Break Bulk Cargo: Stowage, Dunnage and Damage Prevention
Over-stowage is among the most common causes of damage to break bulk cargo: the lower layer of cargo cannot bear the weight accumulated above it, a mistake that piece-by-piece planning easily prevents.
Operational Explanation
Break bulk cargo (non-containerised general cargo: steel coils, timber, bagged goods, pallets, machinery) requires piece-by-piece stowage planning, different from the logic applied to standardised container or bulk units. Dunnage (separation and weight-distribution material, typically timber) must be placed under the cargo to provide uniform surfaces and distribute the weight, avoiding exceeding the maximum permissible load on the tank tops.
Stowage and securing shortcomings are among the most frequent causes found in investigations into break bulk damage: the ship's approved Cargo Securing Manual must always be followed, with documentation of the dunnage standard used and continuous supervision of the handling carried out by the stevedores.
Regulatory Reference
There is no single IMO code dedicated to general break bulk cargo; the ship-specific approved Cargo Securing Manual and the general principles of the CSS Code apply, supplemented by documented industry practices (P&I Club, IIMS) on stowage, dunnage and damage prevention.
Scope of Application
Every ship carrying non-containerised general cargo (break bulk), including bulk carriers with mixed cargoes, with the crew responsible for verifying stowage and documentation during operations.
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Plan the stowage piece by piece, calculating the weight, dimensions and centre of gravity of every individual item before loading.
- Position dunnage of adequate quality under the cargo, to distribute the weight and avoid exceeding the maximum permissible load on the tank tops.
- Avoid over-stowage: verify that the lower layer of cargo can support the accumulated weight of the upper layers.
- Carry out an accurate tally of the cargo (particularly for bagged goods), documenting every stage with a draft survey where applicable.
- Actively supervise the handling carried out by the stevedores, documenting the dunnage standard actually used.
Practical Example
Example: during the loading of steel coils, the crew checks the weight and centre of gravity of each coil before positioning it, applies timber dunnage of adequate thickness to distribute the load on the tank top, and photographically documents the completed stowage before closing the holds.
Real Cases
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Stowage planning without a piece-by-piece calculation of weight, dimensions and centre of gravity | Cargo instability and risk of damage during transport | Always plan break bulk stowage piece by piece, not by analogy with standardised cargoes |
| Over-stowage of the cargo, with accumulated weight that the lower layer cannot support | Damage to the cargo in the lower layer during transport | Always verify the load-bearing capacity of the lower layer before adding further layers on top |
| Imprecise cargo tally, especially for bagged goods | Inability to demonstrate the actual condition of the cargo at loading in the event of a cargo claim | Carry out an accurate, documented tally for every type of break bulk cargo, particularly bagged goods |
PSC Observations
Operational Tips
- Do not treat break bulk as an extension of container stowage logic: it requires dedicated piece-by-piece planning.
- Always document the dunnage standard used, do not limit yourself to an unrecorded visual check.
- Always verify the load-bearing capacity of the lower layer before adding further stacked layers of break bulk cargo.
Checklist
- Weight, dimensions and centre of gravity calculated for every piece of break bulk cargo before loading
- Adequate-quality dunnage positioned and documented
- Load-bearing capacity of the lower layer verified before stacking
- Accurate tally carried out, especially for bagged goods
- Handling by the stevedores actively supervised