<p>The continuing saga of bulk carrier losses at sea challenges our current understanding why these tragedies happen and the effectiveness of existing maritime regulations. Cargo liquefaction has so far been considered the greatest contributor to the loss of bulk carriers. In this paper, we examine the recent and new research results related to the behaviour of shipped solids under dynamic loads that mimic those experienced in solid bulk cargo at sea. We challenge the mechanism of liquefaction being the real cause of sinking of cargo ships. We have conducted a series of Can tests of iron ore fines, as well as experimental simulation of iron ore fines specimens on dynamic multi-axial simulation table (MAST) test. Results from our tests and those in the literature show that iron ore fines, nickel ore, and bauxite, with variable initial moisture contents, all exhibit strong resistance to liquefaction when they are subjected to low-frequency dynamic loads. Our MAST test results show that dynamic loads cause migration of water and fine particles as well compaction of the solid material tested, leading to accumulation of free water at the surface of the solid. While accumulation of free surface water in cargo holds may look like liquefaction to non-expert eyes, compaction is however a process opposite to liquefaction and leads to stiffer and stronger solids. The free surface water can shift or slosh inside a cargo hold, making the ship list and eventually capsize. Our test results also show that free surface water can appear even if the tested solid has an initial water content below the Transportable Moisture Limit recommended by the International Maritime Organisation, challenging the current maritime regulation for bulk cargo shipment.</p>