Bulker Carrying Nickel Ore Goes Missing Off Indonesia

August 26, 2019 by Mike Schuler

A bulk carrier reportedly carrying nickel ore has gone missing off the coast of Indonesia sparking fears over the fate of the ship and its 25 crew members.

A major search was underway Monday after contact was lost with the 189-meter MV Nur Allya on August 20 as the ship was sailing from Weda to Makassar, Indonesia, according to Indonesia’s Antara News Agency.

The last known location of the vessel was reported to be approximately 44 nautical miles from Namlea, Indonesia, located off the north-east coast of the island of Buru.

Nickel ore has gained the reputation of being one of the world’s deadliest cargoes because it is highly susceptible to liquefaction, especially when exposed to damp conditions. Cargo liquefaction can result in a vessel to lose stability and capsize at a moment’s notice.

According to trade group INTERCARGO, cargo failure (i.e. liquefaction) has been blamed for nine dry bulk vessel casualties from 2012 to 2018 resulting in the loss 101 lives. Among those, six involved bulk carriers carrying nickel ore from Indonesia.

The 52,378 DWT MV Nur Allya is owned by PT Gurita Lintas Samudra.