OTHRYS
Course/Position
2 min ago
Latest ports
Latest Waypoints
Latest news
Loading of cargo restricted after Ocean Winner disaster
The sinking of the Panama-flagged bulk carrier 'Ocean Winner' in the Bay of Bengal has triggered apprehension among other vessel masters over loading and transporting iron ore during the monsoon season. The Paradip Port Authority (PPA) recently served a notice on the 'Othrys', asking it to load its allotted iron ore cargo. However, the master restricted loading of moisture-laden iron ore from the allotted plot, citing safety concerns. The bulk carrier has been moored at the South Quay berth since Aug 21, 2026, to export 62,000 tonnes of iron ore to China. The vessel had so far loaded only 26,873 tonnes and had not accepted the remaining 35,127 tonnes. As a result, the vessel has remained at the berth for around 20 days. The 'BBG Kindness' had docked at the New Iron berth on Aug 9 to load 61,140 tonnes of iron ore for export to China. Its master also restricted loading of moisture-laden iron ore due to concerns over the safety of carrying excess cargo during the rainy season. The vessel subsequently sailed from Paradip after loading only 37,396 tonnes. Indian maritime safety regulations prescribe stringent safeguards for loading and carriage of solid bulk cargoes, particularly cargoes susceptible to liquefaction. The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), in accordance with the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, has prescribed safety measures for cargoes that may liquefy. The guidelines required proper risk assessment, moisture testing and compliance with cargo safety requirements. The IMSBC Code contained specific provisions concerning solid bulk cargoes that may pose a liquefaction risk. Iron ore fines require particular attention to moisture content and the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML). The PPA had served a notice on the owner and master of the 'Othrys' regarding the restriction on loading. After the issue came to the fore, DGS surveyors collected samples from the existing iron ore cargo for testing and intensified monitoring of moisture content, TML certification, loading conditions and weather forecasts. Loading was halted pending a detailed report. Once the safety parameters have been confirmed, loading and transportation were to resume, he added. Continued reluctance among vessel masters could affect Paradip Port’s cargo throughput and iron ore exports, besides causing losses to exporters, miners, transporters, stevedoring agencies and other stakeholders. It could also affect the state exchequer through reduced economic activity and associated revenues.
Upload News