Regulations for the transport of bulk solid goods: Global safety standards in Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia adopts bulk cargo regulations to enhance maritime safety

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the maritime sector, the Public Transport Authority issued the executive regulations for the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargo Code (IMSBC), which establishes precise standards for regulating maritime transport operations in the Kingdom's territorial waters. These regulations reinforce safety principles and protect the marine environment, while granting broad powers to ship captains to ensure full compliance with international requirements.

Global context for the maritime transport sector

The implementation of this regulation is in line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the international agreements issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and within the framework of the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics stemming from Vision 2030. The International Maritime Code is a binding global reference aimed at preventing catastrophic accidents that may result from the unsafe transport of bulk cargoes, such as coal, grains and minerals, which may lead to loss of balance of ships or damage to their hulls.

Requirements for transporting bulk solid goods

The new regulations require all Saudi and foreign vessels sailing in national waters and carrying this type of cargo to adhere to strict protocols. The shipper bears full legal responsibility for the accuracy of the data provided to the ship's captain, and a detailed cargo declaration specifying the precise classification and actual weights must be submitted before loading operations commence.

Captain's powers and legal responsibility

The regulations grant the ship's captain absolute authority to make critical decisions regarding voyage safety. The captain has the right to refuse to load any bulk cargo if it is found to pose a threat to life or violates technical standards. The captain is also obligated to conduct visual and laboratory inspections to ensure the cargo is free of hazardous moisture. For liquefiable goods, a recent laboratory certificate, no more than seven days old, is required to guarantee that the moisture content does not exceed the safe transport limit.

Safety and risk prevention measures

To ensure the stability of the ship's hull and prevent excessive stress, the regulations mandate extremely precise load distribution, especially when handling high-density cargo. Ships are also required to level the cargo deck at specific stability angles, with a maximum vertical difference of two meters to minimize the risk of cargo shifting during navigation.

Regarding hazardous materials or materials that release toxic gases, the authority has put in place strict precautionary measures, including:

Providing gas detectors and personal protective equipment for the crew.
Entry to closed wards is prohibited until safe oxygen levels are confirmed.
Prevent the simultaneous handling of chemically incompatible goods and separate them into independent holding areas.

Expected economic and environmental impact

This regulation is expected to enhance the regional and international standing of Saudi ports as safe and reliable destinations for global trade. It will also strengthen the protection of the marine environment from pollution caused by hazardous material spills or solid waste, as the transport of bulk waste is prohibited without prior approval from the National Center for Waste Management, and its movement is documented until final disposal.

The Public Transport Authority confirms that penalties will be strictly enforced against violators according to an approved schedule, to ensure a safe and sustainable maritime transport environment that supports the Kingdom’s economic growth.