Cargo tank preparation for loading various grades of cargo is a difficulty sailors encounter on a daily basis during their employment. However, great practices in seamanship educate us to overcome the dangers and obstacles and proclaim the vessel ready for Crude Palm Oil loading in bulk. The operations and technical teams collaborate to fix the best-valued cargo on the market while also guaranteeing the vessel’s condition and fitness.
When negotiations to charter the vessel begin, both the engine and deck departments initiate preparations such as creating a pre-stowage plan based on general product characteristics and applicable MSDS. Distances between ports are checked, and fuel oil, lubricating oil, freshwater, and supply requirements are calculated. Assessment and confirmation of machinery condition in light of long-laden transit, cargo heating, and other deck machinery connected to operations such as tank cleaning and slop pumping.
If IACS, vessel classification is advantageous. The ship’s registry certificate will be checked.
We must ensure that our vessel conforms with the FOSFA Qualification and Operational Procedures for ships transporting oils and fats in bulk for edible and oleochemical application.
Loading crude palm oil in bulk necessitates cargo heating in accordance with charter party or terminal requirements. As a result, ships wanting to transport crude palm oil in bulk must have an operational tank heating system. Immersed coils or a heat exchanger can be used to heat the tank. Coils, tubes, and shells, if applicable, are made of stainless steel and must withstand a load of at least 15 kilogrammes per square centimetre for 30 minutes before being deemed tight.
Should tank heating be accessible aboard, an evidence sheet of testing should be available. Hot water or steam can be used as the tank’s heating method or medium.
Copper and its alloys, such as brass, bronze, or gun metal, must not be present in any portions of the system installation or means of transport that come into contact with oils or fats.
Tank access and cleaning hatches are strong and secure, with packing gaskets that are compatible with the cargo.
All interior structural members have self-draining capabilities.
Cargo tanks are made of mild steel coated or stainless steel. Coating is not required for stainless steel tanks. If coating was performed, it must be ensured that the coating is suitable for food grade items or the transport of oils and fats.
Cargo lines must be stainless steel or mild steel, with enough drain valves to guarantee complete system clearing and draining.
The ship’s crew must guarantee that no leaded goods were found in the tanks, as in the previous three cargoes. Prior to loading, the last three cargoes will be checked.
Cargo tanks must be designated based on the number of cargo grades.
According to common understanding, if a cargo was less than 60% of the volume of the tank, it should be documented but not deemed a qualifying preceding cargo. Such cargo must not be a product on the FOSFA List of Banned Immediate Previous Cargoes or a product on the FOSFA List of Acceptable Cargoes; whichever list applies is specified in the sales contract.
It is also necessary to state whether or not the relevant tanks were recoated prior to loading.