CARGO TANK CLEANLINESS STANDARDS FOR CHEMICAL TANKERS

This publication prepared and released by Intertanko will provide readers with the standards applicable to the cleanliness of the tanks of the chemical tankers. Subject standards were originally developed in 2011 in order to simplify the process of verification of the tank cleanliness. Another goal was to reduce the number and extent of the internal inspections of the tanks.

This, in turn, would allow to predict both costs and potential consequences of the standards and estimate the impacts of the standards on the time and costs normally required for preparation of the tanks and their cleaning. Another benefit is the reduced usage of the cleaning chemicals, longer life of the equipment and tank coatings etc. The entire efficiency of the process will increase noting the reduced demand for the manpower and fuel.

We would also draw your attention to the significantly improved port turnaround as well as clarity on charter-party terms and reduced number of tanks to be inspected in port. The document will be of great practical interest to all ship owners who are held responsible for the tank cleanliness and would bear all liabilities if the tanks of their vessels are not clean enough, i.e. not meeting the requirements contained in the standards.