D
eveloping countries around the world
often place a large amount of emphasis on
the import and efficient use of fertilizers,
and often provide subsidies to importers
of the commodity in an attempt to promote
self-sufficiency in agri-products by increasing
crop yield. However, it is evident that, at times,
money may well be better spent in the
development of the handling processes, which
can often, if left unchecked, indirectly increase
the cost of the product to the end-user. More
often than not, this is a direct burden on the
small holder farming for subsistence and thus
defeats the intention of subsidisation.
In this article, the author looks at some of
the challenges that arise when handling bulk
fertilizer cargoes, particularly at discharge ports,
and highlights some of the practical solutions
that can be implemented to absolve the
potentially high costs that can be incurred
through malpractice by all
stakeholders. The following topics are touched
upon in this article as being contributing factors
to the degree of success in handling fertilizers
by terminal operators – particularly in
developing countries where there may be
limited infrastructure and handling equipment:
n
Nature of fertilizer handled and its
characteristics.
n
Mode of shipping for the commodity and
adequate controls during the sea
passage.
n
The main areas of concern
when handling bulk
fertilizers at discharge
ports.
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