LO1.
1: Basic Knowledge on General Arrangement and Construction of Tankers This section
will discuss the basic knowledge of the general arrangement and construction of various
types of tankers, including oil tankers, chemical tankers, and liquefied gas tankers.
Types of Oil Tankers
Oil tankers are classified primarily by size and the type of cargo they carry. The size classes
are defined by their deadweight tonnage (DWT), which represents the total weight of the
cargo, fuel, crew, and supplies. Common classifications include:
Small Range (Product) Tanker: 10,000 to 60,000 tons DWT. These tankers typically
carry refined petroleum products over shorter distances.
Panamax Tanker: 60,000 to 78,000 tons DWT. These are designed to transit the
Panama Canal.
Aframax Tanker: 80,000 to 120,000 tons DWT. The name is derived from the
"Average Freight Rate Assessment" method used for calculating shipping rates.
Suezmax Tanker: 120,000 to 200,000 tons DWT. These are the largest tankers that
can pass through the Suez Canal.
VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier): 200,000 to 320,000 tons DWT. These are used for
transporting large volumes of crude oil.
ULCC (Ultra Large Crude Carrier): 320,000 to 550,000 tons DWT. These are the
largest oil tankers in operation, capable of carrying millions of barrels of crude oil.
The classification based on cargo type is less precise, as terminology varies. However, the
main distinction is between crude oil tankers, which transport unrefined oil from extraction
points to refineries, and product tankers, which transport refined petroleum products to
consumer markets.
Types of Chemical Tankers
Chemical tankers are designed to carry various liquid chemicals in bulk. They are categorized
based on the hazardous nature of the cargo and the level of safety measures incorporated
into their design. The International Bulk Chemical Code (IBC Code) classifies chemical
tankers into three types:
Type 1: Designed for the most hazardous chemicals, with maximum preventive
measures to prevent leakage.
Type 2: Designed for chemicals with significant hazards, requiring substantial
preventive measures.
Type 3: Designed for chemicals with moderate hazards, requiring a moderate degree
of containment.
The design and construction of chemical tankers prioritize containment of liquid cargo, fire
prevention (due to the flammability of many chemicals), hull protection from chemical
reactions, and prevention of water and air pollution.
Chemical tankers also differ in the types of chemicals they carry (organic, inorganic,
specialized), and their tank configurations.
Types of Liquefied Gas Tankers
Liquefied gas tankers transport gases like LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and LPG (Liquefied
Petroleum Gas) in their liquefied state. These tankers require specialized designs to
maintain extremely low temperatures and pressures necessary to keep the gas in liquid
form. The types of liquefied gas tankers are often categorized by their cargo containment
systems:
Fully Pressurized: These ships carry gases at ambient temperature under high
pressure.
Semi-Pressurized and Refrigerated: These ships use a combination of pressure and
refrigeration to maintain the cargo in liquid form.
Fully Refrigerated: These ships maintain the cargo at its boiling point using
refrigeration systems.
Different containment systems are used, including spherical tanks, membrane tanks, and
prismatic tanks, each with its own advantages and disadvantages regarding safety,
efficiency, and cost.
The choice of tanker type depends on factors like cargo type, distance, and terminal
facilities. All these tanker types have specific design and construction requirements to
ensure safe transportation of their respective cargoes.
Cargo Operations on Tankers: A Detailed Overview
This section will delve into the intricacies of cargo operations for three primary types of
tankers: oil tankers, chemical tankers, and liquefied gas tankers. Each type presents unique
challenges and requires specialized procedures to ensure safe and efficient handling of their
respective cargoes.
Oil Tanker Cargo Operations
Oil tankers are designed to transport crude oil and refined petroleum products in bulk.
Cargo operations on oil tankers involve a series of steps, each with specific safety protocols
and considerations:
1. Pre-Transfer Preparation:
Tank Inspection: Before loading, cargo tanks are thoroughly inspected for
cleanliness, structural integrity, and any potential leaks. This includes visual
inspection, gauging, and sometimes internal tank cleaning.
Inerting: The cargo tanks are purged with inert gas (nitrogen) to displace oxygen and
reduce the risk of fire or explosion.
Cargo Compatibility: The compatibility of the incoming cargo with any existing
residues in the tank is verified to prevent contamination or hazardous reactions.
Stability Calculations: The vessel's stability is calculated to ensure safe loading and
prevent any imbalances or potential capsizing.
2. Loading Cargo:
Manifold Connection: The loading arm is securely connected to the ship's manifold,
ensuring a tight seal to prevent leaks.
Loading Rate: The loading rate is carefully controlled based on the cargo's
properties, tank capacity, and ship's stability.
Tank Gauging: Regular tank gauging is performed to monitor the cargo level and
ensure accurate measurement of the loaded quantity.
Vapor Recovery: Modern oil tankers often utilize vapor recovery systems to collect
and recycle hydrocarbon vapors released during loading, minimizing environmental
impact.
3. Unloading Cargo:
Manifold Connection: Similar to loading, the unloading arm is securely connected to
the ship's manifold.
Discharge Rate: The discharge rate is controlled based on the cargo's properties,
terminal capacity, and ship's stability.
Tank Gauging: Regular tank gauging is performed to monitor the cargo level and
ensure accurate measurement of the discharged quantity.
