Fishmeal is a dry bulk cargo of moderate volume but significant marine carriage importance, with global seaborne trade of approximately 4 to 6 million tonnes per year. The cargo is produced principally from anchovy, sardine, and other small pelagic fisheries in Peru, Chile, the United States, Norway, and Iceland, and is shipped to animal feed manufacturers in China, Vietnam, Japan, the European Union, and elsewhere. Fishmeal is a critical protein source for aquaculture and intensive livestock feeding. The IMSBC Code regulates fishmeal under a Group B schedule reflecting significant self-heating risk.
Schedule structure
The IMSBC Code includes two distinct fishmeal schedule entries:
- Fishmeal (UN 2216, antioxidant treated): fishmeal that has been chemically stabilised with antioxidant (typically ethoxyquin or BHT). Group B with reduced self-heating risk if the antioxidant is properly applied.
- Fishmeal (UN 1374, untreated or anti-oxidant treated below specification): untreated fishmeal or treated material below the antioxidant specification. Group B with significant self-heating risk.
The shipper declares the antioxidant treatment status and provides certification of antioxidant concentration. UN 1374 untreated fishmeal is restricted in many jurisdictions and is often refused by class societies and major shipowners.
Self-heating mechanism
Fishmeal contains high lipid content (typically 5 to 15 per cent residual fish oil) and free fatty acids that undergo autoxidation in air. The reaction is exothermic and self-accelerating: heat raises the rate of oxidation, which produces more heat, leading to thermal runaway and potential combustion. The reaction is catalysed by:
- Elevated moisture content (above approximately 10 per cent).
- Compaction in bulk storage.
- Trace metals and other catalysts.
- Elevated initial temperature.
Antioxidant treatment (ethoxyquin or BHT at typically 200 to 1,000 parts per million) significantly slows the autoxidation reaction and extends the safe storage and transport period. Treated fishmeal can be stored for several months and shipped on long voyages without significant self-heating risk; untreated fishmeal can self-heat dangerously within weeks.
Cargo handling concerns
The principal handling concerns are:
- Self-heating risk: continuous temperature monitoring throughout the voyage. Temperature rises above approximately 40 degrees Celsius in the cargo body warrant investigation; rises above 55 to 60 degrees Celsius warrant emergency response.
- Antioxidant certification: pre-loading certification of antioxidant treatment status and concentration.
- Moisture content: pre-loading certification of moisture content (typically below 12 per cent).
- Temperature at loading: cargo should be loaded at temperatures below 35 degrees Celsius. Hot-loaded fishmeal is at significantly higher self-heating risk.
- Hold preparation: clean, dry, and free of incompatible cargo residues. Fishmeal generates strong odours that can taint subsequent cargoes.
Major routes
Fishmeal seaborne trade flows include:
- Peru to China and Asia: by far the largest trade lane. Peruvian anchovy fishmeal from Callao, Chimbote, and Pisco supplies Chinese and Vietnamese aquaculture industries.
- Chile to Asia: significant trade from Punta Arenas and other Chilean ports.
- United States to global markets: Pacific Northwest export.
- Norway and Iceland to Northern Europe and Asia: significant Atlantic export.
China is the dominant single importer, principally for aquaculture feed.
Loading and discharge
Loading is by shore conveyor and shiploader at fishmeal export terminals. The cargo can be loaded at controlled rates with temperature monitoring at the loader spout. Hold preparation requires cleanliness and dryness.
Discharge is by grab-fitted shore cranes at receiving feed mill terminals.