Key data
| Stowage factor | 0.85–1.10 m³/t (typical 0.95)30.0–38.8 ft³/t (typical 33.5) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | C Cargoes that neither liquefy nor carry a chemical hazard. |
| Angle of repose | ~35 |
| BCSN | SULPHUR |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Sulphur is shipped in bulk as crushed lump or prills, mainly as fertiliser and chemical feedstock. At around 0.95 m3/t it is a deadweight cargo. Chemically it is far from inert: its fine dust is readily flammable, and when wet it forms acid that attacks steel, so its carriage centres on fire and corrosion.
Stowage & loading
Holds are presented clean and dry, and the sulphur is loaded by grab or conveyor and trimmed level, with heavy dust control because fine sulphur dust is flammable and can form an explosive cloud. Ignition sources are excluded, and steelwork is noted given the acid attack when the cargo is wet.
Hazards & handling
The fine dust is readily ignited and can flash or explode, so ignition sources are excluded and dust suppressed. When wet, sulphur forms acidic solutions that corrode steelwork and bilges, and burning sulphur gives off toxic sulphur dioxide. The lump cargo is otherwise stable but never treated as inert.
Carriage & discharge
The cargo is kept dry to limit acid formation, ignition sources are excluded, and the dust is controlled throughout. Discharge is by grab; dust is suppressed and ignition controlled, steelwork and bilges are washed of acidic residue, and the holds cleaned thoroughly on completion.
Key hazards
- Readily flammable, potentially explosive fine dust
- Acidic corrosion of steelwork and bilges when wet
- Toxic sulphur dioxide if the cargo ignites
Loading precautions
- Present clean, dry holds and suppress dust heavily during handling
- Exclude ignition sources around the flammable dust
- Keep the cargo dry and protect steelwork from acid attack
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.