Sea transportation of coal, coke, ore, and technical carbon

Special features of sea transportation of coal, ore, and coke

This type of cargo is transported in bulk (loose, unpackaged) or in big bags, which distinguishes it from container transportation.

Specialized vessels — bulk carriers — are used for sea transportation. These are specially equipped for carrying bulk cargo, with reinforced holds and carrying capacities ranging from mini-bulkers (10,000 DWT) to Panamax (65,000+ DWT) and larger.

Vessels for transporting coal, ore, and coke must be equipped with ventilation and humidity control. Dry, well-ventilated holds are essential.

BSF provides bulk cargo transportation services at key Russian ports: Novorossiysk, Saint Petersburg, and Rostov-on-Don. For our clients, we select vessels with watertight holds, minimizing the risks of oxidation.

Coal, coke, and ore transportation routes

Our company most often transports these types of cargo to China, India, and Turkey. Upon request, we can also propose and develop routes to other countries.

International transportation of coal, coke, and ore: export abroad

International coal transportation from Novorossiysk, Saint Petersburg, and Rostov-on-Don is arranged by our company on a turnkey basis — from cargo receipt at the port to discharge at the destination country's port. For our clients, BSF provides documentation for all stages of transportation: from combustibility analysis and customs declaration to insurance.

Who are our clients?

International coal transportation is ordered by large mining companies, traders, and international trade intermediaries who sell coal to foreign consumers: energy companies, metallurgical plants, and industrial enterprises in Asia, Europe, and other regions.

Our clients are exporters with volumes starting from 10,000 tons of coal, coke, or ore.

Safety in the transportation of coal, coke, and ore

It should be remembered that coal is classified as Hazard Class 4 under SOLAS and the IMDG Code, meaning that heightened control requirements apply to its transport. The safety of coal transport by sea is achieved through strict monitoring of temperature, humidity, and volatile content; checking holds for dryness; and ensuring reliable ventilation and gas monitoring to prevent spontaneous combustion, which is the main danger.

Safe transportation of coke by sea requires strict adherence to international regulations due to the risks of spontaneous combustion, dust generation, and cargo shift. Key measures include moisture control (between 2% and 8.5% to prevent liquefaction), ventilation, use of non-combustible materials, special labeling, and clear documentation confirming the hazard class and properties of the coke.

Regarding the safe sea transport of ore and technical carbon, the primary consideration is the specific hazard class of the ore in question. Each hazard class has its own transport requirements. Their observance is critically important, especially for concentrates prone to liquefaction, which can lead to loss of vessel stability and capsizing — as has happened with nickel ore. To prevent such disasters, strict measures are required: determination of the cargo's flow moisture point (FMP) and moisture content, proper distribution and trimming of the bulk cargo in holds, compliance with IMO regulations including the IMSBC Code for dangerous goods, and proper securing of cargo on deck.