Key data
| Stowage factor | 1.25–1.35 m³/t (typical 1.30)44.1–47.7 ft³/t (typical 45.9) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | C Cargoes that neither liquefy nor carry a chemical hazard. |
| Angle of repose | ~30 |
| BCSN | RICE |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Rice is among the most valuable food grains and is shipped both bagged and in bulk. In bulk at around 1.30 m3/t it is a measurement cargo. It is a particularly delicate cargo from a quality standpoint – very sensitive to moisture, taint and infestation – and damaged rice quickly loses its commercial value.
Stowage & loading
Holds must be scrupulously clean, dry and odour-free, since rice taints readily and shows damage plainly. Bulk rice is loaded by spout or conveyor under grain stability arrangements; the cargo is kept dry throughout, with wet-weather handling managed especially carefully given how quickly moisture damages it.
Hazards & handling
The dominant risks are moisture and mould: wetted rice rapidly develops fungal growth, caking and discoloration, and heating can follow. It respires and depletes oxygen like other grains, so enclosed-space precautions apply, and it is highly prone to taint and to insect infestation, so fumigation in transit is common.
Carriage & discharge
Ventilation is managed carefully against ship and cargo sweat to keep the cargo dry, and temperatures are watched for any heating. Fumigant residues are cleared and spaces certified before entry. Discharge is by grab or suction for bulk parcels, with damaged or caked rice segregated from the sound cargo.
Key hazards
- Rapid mould, caking and fungal damage if wetted
- Oxygen depletion and fumigant residues in enclosed spaces
- High sensitivity to taint and insect infestation
Loading precautions
- Present scrupulously clean, dry, odour-free holds
- Keep the cargo dry and manage wet-weather handling closely
- Confirm fumigation arrangements and enclosed-space entry controls
Stowage factors are indicative and vary with grade, origin, moisture and packing. Always verify against the shipper's cargo declaration and the applicable IMSBC Code schedule before fixing or loading. This is general information, not professional or safety advice.