Chemical Tankers / Day 2 / Day 2 Topic 2 Cargo Compatibility

Reactivity ,Solubility, Compatibility

INHIBITOR CERTIFICATES (Cargoes protected by additives)

This change can result in polymerization, decomposition, oxidation or other chemical changes that can have serious implications for the safety of the ship and her crew.

Prevention of this tendency is carried out by introducing small amounts of chemical additives into the cargo or controlling the cargo tank environment.

Reactivity ,Solubility, Compatibility

The ship design should be such that it eliminates from the cargo tanks and cargo handling system, any material of construction or contaminants which could act as a catalyst or destroy the inhibitor. Chapter 15.13 of the IBC Code gives full details.

Cargoes must be protected to prevent dangerous chemical changes at all time during the voyage. When an inhibitor is added, the ship must be provided with a ‘Certificate of Protection’ (Inhibitor Certificate) from the manufacturer.

Reactivity ,Solubility, Compatibility

Inhibitor Certificate - Minimum Information

1.The name and amount of additive present.

2.Whether the additive is oxygen dependent.

3.Date additive was added to the product and duration of effectiveness.

4.Any temperature limitations affecting the additives effective lifetime (note heat adjacent tanks).

5.Action to be taken should length of voyage exceed the effective lifetime of the additives.

Reactivity ,Solubility, Compatibility

•Always check an Inhibitor Certificate is provided before loading the cargo.

•Check that the minimum information is provided as per the IBC Code 15.13.3

•Check that life of the inhibitor is sufficient for intended voyage. Some cargoes may have been in storage and transshipment for several weeks before being loaded.

•In certain cases additional Inhibitor may be required for adding on voyage if ship is delayed or diverted thus exceed duration of original certificate.

Reactivity ,Solubility, Compatibility

Consequences of Incompatibility

The following slides relate to the M.V. Maas Goosar which exploded approximately 180 miles south of Yokohama in March 1989. There were no survivors, the ship burned for several days before finally sinking.

Stolt-Nielsen had purchased the ship and due to take delivery in Yokohama.

Note the severity of the explosion, imagine if this had occurred 18 hours later with the ship in port.

M.V. Maas Goosar

M.V. Maas Goosar

M.V. Maas Goosar

M.V. Maas Goosar

M.V. Maas Goosar