Dumping of cargo residues after unloading dry bulk cargo carriers (bulkers) at sea is taking place on a regular basis is creating a pollution threat.

Chemical compositions of all 168 bulk cargoes registered in maritime regulations are analysed.

The hazard classification approach used by maritime regulators for identifying cargoes as hazardous to the marine environment is applied and discussed.

The marine risk assessment created by this dumping is hampered by a lack of information on properties and volumes of cargoes involved.