The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has approved a vessel under construction at Japanese shipyard Naikai Zosen for shipowner Nissho Shipping in accordance with part 7.3.2.2 of the IMSBC code governing carriage of cargo, which may liquefy on 17 October.

The approval attests that the vessel makes use of special construction features to ensure that it can safely load cargo that may liquefy, including nickel ore, even if unexpected rain or waves increase the moisture level past the limits.

The 27,200dwt open-hatch bulk carrier is the first vessel to receive approval and has specifically been designed for this purpose.

The certification was secured with technical assistance from Japanese Class NK and the vessel is scheduled to be delivered in autumn 2012.