Clay liquefaction: a sticky risk to bulk cargo safety

In early December 2025, the general cargo ship M/V KAYO faced a critical maritime emergency in the South China Sea off the Malaysian coast. After the vessel developed a severe list, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) successfully rescued the crew. The incident highlights the persistent danger of clay liquefaction, a phenomenon where moisture-heavy bulk cargo shifts unexpectedly, compromising vessel stability. This dangerous cargo behavior remains a leading cause of maritime casualties for bulk carriers navigating international waters today.

The transport of bulk cargoes is strictly governed by the IMO International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, which mandates rigorous testing and moisture content certification before loading. Under SOLAS Chapter VI, masters must ensure that the cargo declaration accurately reflects the Transportable Moisture Limit (TML) to prevent liquefaction. Compliance departments must verify that shippers provide valid certificates, as failure to adhere to these international safety standards can lead to catastrophic stability loss. Proper adherence to the IMSBC Code is essential for maintaining vessel seaworthiness and ensuring regulatory compliance during port state control inspections.

For masters and navigating officers, this incident underscores the vital necessity of constant stability monitoring during transit. These officers must conduct frequent inspections of cargo holds to detect early signs of shifting or moisture accumulation. If a list develops, they must immediately calculate the vessel's residual stability and prepare emergency ballast procedures. Vigilance regarding cargo moisture reports remains the primary defense against the life-threatening risks posed by liquefying bulk commodities at sea.