Precaution/attention & record sheets are necessary for cargoes that need:

• Cargo heating : Cargoes that require heating must be monitored at least once daily and a temperature log must be kept. Ensure that correct heating medium is used, and that heating coils in tanks that do not require heating are blown dry and blanked. Prior to loading heated cargo, heating coils should be pressure tested and results recorded in the log book.






• Cargo cooling : In specialised cases, is required to prevent products from giving-off toxic and flammable vapours. Special care requirements are generally documented in the condition of carriage details contained in the ships Certificate of Fitness and also in the IBC/BCH Codes. The Company and Charterers are to be consulted if additional information is required.



• Tank Atmosphere ?monitoring and recording of the ullage space of pressure and/or oxygen should be carried out at regular intervals (daily) to ensure that the correct environment is being maintained.



• Temperature Control : Cargoes that may self-react must be monitored on a daily basis for any increase temperature that deviates from the ambient climatic conditions.



• Nitrogen cover : Prior sailing the vessel must have sufficient Nitrogen of the correct quality on board to comply with the padding requirements. No of bottle = Total Ullage Space (m3) x 0.2 / 180` x 50, for 4 changes maintaining 50mb, N2 bottle = 50l x 180bar



• Tank atmosphere : O2 content strictly controlled :Some cargoes like Hexane-HMD-Octene do have a maximum requirement with respect to oxygen in the vapour space. The vapour space has to be checked with the appropriate oxygen meter. The Shipper determines the frequency of the routine checks. The results are to be recorded in ‘Voyage Log?



• Agitation/ Circulation : Some chemicals, e.g. Phosphoric Acid, require agitation to prevent sediment separation and different temperature/density layers from forming. Re-circulating through a diffuser is one method of agitating the cargo

Avoiding claims

On many occasions cargo losses may occure during voyage and resulting in claims to the owners. Shipboard losses can be attributed to

1. Evaporation via PV vents.

2. Excessive ROB due to high pour-point of cargo or pumping problems.

While in some trades the discharge port out turn figures alone determine the amount of cargo delivered, in others they are still compared to the bill of lading figures provided by the load port.

Virtual losses (On paper only): In many shortage claims no actual loss has taken place but the amount of cargo has been overstated when loading and/or understated when discharging.

Stowing volatile cargo next to heated cargo causes evaporation losses. Charterers should specify maximum adjacent temperatures. Adjacent heat is an important spec on chemical tankers.

Chief Officer must find out that number of shore tanks to be loaded from, the quantity, temperature and SG of cargo in each. Whether there are any planned loading stops for shore tank changes. Whether density is being expressed ‘in air?or ‘in vacuum?Whether shore pipelines are full or empty, and details of any pipeline displacements planned. Whether loading by gravity or shore pumps.


Good Practices

The inspector must be accompanied at all times and his ullage measurements actively verified. Frequently maintaining and checking ship’s equipment - and arranging for yearly calibration of electronic measuring devices by an agent approved by the manufacturer.

Never permit the use of the terminal’s measuring equipment on board. If measurements taken with the inspector’s equipment differ from those taken with the ships, propose that all measurements be taken with each, and both be sent for verification ashore afterwards.

If the ship is pitching or rolling, five measurements should be taken, withdrawing the tape as soon as it penetrates the surface of the cargo. The highest and lowest should be ignored and the middle three averaged. Weather and sea conditions should be logged.

Cargo temperature may vary by 5 °C at different levels in the tank, so must be averaged from at least three readings -top, middle and bottom. Some digital probes can measure at more frequent intervals .Measurement error of 1°C can distort the volume calculation substantially , however this will depend on cargo density also.




Reference publications:

• International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT)
• Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk
• Ship’s “Procedure and Arrangements Manual?(Approved by Class)
• BCH/IBC Code
• ICS CTSG

Related Info:

What is putrefaction process of liquid chemicals ?
Most animal and vegetable oils undergo decomposition over time, a natural process known as putrefaction (going off), that generates obnoxious and toxic vapours and depletes the oxygen in the tank. Tanks that have contained such products must be carefully ventilated and the atmosphere tested prior to tank entry . .....

Carriage of inhibited flammable chemical products in cargo tanks
In certain conditions of heat, pressure and in the presence of Oxygen, some chemical cargo types can become viscous and possibly solid and dense in nature. This self reaction can cause some cargoes , especially in the presence of high temperatures and Oxygen, to begin an exothermic reaction, becoming self heating and rapidly expanding which may result in possibly disastrous consequences for the vessel.

Cargo sampling safety precautions
Cargo samples are evidence of the condition of the product during the various phases of transport (storage at terminal, arriving on board, loading, passage, discharging). This procedure describes sample-taking procedures and the legal background. Suitable PPE is to be worn when taking samples. Sample bottle to be flushed prior collecting sample. .....

Cargo segregation requirement for chemical tankers
In the case of two or more liquid chemical cargoes which react with one another in a hazardous manner, segregation must be done The product data sheets, together with the BCH/IBC Codes are to be studies carefully to determine the compatibility restrictions when carrying different groups of cargoes.

How to avoid solidification in cargo tanks ?
Solidification in the cargo tanks can occur when solidifying cargoes are stowed adjacent to “cold cargoes” or cold ballast water in adjacent spaces.

Cargo compatibility and reactivity of various chemical cargo
Transporting of dangerous and noxious liquid chemicals in bulk involved various risk factors. Between some chemicals violent reactions may occur if the chemicals are mixed in certain proportions. The result may possibly be an eruption and tank rupture. Such an occurrance must be prevented. Water may also have to be considered in this respect.

Determining presence of contaminants in chemical cargo
To maintain product quality onboard modern chemical tankers any contaminants in the cargo need to be observed. Following guideline may be useful determining various product contaminants in noxious liquid chemicals.

Cargo compatibility chart for handling dangerous liquid chemicals in bulk
The following procedure explains how the compatibility chart should be used to find compatibility information: .....


Ship shore cargo connection safe method

Venting of cargo tanks safety procedure

Ship to ship transfer operation

Ship shore safety checklist while alongside a terminal

Cargo compatibility chart for handling dangerous liquid chemicals in bulk

Cargo handling safe practice for chemical products

Risk with noxious liquid cargo contact

How take a sample of noxious liquid cargo ?

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