Key data
| Stowage factor | 1.35–1.50 m³/t (typical 1.42)47.7–53.0 ft³/t (typical 50.1) |
|---|---|
| Form | Bulk |
| IMSBC group | C Cargoes that neither liquefy nor carry a chemical hazard. |
| Angle of repose | ~25 |
| BCSN | RYE |
ft³/t values are per metric tonne (1 m³/t ≈ 35.31 ft³/t). Stowage factors are indicative — see note below.
Description
Rye is a hardy cereal grown for bread, feed and distilling, handling as a clean, free-flowing grain. At around 1.42 m3/t it is a measurement cargo, filling the holds before the ship reaches her marks, so intake turns on cubic capacity and the grain stability position rather than on deadweight.
Stowage & loading
Holds are presented clean, dry and free of infestation, with grain fittings or a stability calculation controlling the free surface. Loading is by spout or conveyor and the cargo trims readily, with attention paid to even loading and to the dust raised during transfer.
Hazards & handling
Rye respires and depletes oxygen, so enclosed-space precautions apply, and damp grain can self-heat, mould and cake. It takes up taint from contaminated holds, and the grain dust raised in handling is explosive, so ignition sources are controlled around transfer points.
Carriage & discharge
Ventilation is managed against sweat on a dew-point basis and temperatures watched where moisture is a concern. Fumigation in transit is common, with residues cleared and spaces certified before entry. Discharge is by grab or suction, with sweepings recovered as cargo where the charter provides.
Key hazards
- Oxygen depletion and possible fumigant residues in enclosed spaces
- Self-heating, mould and caking in damp grain
- Explosive dust raised during loading and discharge
Loading precautions
- Present holds clean, dry and free of infestation and apply the grain stability assessment
- Control ignition sources around the dust generated during transfer
- Confirm fumigation arrangements and enclosed-space entry controls
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.