Operational Guide · Registers & Logbooks

# BLU Code: Safety in the Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers

The ship/shore information exchange form required by the BLU Code is not a formality: many structural failures on bulk carriers arise precisely from a loading sequence agreed on paper but not followed in practice.

BLU Code bulk carrier IMSBC Code ship-shore interface

## Operational Explanation

The BLU Code (Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers, IMO Resolution A.862(20)) establishes the mutual responsibilities of the Master and the terminal for the safe loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes, with a standardised ship/shore information exchange form that must precede the start of operations.

The form covers essential data such as the agreed loading sequence, the maximum permitted loading/unloading rates per hold, emergency procedures in the event of sudden bad weather, and the designation of a terminal representative and a ship's officer for continuous coordination during operations. The BLU Manual, which accompanies the Code, provides detailed practical guidance for applying these principles.

This topic focuses on the operational safety component of loading/unloading (BLU Code), distinct from the classification of solid bulk cargoes already covered elsewhere on the site under the IMSBC Code: IMSBC Code Amendment 08-25 is applicable on a voluntary basis from 1° January 2026, ahead of its official entry into force expected on 1° January 2027.

## Regulatory Reference

BLU Code (IMO Resolution A.862(20)) and BLU Manual: mutual Master-terminal responsibilities for the safe loading/unloading of bulk carriers, standardised ship/shore information exchange form. IMSBC Code, Amendment 08-25: applicable on a voluntary basis from 1° January 2026, official entry into force expected on 1° January 2027.

## Scope of Application

Every bulk carrier and its terminal involved in loading or unloading operations of solid bulk cargoes, with responsibility shared between the Master and the terminal representative for the exchange of information and compliance with the agreed loading sequence.

## Procedure / How to Complete It

1. Complete and exchange the standardised ship/shore information exchange form required by the BLU Code before the start of every loading/unloading operation.
2. Formally agree with the terminal the loading sequence, the maximum permitted rates per hold, and the emergency procedures in the event of sudden bad weather.
3. Designate a ship's officer responsible for continuous coordination with the terminal representative for the entire duration of operations.
4. Verify that the loading sequence actually applied by the terminal matches the one agreed in the information exchange form, intervening immediately in the event of a deviation.
5. Monitor the early voluntary application of IMSBC Code Amendment 08-25 from 2026, in preparation for its official entry into force in 2027.

## Practical Example

Example: before the start of iron ore loading, the Master and the terminal representative jointly complete the ship/shore information exchange form, agreeing the loading sequence across the 5 holds and the maximum hourly rates; the designated officer monitors the actual application of the sequence during operations, immediately flagging to the terminal a hold loaded out of sequence relative to the agreement.

## Real Cases

Several serious structural failures on bulk carriers, the subject of in-depth industry investigations, have been attributed to loading sequences that departed from what was agreed in the information exchange form required by the BLU Code, with excessive structural stresses concentrated in intermediate loading stages that were not adequately monitored or corrected in time.

## Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it
--- | --- | ---
Ship/shore information exchange form completed as a documentary formality, without verifying its actual application during operations | The loading sequence actually applied differs from the one agreed, with structural risk | Actively monitor during operations that the actual sequence matches the one agreed in the form
No ship's officer specifically designated for continuous coordination with the terminal | Deviations from the agreed sequence not promptly detected | Always designate an officer responsible for continuous coordination for the entire duration of operations
Emergency procedures for sudden bad weather not agreed in advance with the terminal | Disorganised handling of operations in the event of weather deterioration during loading | Always agree the emergency procedures for bad weather as part of the information exchange form

## PSC Observations

Although the BLU Code form is not typically subject to routine PSC documentary verification, PSCOs may request evidence of the ship/shore information exchange and of the consistency between the declared loading sequence and the structural conditions observed on board.

## Operational Tips

- Do not treat the ship/shore information exchange form as a formality: actively verify its application throughout all operations.
- Always designate a specific officer for continuous coordination with the terminal, do not rely solely on the initial documentary exchange.
- Monitor the early voluntary application of IMSBC Code Amendment 08-25 from 2026, to be ready for its official entry into force in 2027.

## Checklist

- Ship/shore information exchange form completed and exchanged before operations begin
- Loading sequence, maximum rates and emergency procedures formally agreed with the terminal
- Ship's officer designated for continuous coordination with the terminal
- Actual loading sequence verified against the one agreed during operations
- Status of IMSBC Code Amendment 08-25 (voluntary application 2026, mandatory 2027) monitored

## FAQ

What is the BLU Code?
The Code of Practice for the Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Carriers (IMO Resolution A.862(20)), which establishes the mutual responsibilities of the Master and the terminal for the safe loading/unloading of solid bulk cargoes, including a standardised information exchange form.
Is the BLU Code the same thing as the IMSBC Code?
No: the BLU Code governs the operational safety of loading/unloading and ship-terminal coordination, while the IMSBC Code governs the classification and properties of the solid bulk cargoes carried.
What does IMSBC Code Amendment 08-25 introduce?
It is applicable on a voluntary basis from 1 January 2026, with official entry into force expected on 1 January 2027.
🎬 Additional photos, videos and interactive diagrams for this topic will be available in a future version of the platform.

## Related Topics

Loading/Discharging Plan Cargo Hold Survey for Bulk Carriers (ESP) (IT)

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