COALS EMITTING METHANE

Published: 9 October 2025

The International Group of P&I Clubs has published a circular highlighting incidents of concern regarding coal shipments from the north-east Coast of the United States (US), based on Marine Safety Alert 07-25 issued by the US Coast Guard (USCG).

The Club has observed that, on occasion, coal loaded from ports on the north-east coast of the US has shown methane (CH₄) readings in cargo holds exceeding 20% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) during voyages, even when the shipper’s cargo declaration did not indicate that the cargo was liable to emit methane.

According to the IMSBC Code Schedule for Coal, the shipper shall provide in writing the characteristics of the cargo, especially whether the cargo is liable to emit methane.

Regardless of the accuracy of the schedule, standard operational and monitoring practices should be observed during loading and throughout the laden passage. The Club has provided helpful guidance on this topic, and the relevant sections of the IMSBC code must also be complied with in full. Of particular importance for any coal cargo are:

Eliminating any source of ignition within cargo or adjacent spaces, including all fixed and temporary equipment used within those spaces.
Ensuring that the required gas measuring equipment is in good condition, calibrated, and ready for use.
Confirm the nominated gas sampling points are ready for use.
Master to be satisfied that the cargo is trimmed reasonably level to the boundaries of the cargo space before departure.
Surface ventilation to be carried out for the first 24 hours after departure, unless expressly forbidden. Ventilation then to cease unless atmosphere measurements indicate methane content of > 20% LEL, or the cargo declaration states the cargo is liable to emit methane.
Atmosphere of each cargo space to be measured once during the first 24 hours of ventilation, and at least once daily thereafter depending upon the results.

Special precautions for coal-emitting methane, as required by the IMSBC Code Schedule for Coal, apply whenever the shipper’s declaration indicates that the cargo is liable to emit methane, or when gas measurements indicate that methane levels in the cargo hold exceed 20% of the LEL. These are:

Surface ventilation to be maintained, except during atmosphere testing.
Enhanced precautions during opening of hatch covers or other cargo hold openings, particularly regarding removal of accumulated gases and avoidance of sparks.
Confirming that cargo and adjacent spaces are adequately ventilated and atmosphere proven safe before allowing personnel to enter.
The need for additional checks for detection of methane within adjacent and enclosed spaces onboard.

If the cargo characteristics and behaviour differ from that specified in the cargo declaration, the IMSBC Code requires the master to report the differences to the shipper. The Club further recommends seeking expert advice if methane levels exceeding 20% LEL are found after continuous ventilation.

For additional information please contact the Loss Prevention Department at: lossprevention@tindallriley.com

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