Review of Cargo Operations on Crude Oil Tankers and Methods/Models Used for Optimisation and Improvement of Safety

Abstract

Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) are special ships because of their length, breadth, draft, stability stresses and manoeuvrability. Cargo handling is one of the most sensitive operations in terms of safety and oil pollution, as oil is a dangerous cargo to transport. Of particular concern is the potential marine pollution from accidental oil spills. Operational oil spills on crude oil tankers are caused by operations such as loading and unloading, tank cleaning, crude oil washing, ballasting and discharge of oily water overboard. Over the years, advanced equipment, numerous procedures and checklists have made cargo operations safer, but unfortunately have also made ship crews and officers less attentive. Strict control must be maintained throughout the loading, unloading and all other cargo related operations. The main objective of this article is to review the methods and models used to improve the safety of cargo handling operations