A chemical tanker is a type of tanker ship designed to transport chemicals in bulk. As defined in MARPOL Annex I, chemical tanker means a ship constructed or adapted for carrying in bulk any liquid product listed in chapter 17 of the International Bulk Chemical Code. While carrying chemicals at sea MSDS are very important and useful sources of information relating to the chemical compound being shipped. A MSDS should be supplied by the manufacturer, supplier or shipper for each type of cargo before being loaded. If these are unavailable then the office must be advised for further instruction before loading the cargo and a Letter of Protest issued.

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The MSDS for the products being carried must be displayed prominently onboard the vessel and all crew briefed in order that all crew members are familiar with the properties and handling of the cargoes onboard.

The data sheets comprise of different sections and the layout may differ slightly from supplier to supplier however the information contained within them is basically the same and can be summarised as follows:

1. Identification of Substance. This will include the trade name and manufacturer.
2. Composition and Formula.
3. Principal Hazards (e.g. toxic, carcinogenic etc)
4. First Aid Measures
5. Fire-fighting Measures
6. Accidental Release Measures
7. Handling and Storage
8. Exposure Controls and Personal Protection (this will include the likes of threshold limit values and details of PPE)
9. Physical & Chemical Properties
10. Stability & Reactivity
11. Toxicological Information
12. Ecological Information
13. Disposal Considerations
14. Transport Information (e.g. UN numbers)
15. Further Information

It is extremely important that the MSDS is specific to the actual cargo product being loaded, and not a generic one, in order to establish all the cargo’s components. Once received, it is to be read and fully understood as the health and safety of those working with the cargo and others is dependent on the safe handling and suitable precautions of the chemical in question.

In the case of chemical carriers, tanks must be scrupulously clean and the surfaces sound. However, certain chemicals may be absorbed into the coating and leach out into the next cargo. With chemical cargoes the Master has to rely on the specification and description given to him at the time of loading and usually incorporated into the Bill of Lading. The result of footing samples taken is largely out of his hands.


The following notes are only intended to indicate the most common characteristics and hazards of chemicals transported by sea in bulk.

What is inerting of cargo tanks ? How it prevents a flammable condition ?

What is toxicity and associated health hazard onboard chemical tankers ?

What is reactivity of noxious liquid chemicals while carrying at sea ?

What are the most corrosive liquid chemicals transporting at sea ?

What is putrefaction process of liquid chemicals ?

What are the physical properties of chemical cargo ?



Related Info:

Use of Oxygen analysers

Cargo vapour detection equipment






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