chemical tanker guide
Chemical hazards || Various chemicals || Cargo Stowage || Care ||Tank cleaning ||Handling equipments || Home

Transporting dangerous & noxious liquids in bulk - Chemical tanker guide

chemical tanker navigation at sea
The range of chemicals shipped in bulk has increased enormously in modern days and a special class of ships has been developed to meet this need - the chemical tankers.

Chemical Tanker operations differ from any other liquid bulk transportation, in that a large number of cargoes of different properties and characteristics and inherent hazards may be carried simultaneously, on a single voyage, and that numerous products may be handled at one berth, typically including both discharge and loading as well as tank cleaning. Even the less sophisticated chemical tankers are more complex to operate than oil tankers.

A bulk liquid storage terminal has so many operations taking place, each with individual and critical disciplines: tanks, drumming, packaging, road and rail, ships, barges, waste water, emergency response, etc., all requiring the application of best industry practice. Information exists, but from so many sources that it is fragmented and often difficult to locate; no single publication brings the data together in one volume of internationally consistent best practice. Our website will provide valuable knowledge and insight for those who work in the chemical distribution industry, and beyond.

Our guideline and safety tips will be of particular value to those working in: Chemical Handling, Chemical Storage, Liquefied Chemical Suppliers, Chemical Shipping, Chemical Transportation, Chemical Terminals, Bulk Chemical Services and Chemical Processing.

Transportation of bulk chemicals by sea not only requires specialist ships and equipment, but also specialist crew training, both theoretical and practical, in order for those involved to understand the characteristics of the various chemicals and be aware of the potential hazards involved in handling them. A particularly important aspect of this requirement is the provision of a data sheet, or cargo information form, giving details specific to a substance, to be held on board whenever that substance is carried by the ship .

A modern chemical tanker is primarily designed to carry some of the several hundred hazardous products now covered by the IMO Bulk Chemical Codes. The following general types of chemical carriers have developed since the trade began:

Transportation of bulk chemicals through above types tankers do not only require special hardwork, but also special crew training, both theoretical and practical, in order for them to understand the characteristics of the various chemicals and be aware of the potential hazards involved in handling them.

Detailed hazards of particular substances are provided in material safety data sheets (MSDS) and in the publications such as the USCG Chemical Data Guide for Bulk Carriage by Ships.

The purpose of this site is to provide up to date information on recognised good practice for ships carrying hazardous and noxious liquid chemicals in bulk . The recommendations cannot cover every possible situation that may be encountered on a chemical tanker, but they do provide wide general guidance on safe procedures and safe working practices when handling and transporting chemicals in bulk.

It should also be borne in mind that in all cases the advice given may be subject to local or national regulations, and that terminal operators have their own safety procedures which could affect cargo handling operations and the measures to be adopted in emergencies. The master and all personnel must be aware of and comply with those regulations and procedures. Their existence will be highlighted by the use of the Ship/Shore Safety Checklist which, together with its guidelines for completion, remains a fundamental part of establishing safe conditions for transport by sea of chemicals in bulk.


Chemical tanker at sea




Following reference publications provide useful guidance and international regulations for carrying hazardous chemicals at sea.



Our detail pages contain somewhat larger lists of resources where you may find more useful information.

Main Info pages!

Home page ||| Chemical hazards ||| Cargo planning & Stowage ||| Cargo loading ||| Cargo documents ||| Safe stability ||| Cargo care ||| Preparation for unloading ||| Inert gas systems |||Gas freeing ||| Nitrogen handling ||| Chemical handling Safe practice |||Handling equipments ||| Cargo & Ballast pumps ||| Cargo tanks |||Tank cleaning |||Special cargoes |||Spills emergencies |||Fire protection





Chemicaltankerguide.com is merely an informational site about various aspects of chemical tankers and safety tips that may be particular value to those working in: Chemical Handling, Chemical Storage, Liquefied Chemical Suppliers, Chemical Shipping, Chemical Transportation, Chemical Terminals, Bulk Chemical Services and Chemical Processing. If you are interested in finding out more about chemical tanker guideline please visit IMO official website. For any comment please Contact us

Copyright © 2011-2017 Chemical Tanker Guide.com All rights reserved.