Moisture damage is the source of a significant number of cargo claims. Claimants allege that this is brought about by the ship’s failure to ventilate correctly, resulting in the development of condensation (known as “sweat”). This sweat can lead to the deterioration of a number of bulk cargoes such as grain, seedcake and steel surfaces. All modern bulk carriers are fitted with some form of ventilation, either natural or mechanical, which can be used to minimise the formation of sweat. The London P&I Club has launched new publication LP Focus to address all issues related to bulk carrier ventilation.
Ventilation can also be used for the removal of taint, fumigate gases, or other gases as directed by the shipper. These forms of ventilation only provide surface ventilation, i.e. lacking the ability to penetrate a bulk stow, and therefore cannot continue to maintain an equilibrium in conditioning a cargo such as grain within a silo.
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