November 2001
Loading
MDF is usually exported in bundles, strapped and wrapped in plastic sheet. Some bundles are not plastic wrapped but have an extra board top and bottom. On the bottom of each bundle wooden strips are banded to enable lifting by fork lifts and slings. The wooden bearers on which the MDF sit are said to be very robust and providing the bottom tiers are firm the stow is unlikely to collapse due to inherent weight. Bundles are of various sizes, including 1.22 x 2.22 x 1.00 and 1.5 x 2.0 x 1.0 meters and typically weigh about one m/tonne.
The condition of each bundle should be inspected prior to loading, in the same manner as pre-loading inspections of steel products, or as it comes over the ship side rail. Ensure that the packaging is not torn, the corners are protected, the banding is in position and the cargo is clean and dry. Damaged bundles must be recorded and claused on the Mate's Receipts or rejected if shippers or charterers will not accept claused Mate's Receipts.
The supervision of the stevedores by the "deck officer" should ensure that the bundles are correctly slung and the fork lift drivers, in particular, do not damage the faces. Cargo should be lifted in and out of position in a correct and safe manner - not by its banding. It is important that the bundles are stowed on a level surface. Stacks are often 8 or 9 high, and this will require good dunnage. Supervision will also ensure that the dunnage supplied is being used in a correct and proper manner and if any "benching out" is required, it is constructed correctly. However, the stow may need to be supported in the wings and the face lashed to prevent the upper tiers falling off.
Securing
Securing the stow is important, carpenters and lashing people require supervision. On completion, the job must be inspected by a responsible officer to ensure that during the voyage the stow will remain intact and not collapse. Should the stow collapse, securing bands will break and the boards will separate with damage to corners and edges. Extra costs will be incurred in sorting and re-bundling good boards and claims will arise on those damaged.
Ventilation
During the voyage due care should be taken to ventilate the cargo spaces. Daily temperatures should be taken and comparisons with the outside dew-point recorded. Humidity must be reduced and kept a low as possible. This will help keep the cargo in cool dry condition.
Discharge
MDF board claims can be substantial, however, these can be dramatically reduced if cargo handling is improved. Claims arise from damaged edges, sides, corners, broken banding and bundles in pieces. Ship’s staff must realise that stevedore supervision is also a requirement at the discharge port.
