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Gard Guidance Masters

2.12.5.1 GENERAL

The most likely types of damage to exposed general cargo are

pre-shipment damage due to rough handling or unprotected storage ashore

physical damage due to rough handling during loading or discharging

physical damage due to inappropriate stowage and/or insufficient lashing or securing

wet damage before, during loading and during the voyage due to defective hatch covers and gaskets

heating damage due to insufficient storage ashore with resulting excessive
– temperatures during loading
– fat content prior to loading

heating damage due to storage of cargo on heated tanks.

Bagged cargo is likely to suffer damage

during loading and discharge by
– handling with hooks
– contamination by foreign matter
– moisture from rain or snowfall
– high moisture content of the air in the cargo hold
– use of stained, wet or contaminated dunnage

during the voyage by
– inadequate stowage and/or insufficient lashing or securing causing a shift or collapse of the stow
– tainting
– infestation
– wetting either due to defective hatch covers and gaskets or vessel’s internal leaks
– moisture from the ship or cargo sweat due to improper/insufficient ventilation.

If bagged cargo becomes mouldy due to moisture ingress, some countries may deny discharge of the entire cargo and reject the same due to health and sanitary fears. Huge cargo claims may arise for non-delivery and the disposal of the rejected cargo incurs considerable costs.

All these types of damage are likely to result in claims by cargo interests against the Company and, subsequently, the P&I insurer.

Claims for shortage of bagged cargo are likely to be the result of improper and/or inaccurate tallies as well as pilferage.

Heavy items of cargo may shift during the voyage if not properly lashed, chocked or otherwise secured.

2.12.5.1 General