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Common categories include crude oil tankers, product tankers (carrying refined petroleum products
such as gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel), chemical tankers (for transporting various chemicals), liquefied
natural gas (LNG) carriers, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers. Each type has specific design
features and safety considerations tailored to the nature of the cargo.
Size categories include Handysize, Panamax, Aframax, Suezmax, and VLCC/ULCC, each with different
cargo capacities and dimensions. Larger tankers typically transport crude oil over long distances, while
smaller tankers may handle refined products or chemicals for shorter routes or port-to-port transfers.
These may include double-hull construction, segregated ballast tanks, inert gas systems (for preventing
cargo vapors from forming explosive mixtures), cargo heating or cooling systems (depending on the
cargo requirements), ower flow system, ventelation system, and advanced monitoring and control
systems for cargo handling.
includes exchanging essential information with port authorities and relevant stakeholders such as the
vessel's ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival), cargo details, quantities, any special requirements or
restrictions, tug assistance if needed, and environmental considerations.
Liquid bulk cargo is typically loaded and discharged using specialized equipment such as cargo pumps,
pipelines, hoses, and loading arms. Procedures vary depending on the type of cargo and terminal
facilities. In many cases, loading and discharge operations are carefully monitored to prevent spills,
overfilling, or contamination.
Cargo contamination can be prevented through rigorous adherence to loading and discharge
procedures, proper tank cleaning between cargoes, segregation of incompatible cargoes, and thorough
maintenance of cargo handling equipment. Tanker crews must also follow strict contamination
prevention protocols and promptly address any deviations or anomalies during cargo operations.
Measures to avoid cargo shortage include accurate cargo measurement and monitoring, proper tank
calibration, regular maintenance of cargo handling equipment, adherence to loading and discharge
procedures, and effective communication between the vessel's crew and shore personnel. Additionally,
contingency plans should be in place to address any unforeseen issues that could impact cargo
quantities.
Cargo blending is prohibited because it can lead to quality inconsistencies, safety hazards, and
regulatory violations. Blending different cargoes onboard a tanker can result in chemical reactions,
instability, or contamination, jeopardizing the safety of the vessel, crew, cargo, and the marine
environment. Therefore, strict controls are in place to prevent unauthorized blending and ensure the
integrity of each cargo.
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Major hazards on tankers include the risk of fire and explosion due to the flammable nature of many
liquid cargoes, structural failure or collision resulting in hull breaches and oil spills, chemical exposure or
contamination, cargo contamination or leakage, stability issues leading to capsizing or listing, and
human error during cargo handling, navigation, or emergency response situations. Effective risk
management, training, and adherence to safety protocols are essential for mitigating these hazards.
