Liquefaction accounted for 18.5 per cent of the 27 bulk carrier total losses over the last 10 years.

The sloshing from cargo liquefaction in bad weather can cause vessels to sink very quickly with much loss of life.

The danger of cargo liquefaction is known to shipowners, but the loading and storage of cargoes for nickel ore and bauxite often take place in southeast Asia and West Africa.

Thus, there is a lack of attention to cargo testing and certification of cargo condition, and pressure to load.

"Unusually, this report is not targeted at ship operators. They are well aware of the risks to their crews and their vessels caused by carrying cargo prone to liquefaction and make every effort they can to mitigate those risks," said Intercargo vice chairman Uttam Kumar Jaiswal.

"It is the lack of consolidated effort and commitment from many stakeholders to resolve the problem that is evident. These can include shippers, receivers, and port state authorities at loading and discharging ports. We need action from those our industry relies upon for its safety - the IMO, legislators and suppliers to ensure that the minimum obligations under the IMSBC Code are properly fulfilled," said Mr Jaiswal.