Bagged Rice Loading in Containers
Bagged rice is typically loaded into 20ft or 40ft containers using the following process:
- Preparation & Inspection
- Ensure the container is clean, dry, and free from contaminants.
- Line the floor with kraft paper or plastic sheeting to prevent moisture damage.
- Stacking & Loading
- Bags (usually 25kg or 50kg) are manually or mechanically stacked in rows inside the container.
- Bags are stacked in a brick pattern or block stowage to maximize space and stability.
- Avoid overloading beyond the container’s payload capacity (~25-28 metric tons per 20ft container).
- Ventilation & Securing
- Use desiccants to control moisture.
- Ensure proper ventilation gaps if necessary.
- Secure the cargo with airbags, dunnage, or wooden planks to prevent shifting.
- Sealing & Documentation
- The container doors are sealed with tamper-proof seals.
- Necessary shipping documents (Bill of Lading, Packing List, etc.) are prepared for export.
Loose Bulk Rice Loading in a Break-Bulk Vessel
Bulk rice (unbagged) is loaded into specialized bulk carriers using:
- Pre-Loading Preparations
- Ensure cargo holds are clean, dry, and fumigated if required.
- Inspect for rust, residues, or previous cargo contamination.
- Loading Process
- Rice is transported in bulk trucks or railcars to the port.
- It is loaded using conveyor belts, grain elevators, or pneumatic systems into ship holds.
- Loaders ensure even distribution inside cargo holds to maintain stability.
- Cargo Protection & Fumigation
- The rice is covered with tarpaulins or plastic sheets to protect against humidity.
- Fumigation is often performed to prevent infestation during transit.
- Trimming & Securing
- The rice is leveled (trimmed) using bulldozers or shovels to avoid cargo shifting.
- Some bulk carriers use aeration systems to maintain grain quality.
- Hatch Sealing & Departure
- Hatch covers are sealed with waterproof tarpaulins to prevent water ingress.
- Final documentation (Mate’s Receipt, Cargo Manifest) is completed before departure.
