General Hydrocarbon gas normally encountered in petroleum tankers cannot burn in an atmosphere containing less than approximately 11% oxygen by volume. One way to provide protection against fire or explosion in the vapour space of cargo tanks is to keep the oxygen level below that figure. This is usually achieved by using a fixed piping arrangement to blow inert gas into each cargo tank in order to reduce the air content, and oxygen content and render the tank atmosphere non-flammable. Sources of Inert Gas Possible sources of IG on tankers and combination carriers are:Uptake gas from … [Read more...]
Ballast Water Management – Merchant Ships
The Convention requires that vessel should conduct ballast water exchange:•At least 200 nm from the nearest land and in water at least 200 m in depth; if this is not possible•As far from the nearest land as possible, and in all cases at least 50 nm from the nearest land and in water at least 200m in depth.•In sea areas designated by the Port State.All local and / or national regulation should be taken into consideration as they may specify other depths and distances from land.A ship will not be required to deviate from its intended voyage or delay the voyage in order to … [Read more...]