Keywords: Fertiliser transport, Shipping, Barge transport.

Locational imbalances in fertiliser raw material resources and nutrient consumption requirements best explains the rationale which underlies world fertiliser trade.

The multi component nature of the fertiliser trade makes it complex, so few generalities apply. It can be said, however, that North America remains the most important source of fertiliser materials with a second rung of exporters being formed by Eastern Europe, the former USSR, Western Europe and North Africa. Asia is the dominant destination with Western Europe following closely behind.

Fertilisers are bulky, low-value goods and transport/shipping costs constitute 50-60% of the final selling price. Approximately 85% of fertiliser entering world sea-borne trade is shipped in dry bulk cargo vessels while the balance requires the use of specialised acid, chemical gas and molten sulphur carriers.

Raw materials, intermediates and finished fertilisers from the phosphate industry represent approximately 50% of total world fertiliser sea-borne trade, of which rock phosphate is the largest single component.

By far the greatest volume of fertilisers is shipped in vessels of between 15,000 and 25,000 dwt.

Inland waterways are used where possible to transport fertilisers as this mode has major cost advantages over road and rail.

Availability of port and terminal facilities frequently determine the size of vessel utilised. Modern fertiliser terminals provide high capacity handling of fertilisers and a range of support services.

G Connors, Potash Limited, London, UK.

24 pages, 13 tables, 9 references.