Members must contact the Club in case of any intention to load nickel ore in the Philippines. Home / News / Member Alert / Nickel ore shipments from the Philippines Member Alert Nickel ore shipments from the Philippines 30 January, 2026 Members must contact the Club in case of any intention to load nickel ore in the Philippines. Members will be aware of previously reported incidents of cargo liquefaction associated with the safe carriage of nickel ore (a group A cargo as categorised in the IMSBC code), particularly from ports in Indonesia and the Philippines. In some cases, these incidents have resulted in the tragic loss of vessels and crew. Although such incidents have become less frequent as a consequence of the ban on exports of nickel ore from Indonesia and reduced export volumes from the Philippines, there is no room for complacency when assessing the potential liquefaction risks of nickel ore cargoes. It is essential that Members ensure they are fully appraised of local conditions at the places of loading, the particular characteristics of the nickel ore cargoes being exported from the Philippines and the various challenges Owners and Charterers will be faced with in ensuring only safe and suitable cargo is loaded in full compliance with the IMSBC code. The loading and carriage of nickel ore in the Philippines gives rise to several concerns. Mines are often in remote locations with limited or no port facilities, and cargo is typically stockpiled uncovered on the beach, fully exposed to the weather. Nickel ore has traditionally been shipped in the dry season (February-May/June). In recent years, however, heavy rainfall has also been observed during this period. Mines are not easily accessible due to their remoteness, making it difficult for independent surveyors/experts acting for the vessel to obtain cargo samples. Mines generally have their own laboratories. However, it is often unclear whether the correct testing equipment is available and in satisfactory c