Lloyd’s Register Foundation fund SMMI researchers to lead cross-sector project on solid bulk cargo liquefaction

SMMI will lead a three-year international, cross-sector, multi-disciplinary project to address strategies for effective control of solid bulk cargo liquefaction. Solid bulk cargo liquefaction (SBCL) is a phenomenon that was responsible for over 50% of fatalities and nearly 20% of bulk carrier losses over the last decade (Intercargo 2018). This project will identify key factors contributing to the risk of SBCL and develop practical technical, regulatory, educational and communication tools to mitigate risks and reduce loss of life.

The project is funded by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation (LRF), with support from SMMI and over 20 industry partners from across the sector and across the globe. The partners represent  insurers,  ship  owners,  mining  companies, regulators,  classification  societies,  trade  associations,  lawyers,  technology  and  engineering  consultants, NGOs concerned  with  seafarer  welfare  and  academic  organisations.

The grant application to the LRF evolved from an SMMI HEIF funded proposal led by Susan Gourvenec (Engineering), Emily Reid (Law), Fraser Sturt (Humanities) and Gareth Giles (Public Policy Southampton).

More information on solid bulk cargo liquefaction can be found in The Conversation article , authored by Susan Gourvenec.