Sam Clarke
MA (Cantab), MSci, PhD
Cargo Scientist
Career Summary
Sam Clarke joins Brookes Bell as an experienced multi-disciplinary scientist. He holds a PhD in Earth Sciences from the University of Cambridge and is a Fellow of the Geological Society.
Sam specialises in the carriage of mineral products, including ores, fines and concentrates, as well as liquefaction and Group A cargoes. He brings a strong research background in hydrogeology to his work. In addition, he has advised on grain cargoes such as sunflower seeds and both raw and refined sugar, along with broader issues including condensation in containers and bulk carriers.
Sam regularly assists clients with compliance under the IMSBC and IMDG Codes and other regulatory requirements. His experience includes advising on the carriage of new bulk cargoes and the selection and application of appropriate sampling protocols. He has also attended laboratory testing of a wide range of materials for moisture content and Transportable Moisture Limit (TML), and is familiar with the relevant test methods.
During his PhD, Sam developed a series of laboratory techniques to investigate potential threats to the long-term integrity of nuclear waste repositories. He worked alongside the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the British Geological Survey, contributing to the safety case for deep geological disposal. Sam has published as a lead author in Physical Review Fluids and has presented frequently on reactive flows in porous media to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
Background
Academic Qualifications
PhD in Earth Sciences (Cambridge University)
MSci in Natural Sciences (Cambridge University)
BA in Natural Sciences (Cambridge University)
Survey Experience
Constanta, Romania; alleged damage to sunflower seeds in bulk carrier hold
Liverpool, UK; hull survey of bulk carrier prior to loading scrap metal
Newport, Wales; investigation following scrap metal fire in bulk carrier hold
Kavala, Greece; sampling after in-hold drying of mineral concentrate cargoes onboard general cargo vessel
Publications and Talks
- Clarke, S., Harrington, J., Norris, S. and Woods, A. (2025). Experiments on buoyancy-driven instability ahead of a dissolution front in a porous rock. Physical Review Fluids, 10(2)
- Clarke, S. (2025). ‘The dynamics of buoyancy-driven instabilities in reactive porous media’ [Presentation], G.K. Batchelor Lab Talks. Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge. 2 May.
- Clarke, S. (2025). ‘Reactions in porous media’ [Seminar], Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows Seminar Series, University of Cambridge. 6 March
- Clarke, S. (2023). ‘Dissolution reactions in halite; implications for GDF safety’ [Conference presentation], Radioactive Waste Management Ltd Annual Conference. Leeds. 13 January.
Our Team
With experts from across the maritime and scientific worlds, Brookes Bell can help whatever your problem.