Key data
| Stowage factor | 0.25–0.45 m³/t (typical 0.35)8.8–15.9 ft³/t (typical 12.4) |
|---|---|
| Form | Breakbulk |
| IMSBC group | n/a Not classified under the IMSBC Code (e.g. breakbulk or bagged goods). |
| Broken stowage | 15% |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Wire rod is hot-rolled steel shipped as coils breakbulk for drawing into wire. At around 0.35 m3/t the coils are deadweight-limited. Manufactured steel outside the bulk regime, its care centres on stowing and securing the rolling-prone coils and protecting them from rust and distortion.
Stowage & loading
Coils are loaded by crane and stowed on dunnage, chocked and secured so they cannot roll or shift, which is the main stowage challenge with round units. Weight is spread over the tank top, and the stow is built so coils are not crushed or telescoped.
Hazards & handling
The hazards are physical: heavy coils prone to rolling and shifting if not chocked and secured, with the attendant danger to personnel, plus sharp wire ends. Rust and wet damage, and distortion of coils, are the commercial concerns, surveyed and recorded before loading.
Carriage & discharge
Securing against rolling is the carriage focus, with the stow kept dry as practicable to limit rust and chocks and lashings checked. Discharge is by crane with coil hooks or slings; distorted or rusted coils are noted, and condition recorded against the receipts.
Key hazards
- Heavy coils rolling or shifting if not chocked and secured
- Sharp wire ends and personnel danger
- Rust, wet damage and coil distortion
Loading precautions
- Chock and secure coils against rolling and shifting
- Spread weight on dunnage and avoid crushing or telescoping
- Survey and record condition, rust and any distortion
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.