Key data
| Stowage factor | 0.55–0.75 m³/t (typical 0.65)19.4–26.5 ft³/t (typical 23.0) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | C Cargoes that neither liquefy nor carry a chemical hazard. |
| Angle of repose | ~35 |
| BCSN | LIMESTONE |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Limestone is a crushed calcium carbonate rock shipped in bulk for cement, steelmaking flux, agriculture and aggregate. At around 0.65 m3/t it is a dense, deadweight cargo. Inert and low-hazard, its carriage is about handling a heavy, dusty mineral rather than any chemical risk.
Stowage & loading
Holds are presented clean, and the limestone is loaded by grab or conveyor and trimmed level. Dust control is in place from the start, as crushed stone is dusty, and the heavy cargo is loaded with attention to spreading weight over the tank top.
Hazards & handling
The concerns are physical: pervasive dust that is a nuisance and minor irritant, the abrasiveness of the crushed stone, and the concentrated weight of a dense cargo. Fine, damp material can cake, but the limestone is otherwise inert, stable and low-hazard.
Carriage & discharge
The stable cargo needs little beyond sound stowage and reasonable weight distribution. Discharge is by grab; dust is controlled, any caked fines are broken out, and the abrasive residue is cleaned from holds and equipment on completion.
Key hazards
- Pervasive nuisance and irritant dust
- Abrasion and concentrated weight of a dense cargo
- Caking of fine, damp material
Loading precautions
- Present clean holds and apply dust-control measures
- Spread the dense load over the tank top
- Protect equipment from abrasive dust
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.