Key data
| Stowage factor | 1.70–2.00 m³/t (typical 1.85)60.0–70.6 ft³/t (typical 65.3) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | C Cargoes that neither liquefy nor carry a chemical hazard. |
| Angle of repose | ~30 |
| BCSN | GROUNDNUTS |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Groundnuts, or peanuts, are an oil-bearing legume traded for crushing, food and confectionery, shipped in shell or shelled. In shell the bulky cargo has a high stowage factor around 1.85 m3/t and is a measurement cargo; shelled kernels are denser and stow tighter. The cargo's care is dominated by moisture, heating and mould.
Stowage & loading
Clean, dry, odour-free holds and grain stability arrangements apply. The cargo is loaded by spout or conveyor and trims readily. Because the kernels are oily and the cargo is mould-prone, moisture at loading is the critical acceptance question, and damp or doubtful parcels are not taken on board.
Hazards & handling
The oil content gives a self-heating tendency, and the cargo is particularly prone to mould growth and the development of aflatoxin if shipped or kept damp – a quality and food-safety concern as much as a stowage one. It respires and depletes oxygen, taints and is tainted, and the dust is explosive in handling.
Carriage & discharge
Ventilation is managed on a dew-point basis against sweat, with temperatures watched where moisture is a concern. Fumigation in transit is common, with residues cleared and spaces certified before entry. Discharge is by grab or suction, with any heated or mouldy pockets segregated from the sound cargo.
Key hazards
- Self-heating from the oil content if shipped or kept damp
- Mould growth and aflatoxin development in damp cargo
- Oxygen depletion and fumigant residues in enclosed spaces
Loading precautions
- Present clean, dry, odour-free holds and apply the grain stability assessment
- Make moisture the decisive acceptance test given the mould and aflatoxin risk
- 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.