IMO publication sales no.: T101E.

Can we design an oil tanker that meets our complex demands for environmental protection, economical operation, and crew safety? This volume evaluates and ranks a wide variety of tank ship hull designs proposed by experts around the world. Based on extensive research and studies, the book explores the implications of our rising demand for petroleum and increase in tanker operations; U.S. government regulations and U.S. Coast Guard policies regarding designs for new tank vessel construction; how new ship design would affect crew safety, maintenance, inspection, and other technical issues; the prospects for retrofitting existing tankers to reduce the risk of oil spills; and more. The conclusions and recommendations will be particularly important to maritime safety regulators in the United States and abroad; naval architects; ship operators and engineers; and officials in the petroleum, shipping, and marine insurance industries.

In this engaging book, Dr. Solly examines the history of crude oil tankers from early days when this vital commodity was carried aboard ordinary sailing vessels, through the innovative designs that resulted in significant breakthroughs leading to early single-hulled VLCCs, and the later stronger hence safer double-hulled vessel. The professional reader will identify with much of the author’s thinking, especially his handling of the enormous advances in shipboard techniques, and examination of excellent contributions made by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) from its conception in 1948, to its penetratingly effective work of today. Special attention is paid to their profound influence on the industry through MARPOL and SOLAS innovations, including arguably the greatest contribution made to tanker safety and environmental protection by Inert Gas Systems (IGS) and Crude Oil Washing (COW). Non-seagoing readers in allied shipping professions, and that huge army of ship enthusiasts, will learn a great deal about the ins-and-outs of an industry which, for the immediate future, underpins virtually every aspect of practical 21st Century living. Ray Solly’s authoritative story is lavishly supported by 211 images (many of which have never previously been published), plus accounts of two recent voyages aboard a Norwegian North sea shuttle tanker, and a product carrier. Both passenger trips not only updated his professional knowledge but provided penetrating insight into current maritime practices. Each confirmed his convincing observation that today’s crude oil carriers present the safest and most regulated form of transportation in the world.

The domestic and international rules governing the qualifications for personnel serving on tank vessels have changed in recent years. To address those new requirements, the fourth edition of Tanker Operations incorporates new material by Mark Huber and other contributors, providing an updated textbook for maritime schools and individuals pursuing a tankerman endorsement. It is also a standard reference for anyone involved in the tanker industry. The subject areas from the third edition have been expanded and address such basics as vessel construction and cargo characteristics; cargo piping and venting systems; cargo measurement and transfer operations; ballasting and deballasting; tank cleaning operations and pollution regulations; gas freeing and inert gas systems. New sections include inspection procedures for chartering, cargo pump troubleshooting, and details concerning the role of the tankerman from a commercial perspective in the transportation industry. Separate chapters are devoted to the hazards and precautions relating to enclosed space entry and the emergency operations that involve situations specific to the cargo area of a vessel. Review questions have been incorporated at the end of each chapter to ensure that the information has been covered and understood by the reader. A comprehensive glossary is also provided.