Inert gas system is the most important integrated system for oil tankers for safe operation of the ship. Inert gas is the gas which contains insufficient oxygen (normally less than 8 %) to suppress combustion of flammable hydrocarbon gases.
Refer to the SOLAS 1999/2000 Amend/ Chapter II-2/ regulation 9.2.3, for Cargo Ships except tankers one of the following methods of protection shall be adopted in accommodation and service spaces and control stations: Method IC, Method IIC, Method IIIC
The emergency towing arrangements should be so designed as to facilitate salvage and emergency towing operations on tankers primarily to reduce the risk of pollution. The arrangements should at all times be capable of rapid deployment in the absence of main power on the ship to be towed and easy connection to the towing vessel.
The latest amendment on the ESP code has been adopted on Nov. 2022 and will be entered into force on 01. July.2024. (The 106th session of the Maritime Safety Committee was held from 2 to 11 November 2022)
In this article, we will discuss these amendments in summary.
Both oil residues (sludge) and sewages collected on board must be delivered to the reception facilities, regularly.
In this regard, there are two types of standard discharge connections. This article mentions the specifications and requirements of this connections based on the MARPOL Convention.
Crude oil is a complex mixture of substances at varying ratios and in most cases contains at least some salt water. Even after desalination some of this brine remains dissolved in the crude and gradually sinks to the bottom of the cargo oil tank during transport. The corrosive nature of salt, along with microorganisms and other aggressive substances contained in the cargo oil, causes rust, most notably in the form of pitting, which are cavities in the steel that deepen over time.
Air pipes in ships maintain pressure equilibrium during tank filling. They are usually installed on the upper ceiling of the tanks. There are specific requirements for their height and structure, which are determined based on their positions. In this article, we will briefly introduce the air pipes and review the related regulations based on the International Load Line Convention.
In accordance with MARPOL/Annex I/Reg. 12, ships with a gross tonnage of 400 and above are mandated to be equipped with a tank or tanks of sufficient capacity. The capacity should be determined with consideration given to the type of machinery and the duration of the voyage, ensuring the proper reception of oil residues (sludge).
The SCF(Ship Construction File), as outlined in IMO guidelines, details how functional requirements of ship construction standards are applied, must be provided at delivery, kept on board, and updated as needed during the ship's service.
The second new build methanol tanker of a joint venture was delivered. Developing methanol-based vessels facilitates the cleaner fuels achievement and enables the path to a net-zero emission.