Nickel Ore Liquefaction Blamed for Devon Bay Capsize
The tragic capsizing of the ultramax vessel Devon Bay off Scarborough Shoal is suspected to be linked to the liquefaction of its nickel ore cargo. This incident, which occurred late on January 22, has raised alarms about the dangers associated with transporting this high-risk commodity. The ship, owned by K Line Pte Ltd and carrying approximately 55,000 tonnes of nickel ore from the Philippines to China, listed and ultimately capsized, leading to a search and rescue operation for its crew.
Details of the Incident
The Devon Bay, a 2013-built vessel registered under the Singapore flag, was en route from Gutalac in the southern Philippines to Yangjiang, China when it encountered difficulties. According to Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), initial crew testimonies indicate that the cargo’s instability was a significant factor in the incident. The moisture content in the nickel ore reportedly caused a shift in weight, leading to the ship listing to its port side. Compounding the situation were adverse weather conditions, including large waves, which may have contributed to the capsizing.
Out of the 21 Filipino crew members aboard, 17 were rescued during a joint operation involving Chinese and Philippine coast guard units. Unfortunately, two of the rescued crew members later succumbed to their injuries, while four, including Captain Elimar Jucal, remain unaccounted for. Admiral Gavan commended Captain Jucal for his bravery, noting that he stayed on the ship until the very end in an effort to assist his crew.
Risks of Nickel Ore Transport
This incident has once again highlighted the inherent dangers of transporting nickel ore, which is classified as a Group A cargo under the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code. When the moisture content exceeds the transportable moisture limit, nickel ore can behave like a liquid, leading to sudden and catastrophic shifts within the ship’s holds. This phenomenon leaves crews with little time to react and abandon ship in emergencies.
Scot Pioneer Aground in Teignmouth Harbour on New Year’s Eve
Historically, many maritime disasters involving nickel ore have occurred during shipments from the Philippines and Indonesia to China. Notable incidents include the losses of vessels such as Nasco Diamond and Jian Fu Star. According to Intercargo’s latest Bulk Carrier Casualty Report, between 2015 and 2024, cargo liquefaction—particularly of nickel ore and bauxite—has been responsible for 55 out of 89 fatalities involving bulk carriers. As investigations continue into the Devon Bay incident, the maritime community remains vigilant about the risks associated with this dangerous cargo.