Stripping: After primary discharge, a stripping operation is often performed to
remove remaining cargo from the tanks using dedicated stripping pumps.
4. Tank Cleaning:
Crude Oil Washing (COW): For crude oil tankers, COW systems are used to clean
tanks with a mixture of water and crude oil, reducing the need for manual cleaning.
Chemical Cleaning: For product tankers, chemical cleaning agents are used to
remove residues and prepare tanks for the next cargo.
Gas Freeing: After cleaning, tanks are gas-freed to ensure a safe environment for
personnel entry and hot work.
Chemical Tanker Cargo Operations
Chemical tankers are designed to transport various liquid chemicals in bulk, posing a higher
risk due to the hazardous nature of the cargo. Cargo operations on chemical tankers require
even more stringent safety measures and meticulous planning:
1. Pre-Transfer Preparation:
Cargo Information: Detailed information on the cargo's properties, hazards, and safe
handling procedures is obtained. This includes Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
and compatibility charts.
Tank Compatibility: The compatibility of the tank's coatings and materials with the
cargo is verified to prevent corrosion or chemical reactions.
Inerting: Tanks are purged with inert gas to reduce oxygen content and minimize the
risk of fire or explosion.
Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is ensured in the cargo area and pump room to
prevent the accumulation of hazardous vapors.
2. Loading Cargo:
Manifold Connection: The loading arm is securely connected to the ship's manifold,
ensuring a tight seal to prevent leaks.
Loading Rate: The loading rate is carefully controlled based on the cargo's
properties, tank capacity, and ship's stability.
Tank Gauging: Regular tank gauging is performed to monitor the cargo level and
ensure accurate measurement of the loaded quantity.
Vapor Recovery: Vapor recovery systems are often used to collect and recycle
vapors released during loading, minimizing environmental impact.
3. Unloading Cargo:
Manifold Connection: Similar to loading, the unloading arm is securely connected to
the ship's manifold.
Discharge Rate: The discharge rate is controlled based on the cargo's properties,
terminal capacity, and ship's stability.
Tank Gauging: Regular tank gauging is performed to monitor the cargo level and
ensure accurate measurement of the discharged quantity.
Stripping: Stripping operations are used to remove remaining cargo from the tanks
using dedicated stripping pumps.
4. Tank Cleaning:
Chemical Cleaning: Specialized cleaning agents are used to remove residues and
prepare tanks for the next cargo, ensuring compatibility and preventing
contamination.
Gas Freeing: Tanks are gas-freed to ensure a safe environment for personnel entry
and hot work.
Liquefied Gas Tanker Cargo Operations
Liquefied gas tankers transport gases like LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and LPG (Liquefied
Petroleum Gas) in their liquefied state. These tankers require specialized designs and
procedures to maintain extremely low temperatures and pressures, posing unique
challenges for cargo operations:
1. Pre-Transfer Preparation:
Cargo Information: Detailed information on the cargo's properties, hazards, and safe
handling procedures is obtained. This includes Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
and compatibility charts.
Tank Drying: Tanks are thoroughly dried to remove moisture, which can cause ice
formation and hinder efficient cargo handling.
Inerting: Tanks are purged with inert gas (nitrogen) to displace oxygen and prevent
the formation of flammable atmospheres.
Cooling Down: For fully refrigerated tankers, tanks are cooled down to the cargo's
boiling point to minimize thermal stress and ensure safe loading.
2. Loading Cargo:
Manifold Connection: The loading arm is securely connected to the ship's manifold,
ensuring a tight seal to prevent leaks.
Loading Rate: The loading rate is carefully controlled based on the cargo's
properties, tank capacity, and ship's stability.
Tank Gauging: Regular tank gauging is performed to monitor the cargo level and
ensure accurate measurement of the loaded quantity.
Re-Liquefaction: For fully refrigerated tankers, re-liquefaction plants are used to
condense any vaporized cargo back into liquid form, maintaining the cargo's state
and minimizing boil-off.
3. Unloading Cargo:
Manifold Connection: Similar to loading, the unloading arm is securely connected to
the ship's manifold.
Discharge Rate: The discharge rate is controlled based on the cargo's properties,
terminal capacity, and ship's stability.
Tank Gauging: Regular tank gauging is performed to monitor the cargo level and
ensure accurate measurement of the discharged quantity.
Warming Up: For fully refrigerated tankers, the cargo may need to be warmed up
slightly before discharge to facilitate flow into pressurized storage tanks.
4. Tank Cleaning:
Purging: Tanks are purged with inert gas to displace any remaining cargo vapors.
Aeration: After purging, tanks are aerated with fresh air to remove any remaining
inert gas and prepare for inspection or drydocking.
Cargo operations on tankers are complex and demanding, requiring meticulous planning,
adherence to strict safety protocols, and a high level of expertise from the crew. Each type
of tanker presents unique challenges and requires specialized procedures to ensure the safe
and efficient handling of their respective cargoes. The ever-evolving nature of the shipping
industry, with new regulations and technologies constantly emerging, necessitates
continuous learning and adaptation for those involved in tanker operations.
GROUP 1
MEMBER:
ANCHETA, RHODNEY U.
ARELLANO, DICSON G.
ALICUBEN, CHRISTIAN PAUL C.
AGTARAP, JHON MICHAEL G.
AGTARAP, JULIUS M.