading to clumping or caking. After cleaning, ensure proper ventilation to dry out the holds. Desiccants or drying agents may also be used to absorb any residual moisture.

• Odor-Free Environment:
The holds must be free from any unpleasant odors. Strong odors can penetrate the packaging and compromise the quality of PTA. Odor control involves thoroughly airing out the holds and avoiding any chemical agents that might leave behind residual smells.

• Inspection:
A visual inspection of the holds should be conducted before loading. This includes checking for structural integrity, ensuring no holes, leaks, or cracks that could expose the cargo to seawater, rain, or external contaminants. Inspection by a certified marine surveyor is often required to verify that the holds meet the cleanliness and preparation standards.

• No Use of Insecticides or Chemicals:
Avoid using fumigants, insecticides, or any chemicals in the cargo hold before loading PTA, as these substances can seep into the bags and compromise product quality.

• Ventilation:
Proper ventilation should be in place to control temperature and humidity within the cargo hold, especially during transit in varying climates. However, it is important to prevent the ingress of moist air that could lead to condensation.

• Protection Against Mechanical Damage:
The cargo holds should be prepared to avoid any mechanical damage to the PTA bags. Install protective linings or dunnage on the hold floors and sides to minimize friction, tearing, or puncturing during loading and unloading operations.

• Hatch Covers:
Ensure that hatch covers are watertight and in good condition to prevent the entry of water during transit, which could damage the PTA bags.

• Pallets and Dunnage:
If using pallets, they should be clean, dry, and free of splinters, nails, or any elements that could damage the bags. Additionally, dunnage (wood or plastic sheets) should be used to separate and protect layers of bags. Proper preparation of the cargo holds is critical to maintain the integrity and quality of PTA during transportation. Following these guidelines helps prevent contamination, moisture absorption, and physical damage to the bags.

Alexandria Port Authorities & Public Health Affairs

Published on 13 Feb 2025, 02:03 PM #

In light of the continuous cooperation between Alexandria Chamber of Shipping and Alexandria Port Authority and looking at the recent updates regarding the latest international epidemic situation and how some countries including (Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and Israel) have been affected by the entry of some infectious diseases as: Malaria, Zika virus, Dengue fever, yellow fever and Marburg viruses – those viruses/ diseases which are commonly transmitted through insect/mosquito bites-, based on the above; shipping agencies in Egypt have been given new instructions to be followed by Shipowners, those instructions include:

1. Vessels must be sprayed with insect/mosquito repellent specified for those transmitting these diseases upon their departure from ports of the affected countries and to have an official certification that such measure has been carried out before departing the said port.
2. Or to be sprayed at least 400m away from the berthing quay before entering Egyptian ports with the knowledge of the concerned certification authorities from the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Alexandria Port Authority.
3. Quarantine authorities are on stand-by position to supervise the spraying process around the clock.

Customs Clearance and Banking Operations, Egypt

Published on 13 Feb 2025, 02:01 PM #

We are pleased to share some important updates regarding customs clearance procedures in Egypt, based on recent developments communicated by the Alexandria Chamber of Shipping and the Egyptian Customs Authority.
1. Customs Clearance and Banking Operations Update: In an effort to enhance the efficiency of customs clearance, the Alexandria Chamber of Shipping, the Egyptian Customs Authority, and the Alexandria Commercial Division have introduced new measures. The Egyptian Prime Minister has issued a directive to extend customs clearance operations to seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays. This initiative aims to ensure the timely release of cargo at ports and customs stations nationwide. Additionally, all banks involved in customs transactions will remain open during this period to facilitate smooth financial operations related to cargo clearance.

2. Implementation Date: These changes will take effect on December 6, 2024. The goal is to streamline customs and regulatory processes, reducing cargo delays and enhancing the overall productivity of the import and export sector.

Gargoub Port, Egypt

Published on 13 Feb 2025, 02:00 PM #

One of Egypt’s oldest ports which played an important role during World War II by having a strategic location due to its proximity to the front lines in North Africa, previously used for military logistics and supply operations, though it is not as prominent as other Egyptian ports, it now has the basic infrastructure to support small-scale maritime activities, including fishing and minor trade making it a potential hub for maritime activities.
There have been discussions about developing the region to boost its economic activities, where developers have set-up a plan to re-construct new berths with a total length of 14 kilometers and a depth of 7 meters, alongside cargo handling yards spanning 7 square kilometers, with a total area of 10 square kilometers. The construction of the main breakwater, extending 3050 meters, is currently in progress. Additionally, the following has been completed:
• Construction of a 970-meter-long container terminal.
• Construction of general cargo berths with lengths of 360 meters and 670 meters.
• Construction of the eastern breakwater, measuring 2770 meters in length.
Moreover, a 700-meter-long multi-purpose terminal has been completed, comprising 200 meters for passenger services and 500 meters for general cargo.
Minor maritime activities are being carried nowadays with the hope of more to be done with the development plans being carried out now.
Our office has even recently carried out a cargo survey there where we have assigned one of our surveyor firms to attend and successfully carried out the survey.

Loss Prevention Guidelines for Suez Canal Transit

Published on 13 Feb 2025, 01:58 PM #

Masters/ chief officers are advised to take the following steps into consideration in order to mitigate exposure to risks/expected claims thereof:
1- Vessel Transiting the Suez Canal must have mooring boats hired from Canal Mooring and
Lights Company- Company approved by Suez Canal Authorities-
2- Vessel must be fitted with well-maintained lifting appliances capable of lifting mooring
boats of 3 Tons weight including mooring boat crewmembers.
3- Vessel may carry extra mooring boats for navigational purposes, However L.P.G, L.N.G
and Loaded Tankers are not allowed by any extra boats.
4- The handling of mooring boats must be carried out safely, well clear from the Vessel’s
propellers.
5- Masters are requested to reduce speed during the lifting and lowering operations of
mooring boats, an officer must be in charge to avoid accidents that may endanger the life
of the mooring crew.
6- If the Vessel has no means of lifting mooring boats and Vessel’s boats are not suitable for
mooring in the Canal, the Vessel shall not be allowed to transit the Canal unless escorted
by imposed tugs.
7- Master should appoint an officer to witness / supervise the lifting/lowering process of the
Mooring company tug.
8- Master should give instructions to the mooring boat crew to evacuate the mooring boat
from any personal belongings (mobiles / cash should be kept with the tug crew) before
starting the lifting/lowering operations, to avoid loss and damages.
9- Checking the condition of the cranes wires before starting the lifting/lowering operation.
10- Advising the boat crew of the crane / wires weight capacity.
11- Have cranes maintenance certificates ready in hand.
12- Vessel Master should contact the Vessel Agent along with the P&I Club Correspondent
in case of facing any difficulties or incidents during their transit operation.
13- In case of any incident the Vessel Master should issue his SOF immediately and provide
same to Members and P&I Club correspondent.
14- In case of any incident the Vessel Master shouldn’t hand the mooring boat crew any
documents related to the incident nor Vessel
15- Master should opt to sign any paper from their side before contacting the P&I
Correspondent.
16- For the best interacting with this operation we do recommend taking photos/Videos
during the lifting operation in order of documenting the operation.