协会从泰国当地通代获悉，由于泰国国内政局动荡，导致大量的外来务工人员离开泰国，在港口工作的装卸工人也因此减少了很多。很多散装货物的出口都受到影响，其中袋装大米的出口所受影响最大，出口商不得不重新考虑将大米散装出口，这就使得货损货差的风险有所增加，譬如货舱不够清洁可能导致货物受到污染，装货期间如果遭遇阴雨天气未及时关舱则可能导致部分货物湿损、霉变。

       详情请参考以下来自协会通代的邮件。

RE: EXPORT OF RICE IN BULK FROM THAILAND

The exodus of foreign workers, after the Thai army came to power inmid-2014, created a severe shortage of stevedores resulting in huge losses tothe shipping industry, including ships getting delayed. Due to shortage ofstevedores, the export of Bagged Rice was affected the most, as most of otherexports were already in bulk. The crisis forced the rice exporters tore-consider their strategies, resulting in export of ‘Rice in Bulk’.Henceforth, presently most of the rice cargo exported is in bulk.

The invention due to necessity, even though, looks better for owners of thevessels, as same shouldresult in shortage claims, which most of the clubs arevery familiar. However, cargo being in bulk could raise bigger claims.

Hence, we would like to draw the attention of club to some of the perils (butnot limited to) as follows:

The cargo could have been stored in warehouse for long period. Hence, oncecargo is being loaded in bulk, it becomes paramount that condition of cargo ismonitored, in order to avoid (huge) claims at discharge port, due tocargo being affected by damaged cargo / infestation. Also, cargo being contaminatedwith rust and paint scales etc., which could also result from barges.

The loading of Rice in Bulk, also needs to ensure that cargo holds areclean to grain standard, including the grabs being used (especially ifship’s). The importance of hatch covers being weather tight also becomes animportant factor.

Inview cargo is loaded without any protection material; hence, same shallbe in contact with ship sides, thus exposed to variation in temperatures duringvoyage.

Beside the surface ventilation, ventilation of all cargo cannot be carriedout. Although, tubes are being placed on some of the vessels for fumigationwhich can later be utilized for ventilation purposes.

Inview of all above, we highly recommend that either ship’s crew shouldmonitor the condition of cargo continuously. Alternatively, local surveyorsshould be appointed to monitor the condition of cargo being loaded on board.

We also recommend that draft survey should be carried out by independentsurveyor in order to confirm the quantity of cargo loaded.

These are guidelines only. If deemed appropriate, the information can becirculated to their loss prevention department and members.

We would also appreciate if feedback from the vessels already dischargedcargo / any rising claim could be shared with us, for our reference.

Capt. Ravinder P.S. Ghai

Consultant

M/S Thai P&I Services International Ltd.

Thailand.