FUMIGATION
Fumigation Explained
Fumigation can be most generally defined as the action of releasing and dispersing a toxic chemical that reaches a targeted pest in the gaseous state. The goal of fumigation is to confine enough gas for sufficient time to eradicate the target pest, which in normal conditions is achieved in a static chamber under control of one qualified fumigator, who is able to supervise and eliminate all related processes and possible hazards. Among them is control of the residue gas level, detection of possible leakages, properly performed degassing, etc.
Goods are also transported to other parts of the world, however they do not cease to be subject to fumigation. Fumigation in ships holds continued in transit is done with the purpose to prevent idle time of ships and avoid the related additional costs. Fumigation in transit became possible with use of Phosphine gas (Hydrogen Phosphide), the only fumigant allowed for this purpose by IMO Recommendations on the Safe Use of Pesticides in Ships (2002).
PORT TO PORT
Definition Port to Port (P2P)
- Fumigation performed at loading port
- Reception of the vessel at destination under the same standards for degassing operation and coordination with local entities
Port-to-port service can be defined as a necessary and sometimes unavoidable final component of the process of marine fumigation provided by the IMFO Group.
Necessary because quarantine authorities in different countries very often have different and very specific norms of the permissible level of residue gas in imported cargo. And unavoidable because only qualified fumigation companies, experienced and properly equipped, can perform ventilation of the fumigated goods at discharge port.
Avoid extra costs at destination in terms of demurrage and re-fumigation
- To secure customers from losses due to non-controllable factors, which may effect process of in-transit fumigation
- To increase level of safety and efficacy for marine fumigation (seafarers)
- To promote a common approach to safety and efficacy for marine fumigation (fumigators)
- Warranty at destination
Usually, upon receipt of a nomination for fumigation an IMFO member informs the customer and all parties concerned about the apparent presence of the specific requirements of the quarantine or other authorities in charge at the port of destination and as well notifies the customer about the availability of port-to-port service. Even so, the customer is left free to make his own decision as for whether to use the proposed option.
In it common rule that IMFO members both at the port of loading and port of discharge accord favourable treatment for the vessel/ fumigation object and other parties concerned exerting every effort to render assistance to the IMFO member in need of degassing or re-fumigation services at the minimal cost agreed in the interest of each IMFO member and in the common interest of promotion and the prestige of the IMFO Group.
It is possible that on providing port-to-port service, IMFO members may resort to assistance of other fumigation companies where there is no IMFO membership, also doing their best to comply with the existing high professional standards.
FUMIGATION CLEARANCE at destination by qualified operator is necessary to allow safe discharging and to confirm the marine fumigation efficacy.
- On arrival
- Degassing
- Control
- Certification
The fumigation clearance procedure include:
- Cargo Degassing (passive or forced venting)
- Concentration Measurement (instrumental)
- Residue materials Removal and Disposal
- Certification (Gas Fee or Clearance)
IMO Recommendations:
5.1.1. Qualified operators only
5.1.2. Clearance certificate
Lack of the fumigation clearance arrangement at destination may turn the expected economical effect of marine fumigation into considerable loss.
Remember that fumigant application at load port is the first stage of fumigation only;
Always consider specific requirements of destination country when choosing fumigation method;
Make sure of ship’s IMO/IMDG Code compliance (safety and medical kits availability);
Always use qualified fumigation providers at load and discharge ports
Delay contracting fumigator until loading operations start;
Rely on fumigation success based on fumigant application only;
Sacrifice fumigant exposure time for sake of voyage time;
Engage ship’s personnel into operations with fumigants (against IMO/IMDG)
RISK MANAGEMENT
Will the type of fumigation treatment/method be acceptable to quarantine or other regulatory authorities in both the exporting and importing country ?
Every ship Master faces this dilemma, as the quarantines at the load and the discharge ports may place different requirements towards the fumigated cargo. Thanks to its database and availability of members in many different countries, IMFO can provide customers with cost effective port-to-port service and consultation whenever needed.
Could the fumigant be badly applied, resulting in excessive pesticide residue, damaged cargo and poor insect control?
IMFO members aim at developing common and improved standards of efficacy and safety for marine fumigation, as high levels of quality and safety are in our mutual interests with the customer.
Could unsafe procedures be used, resulting in illness, injury or death among the ship's crew or other workers?
Application of fumigants requires strict compliance with the corresponding safety instructions not only issued by the fumigant producer, but also with the regulations of international bodies. Members of the IMFO group use progressive and safe technology carefully choosing the method and dosage of fumigant application, in conformity with the “safety first” principle.
