Risks And Hazards of Oil Tanker Sloshing Liquid Cargo Tanks

As an important part of the maritime transportation industry, oil tankers carry large quantities of liquid cargoes such as oil and chemicals. However, during transportation, the phenomenon of oil tanker sloshing liquid cargo tanks occurs from time to time, which brings great risks to the safety of the ship, the lives of the crew and the marine environment. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to study the risk of oil tanker sloshing and its hazards.

Risks and Hazards of Sloshing in the Liquid Cargo Tanks of Oil Tankers

1. Risk of Oil and Gas Mixture Spreading

① During the operation of the oil tanker, the oil and gas mixture escaping from the cargo hold turns the atmosphere outside the cargo hold into a combustible gas mixture, and once this combustible gas mixture spreads to other areas, it may encounter open flames and lead to a fire on the oil tanker. The escaped oil and gas are light hydrocarbon components in the oil, so the oil and gas escape and proliferation will also affect the composition of the oil, affecting the combustion quality.

② The oil and gas mixture contains toxic gas-phase hydrocarbons, the density of which is greater than that of air, so the escaped oil and gas mixture generally floats on the ground above the adverse effects on ship personnel and the environment. Inhalation of oil and gas mixtures by personnel may cause chronic poisoning and damage to the respiratory system and the central nervous system. Emission of oil and gas mixtures into the atmosphere results in the formation of photochemical smoke.

2. Oil and Gas Combustion and Explosion Risk

Oil and gas combustion is a chemical change and oil and gas explosion is a physical change. When the oil and gas and oxygen in the cargo hold reaches a certain concentration, and at the same time there are flames, electric heat sources, etc. in the cabin, the oil and gas will be ignited and quickly expand to the whole cabin, making the pressure inside the cabin rise. If the expanding gas is not sparked and diffused, then the pressure inside the compartment will continue to rise, and after reaching a certain level it will lead to the rupture of the bulkhead, resulting in an initial explosion.

If the remedial measures are not appropriate, so that the cargo hold into a large amount of air or broken hatch oil and gas and a large amount of air contact, will occur more intense secondary explosion, and even with the surrounding cargo hold explosion, thus causing great harm.

Oil and gas combustion and explosion will not only cause loss of cargo, but also damage to compartments, environmental pollution, crew casualties, and in serious cases, sinking of the ship.

3. Risk of Collision and Grounding of Oil Tankers

Collision of oil tankers underway may also occur, especially when the two vessels collide vertically, which is the most harmful. Vertical collision between two vessels may cause damage to the cargo hold structure and oil leakage, and may even result in cargo hold fire, casualties and immediate sinking of the vessel. The grounding of oil tanker (or touching the reef) may also cause damage to the cabin structure, oil leakage and marine pollution.

4.Risk of Oil Spill at Sea

In the process of loading and unloading cargo oil operation, due to the closure of the pipeline valve or not open enough to cause the pressure of the cargo oil to rise, or the pipeline breakage and aging lead to the rupture of the pipeline, which will result in the accident of oil spill at sea. In the process of cargo oil transportation, due to the ship collision, grounding and cargo tank structure damage aging and other reasons, will also cause oil spill at sea.

Oil spill at sea will not only directly cause the loss of cargo oil, but also bring harm to seabirds, fish and shrimp, seaweeds, economic shellfish and other marine biological resources, affecting their ability to survive, and even lead to their death. Oil spill at sea will also jeopardize the natural environment of seashores and coasts, reduce their recreational, therapeutic and bathing values, and damage the natural landscape.

Response to Oil Tanker Liquid Cargo Tank Sloshing

1. Strengthening Ship Safety Management

Formulate strict ship inspection, maintenance and operation procedures to ensure the safe operation of oil tankers. Strengthen the training of crew members and improve the ability to deal with unexpected accidents.

2. Improve the Emergency Plan

Formulate a perfect emergency plan for the risks and hazards of oil tanker swaying liquid cargo tanks. In case of leakage, fire, explosion and other accidents, rescue can be carried out quickly to minimize the loss.

3. Enhance the Publicity of Laws and Regulations

Strengthen the publicity of laws and regulations for the ship transportation industry and improve the safety awareness of the employees. Seriously deal with violations of laws and regulations to ensure the safety of people's lives and properties.

Conclusion

The hazards of sloshing liquid cargo tanks on oil tankers should not be ignored, and effective precautions should be taken during navigation to ensure the safety of oil tanker transportation and reduce the potential impact of sloshing liquid cargo tanks on the safety of oil tankers and the environment.