Introduction
Dry bulk cargo is heavy dry goods that include coal, iron ore, wood chips, cement, grains(maize, beans, rice), bulk mines, et cetera. Those goods are put in large containers which are heavy. The goods are unpacked but are put in a container so as to reduce space, for safety, and reduce the cost of transportation. But when unloading the cargo, it is either poured using shovel by people or being poured. Due to the negligence of the workers and those in authority, there are various challenges facing their transportation. Those challenges include environmental, risk to life among others.
Main body
The residues from dry goods while either loading or unloading is harmful to the environment especially water when using ships and when an accident occurs during their transportation, for example when unloading iron ore some can fall out to the waters. This risks the life of marine animals and people who might be within the area. When being transported on land, when an accident occurs, plants in that area are destroyed or even leads to the death of people. Also, garbage from the transportation of dry cargo is a risk to the environment. During transportation especially at sea, when storms occur some of the containers are released to the sea. Those containers might contain steel or coal which pollute water. According to Bruun (2007, p. 229), ‘It has been estimated that container ships lose over 10,000 containers at sea each year. Most go overboard on the open sea during storms but there are some examples of whole ships being lost with their cargo. When containers are dropped, they immediately become an environmental threat ‘. This problem can be reduced by minimizing the amount of garbage disposed of. The Intentional Maritime Organization (IMO) recommends complete clean-up of residues and put on intended cargo area or to a reception facility. Another problem with the environment is the pollution of the air. For example, when trains or Lorries are used on land, they produce a lot of smoke in the air which can cause disease to people. Also, Lorries destroy loads due to heavyweights leading to more expenses to the government. To control this, regulations should be put to control weight.
Transportation of bulk cargo is a great threat to operators. People who lose their life are many especially when the ship sinks due to heavyweight. But in the transportation of dry bulk cargo still have its own challenge. For example, when loading the cargo, it can lose control and fall on operators and due to its weight, all the operator perishes. Also, the risks can affect cargo or ships. To handle this requires complex procedures to ensure that no goods are lost or stolen. Loading and loading affect the center of gravity of the ship and are a big risk, and if not handled with care can lead to the sinking of the ship. Also, poor loading in some cases can lead to the occurrence of an accident. The carrier’s maximum weight should not be exceeded by any means.
Another great challenge is accidents that those heavy Lorries cause on roads while carrying those dry cargos, sometimes these vehicles may lose control and cause an accident to other motorists. The best way to avoid accidents is to avoid road transport and use railway transport instead. Alternatively, drivers can be cautioned on the importance of speeding avoidance and the need to observe discipline when on roads.
Dry cargo such as grains holds a great danger to bulkers. The reason is that grain settles when being transported, this creates space that allows free movement of the cargo from one side to the other. This destabilizes the carrier especially the ship by causing other cargo to start shifting. This can lead to an accident. The solution to this has been taken care of by the SOLAS convention which encourages tanks designed in a manner that prevents movement. They also encourage the use of trimming cargo to reduce surface area.
Another great challenge is the structure and condition of containers. Many people die due to this problem. According to Lüddeke (1993, p. 391), ‘In 1990 alone, 20 bulk carriers sank, taking with them 94 crewmen. In 1991, 24 bulkers sank, killing 154. This level of loss focused attention on the safety aspects of bulk carriers, and a great deal was learned. The American Bureau of Shipping concluded that the losses were directly traceable to failure of the cargo hold structure’. Other reasons found included, use of old aged ships which were not supposed to be in use, Lack of maintenance of the machines used and containers, no advanced methods of loading and unloading. The solution to this problem is to replace old ships before they make accidents, keep on checking the condition of ships and machines used for loading and unloading, use technology to avoid delay of goods.
Another challenge is insecurity for the sea users, for example, in the recent case of Somali pirates who threaten to blow the ship carrying goods intended for the port of Mombasa. This is most cases result in loss of goods and life especially when fighting. The solution to this is for the international organization to provide security to all sea users in order to allow smooth transportation of goods.
Moisture absorption of some goods is a great loss to the owners of the cargo. When dry goods are transported by the sea which is the only way, they absorb moisture from the environment. The moisture might lead to the destruction of goods such as grains that produce aflatoxin which may lead to the death of people if consumed. The solution to this problem is to provide good containers to avoid moisture absorption and test should be done on goods delivered before they are supplied to consumers. This will prevent death caused by aflatoxin.
Another great challenge is the rates at which goods are transported depend on demand and supply which fluctuates with time. Sometimes the goods are more than the available resources, for example, due to the high development of countries like China, more steel and iron is required for their industries and in Africa, more food is required at a very high rate to feed dying people. To solve this, the shipowners should have proper scheduling. This has the capability of improving economical growth and improving profit to owners.
Conclusion
To conclude, dry goods transportation is the key to development. Without those goods, no development can be felt. Therefore, challenges facing transportation must be dealt with to allow development. Although much is being done to avoid delay or congestion within the ports, insecurity to shippers is still a big challenge and the international community must deal with it to allow smooth economical development.
References
Blauwens G., Baere, Van de Voorde, (2007). Transport Economics. (Chester:Uitgeverij De Boeck).
Bruun P., (2007). Port Engineering. (Michigan: Gulf Pub. Co.).
Frankel G., (1987). The World Shipping Industry: Policy Analysis and Development : an Industry at the Crossroads. (London: Routledge).
Lüddeke F., (1993). Marine Claims: a guide for the handling and prevention of marine claims. (London: Lloyd’s).