Is the fumigation company you use adequately insured ?
In addition to adequate insurance IMFO members provide safety and efficiency to customers acting as the international team of fumigators. This way each IMFO member is insured at least twice.
BRIEF CALCULATION
DEMURRAGE
-Minimum of 3 days at destination
-Total cost around USD 200,000
RE-FUMIGATION
- Cost of refumigation for quarantine purposes between USD 0.80 and 1/ton.
- Total cost around USD 50,000
MORES INFORMATIONS
Port fees
Extra Fees
Loss of cargo´s value
*Related to the specific space
SHIPPING, CARGO & MORE
TOO MEET IMPORT/EXPORT CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION
Whether treating foodstuffs or other commodities, to meet import/export contractual obligations or quarantine requirements, we have the technology to provide the fast and efficient services you require.We can, for example, arrange in-transit fumigation of containers from many destinations to any EC country, which are not only efficient but also meet the increasingly stringent safety and residue requirements of international trade.
INSECT, RODENT & HYGIENE CONTROL SYSTEM
Many companies claim to provide these services to warehouses and other situations. However, IMFO's specialist service to cargo ships and cruise liners ensures safety, efficiency and the lowest effective use of pesticides. From de-ratting a ship, controlling cockroaches in the galley or food store hygiene measures, IMFO has the answer.
THE WIDEST RANGING SERVICES
IMFO can deal with every aspect of the infestation business. And as we are dedicated to developing all our services we are also committed to providing the highest levels of quality. We do it because it is in our best interests as well as yours. By delivering treatments at the greatest possible value we are giving you the best reasons to work with us every time.
CONSULTANCY SERVICES
Within IMFO we have experienced and expert consultants who can assist with resolving any problems associated with fumigation or post harvest pest control anywhere in the world.
FUMIGATION & APPLICATION
Fumigation with use of methyl bromide is permitted only when a ship is in the confines of a port (either at anchor or alongside), once crew members have disembarked. After methyl bromide fumigation at load port ventilation should be done prior to sail.
Fumigation Certificate for methyl bromide fumigation is issued by Fumigation Company that can state insects-free and gas-free condition of cargo as fumigation is complete before sailing.
Phosphine is approved for in-ship in-transit fumigation, which is done during voyage with the purpose to prevent from idle time of ships. Unlike for methyl bromide fumigation in case of fumigation with use of phosphine Certificate of In-Transit Fumigation is issued, where insects-free and gas-free condition of goods cannot be certified. This certificate indicates only initial data of fumigation, such as dosage applied and required exposure time, as the progress of fumigation has only begun.
Along with Certificate of in-transit Fumigation clear written instructions must be given to the master of the ship, to the receiver of the cargo and to the authorities at the discharging port as to how any powdery residues are to be disposed of. Today the members of IMFO group are working on a common set of documents for in-transit fumigation. This is being done to comply with the objective of standardization followed by IMFO.
Our customers may feel confident that wherever fumigation is performed by IMFO members the same high standards of safety and compliance with international regulations are followed in strict adherence.
Parameter of successful Fumigation
Acceptable fumigant application method is the utmost important parameter of successful fumigation. The classic fumigation methods are:
- Surface treatments, where fumigants are placed on the exposed cargo surface
- Subsurface treatments, where fumigants are applied into cargo mass
Recommended application methods by FGIS
The following table recommends specific fumigant application methods for various commodity and fumigant exposure time
commodity depth | exposure time |
6m | 9 days |
6m-12m | 15 days |
12m-20m | not recommended |
20m and + | not recommended |
* Holds should remain closed during entire voyage even if recommended exposure time is exceeded.
* Grain depths less than 3m may be fumigated with any method with a 5-day exposure time.
commodity depth | exposure time |
0m -12m | 10 days |
12m and + | 15 days |
* Holds should remain closed during the entire voyage even if recommended exposure time is exceeded.
* Grain depths less than 3m may be fumigated with any method with a 5-day exposure time.
commodity depth | exposure time |
0m -12m | 10 days |
12m and + | 15 days |
* Holds should remain closed during entire voyage even if recommended exposure time is exceeded.
* Grain depths less than 3m may be fumigated with any method with a 5-day exposure time.
commodity depth | exposure time |
6m | 4 days |
6m-12m | 7 days |
12m-20m | 9 days |
20m and + | 9 days |
* Holds should remain closed during entire voyage even if recommended exposure time is exceeded.
* Grain depths less than 3m may be fumigated with any method with a 5-day exposure time.
Copyright IMFO © 2023