Solids turning fluid

North P&I Club has released a briefing paper exploring insurance implications when solid cargoes behave like fluids. “A Most Dangerous Trade: The Problems of Liquefaction” provides insight into liquefaction, when solid bulk cargo behaves like a fluid, creating a free-surface effect that could cause a vessel to capsize. Written by David Richards, director (claims), North P&I Club, it describes how the liquefaction risk might be overlooked initially and later identified during loading or mid-voyage – despite compliance with the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code.