Chrome ore (chromite, FeCr2O4) is a major dry bulk cargo, with global seaborne trade of approximately 12 to 18 million tonnes per year. The cargo is the principal source of chromium for stainless steel, chrome plating, refractory bricks, and pigments. The IMSBC Code regulates chrome ore shipments under multiple schedule entries reflecting the different commercial forms.
Schedule structure
The IMSBC Code includes the following chrome ore-related schedule entries:
- Chrome ore: lump and crushed chromite. Group C (not liquefiable, no chemical hazard) for the coarse-grade material.
- Chrome pellets (related, where pelletised). Group C.
- Chrome ore concentrate: fine-particle beneficiated chromite from milling and gravity separation. Group A (potentially liquefiable), subject to TML and MC certification.
Most modern seaborne chrome ore trade is lump or pellet handled as Group C; concentrate trade is smaller in volume but follows Group A procedures.
Cargo properties
Chromite is supplied as crushed lump or pellet material. Bulk density is approximately 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes per cubic metre, with stowage factor of approximately 0.40 to 0.50 cubic metres per tonne.
The cargo is non-toxic in the chromite form (the chromium is in the relatively inert spinel structure rather than as toxic hexavalent chromium). It is non-flammable, non-self-heating, and non-reactive with steel structure. Standard bulk handling procedures apply for the Group C variant.
Major exporters
Chrome ore seaborne trade flows include:
- South Africa: by far the largest exporter, with the Bushveld Complex providing approximately 50 per cent of global supply. Exports flow through Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay, and Saldanha.
- Türkiye: significant exporter with several mining regions and exports through Mediterranean ports.
- Kazakhstan: exporter through Russian Black Sea and Caspian Sea ports.
- India: exporter principally from Odisha (the Sukinda valley deposits).
- Albania: smaller-volume exporter to European stainless steel markets.
Major importers
Chrome ore imports go principally to:
- China (largest single importer, with rapidly growing stainless steel production).
- India (despite being an exporter, some grades are imported for specific applications).
- Japan and South Korea.
- South Africa (despite being an exporter, ferrochrome plants import some external grades for blending).
Loading and discharge
Loading is by shore conveyor and shiploader at major export terminals. Hold preparation requires standard cleanliness. The cargo self-trims for fine concentrate; lump may require some bulldozer trimming for hatch closure.
Discharge is by grab-fitted shore cranes at receiving stainless steel and ferroalloy plant terminals.