Key data
| Stowage factor | 0.30–0.45 m³/t (typical 0.33)10.6–15.9 ft³/t (typical 11.7) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | C Cargoes that neither liquefy nor carry a chemical hazard. |
| BCSN | PIG IRON |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Pig iron is crude cast iron in ingots, shipped in bulk as feedstock to steel and foundry works. At around 0.33 m3/t it is very dense and strongly deadweight-limited. A Group C cargo that does not liquefy or react, its concerns are weight, structure and the rough handling of heavy ingots.
Stowage & loading
Ingots are loaded by grab or magnet and trimmed reasonably level. Because so much weight sits in little space, the tank top is protected and loading planned to spread the load, and care is taken as dropped ingots from height can dent or damage the bottom structure.
Hazards & handling
The hazards are structural and physical: concentrated weight that can overstress or, through dropped ingots, damage the tank top, and a low dense stow affecting stability and motion. The cargo is dirty and can be rusty, but it is chemically stable and does not self-heat or liquefy.
Carriage & discharge
Weight distribution and hull stress are the carriage concerns; the cargo itself is stable. Discharge is by grab or magnet, worked steadily from the dense stow, after which the dirty, sometimes rusty residue is cleaned from the holds on completion.
Key hazards
- Concentrated weight risking tank-top overstress
- Dropped ingots denting or damaging bottom structure
- Stability and motion effects of a low, very dense stow
Loading precautions
- Protect the tank top and plan loading to spread the weight
- Avoid dropping ingots from height onto the structure
- Trim to distribute the dense load and aid stability
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.