Keywords: Fertilizer transport, Shipping, Barge transport.

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

The multi component nature of the fertilizer trade makes it complex, so few generalities apply. It can be said, however, that North America remains the most important source of fertilizer 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.

Fertilizers are bulky, low-value goods and transport/shipping costs constitute 50-60% of the final selling price. Approximately 85% of fertilizer 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 sulfur carriers.

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

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

Inland waterways are used where possible to transport fertilizers 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 fertilizer terminals provide high capacity handling of fertilizers and a range of support services.

G Connors, Potash Limited, London, UK.

24 pages, 13 tables, 9 references.