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 | PHOSPHATE ROCK |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Phosphate rock is mined phosphate mineral shipped as feedstock to fertiliser plants, in lump, ground or calcined form. At around 0.95 m3/t it is a deadweight cargo. It is a stable, low-hazard cargo whose handling is dominated by dust, with the finer ground grades also prone to caking.
Stowage & loading
Holds are presented clean and dry, and the rock is loaded by grab or conveyor and trimmed level. Dust control is in place from the start, as ground and calcined grades are very dusty, and ground material is kept dry to limit caking and absorption of moisture.
Hazards & handling
The principal issue is dust – pervasive and a nuisance to machinery and crew – so dust suppression and protection matter, especially for fine and calcined grades. Ground rock is mildly hygroscopic and can cake if damp. The cargo is otherwise stable, inert and low-hazard.
Carriage & discharge
Ground grades are kept dry to limit caking, and the cargo otherwise needs little beyond sound stowage. Discharge is by grab; dust is controlled throughout, caked material is broken out where needed, and the pervasive residue is cleaned from holds and machinery on completion.
Key hazards
- Pervasive nuisance dust affecting machinery and crew
- Caking of fine ground grades when damp
- Abrasion and housekeeping burden from dust
Loading precautions
- Present clean, dry holds and apply dust-control measures
- Keep ground grades dry to limit caking
- Protect machinery and crew from pervasive 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.