Coal in Bulk
At OceanEx, we have extensive experience in operations related to various grades of coal cargoes shipped from and into the USA and globally.
Coal introduces risks of oxidation, spontaneous combustion, liquefaction, and methane emission, and our supervision throughout the major US export ports ensures:
- Hold acceptance inspection and verification of the loading sequence
- Loading at controlled moisture contents to prevent liquefaction and oxygen depletion
- Thermal profiling and hotspot detection during and post-loading
- Methane (CH₄) and carbon monoxide (CO) gas concentration monitoring in holds
Grades of coal
We routinely provide our services and expert supervision for various grades of coal shipped from the USA, as listed below:
- Metallurgical coal (Coking coal): Consists of three grades (low-volatile hard coking coal, mid-volatile coking coal, and pulverized coal injection), which are shipped from the ports of Norfolk, Mobile, and New Orleans.
- Thermal coal (Steam coal): Consists of two grades (bituminous coal and sub-bituminous coal), which are shipped from the ports of Baltimore, Newport News, and Houston.
- Anthracite coal: Shipped in minimal quantities from the port of Philadelphia.
Petroleum Coke
Petroleum Coke, commonly known as Pet Coke, is a solid carbon-rich byproduct derived from oil refining processes. It is produced during the thermal cracking of heavy oil fractions in coker units and is primarily used as a fuel or feedstock in industrial applications.
The following two grades are shipped regularly:
- Fuel grade pet coke
- Calcined pet coke
Loading Pet Coke requires the cargo holds to be prepared and accepted as per “grain standards,” and at OceanEx, our senior consultants routinely advise, monitor, and supervise many vessels throughout the cargo operations.