Tank Cleaning Planning CBM-SOP-5.

1-01

1.0 Basics

1.1 Objectives and Scope

The objective of this procedure is to provide detailed guidance on checks, procedures and documentation
required on planning stage of tank cleaning operation, including important aspects which must be considered
during planning and preparation process.

During any tank cleaning operation, all Company, Local, and International safety rules and guidelines are to
be followed. They include but are not limited to the MARPOL regulations, the International Tanker Safety
Guide (Chemicals), ISGOTT, SOLAS 74/78 (including all amendments), the IBC Code and other IMO, ICS
and USCG guidelines.

These procedures are not a substitute for consulting the additional Customer’s requirements, and/or relevant
territorial (local) regulations relating to safety and the protection of the environment. However, it must be
understood that any of above requirements or regulations may enforce but do not diminish the requirements
described below.

1.2 Index

1.0 Basics........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Objectives and Scope................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Index.......................................................................................................................... 1
2.0 Procedural Risk Assessment Title................................................................................2
3.0 Tank Cleaning Planning Flowchart...............................................................................3
4.0 Detailed Description..................................................................................................... 4
5.0 Tank Cleaning Plan...................................................................................................... 4
5.1 Non-Acceptable Tank Cleaning Methods...................................................................4
5.2 Cargo Tank Coatings and Tank Coating Resistance Listing......................................4
5.3 Solubility of Previous Cargoes...................................................................................5
5.4 Melting Point of Previous Cargo................................................................................5
5.5 Wash Water Temperature.......................................................................................... 5
5.6 Ambient Conditions.................................................................................................... 5
5.7 Adjacent Cargoes and Final Stowage........................................................................6
5.8 Carriage and Discharge Temperatures......................................................................6
5.9 Manpower Available.................................................................................................. 6
5.10 Equipment Availability and Condition.......................................................................6
5.11 Cleaning Chemicals and Laboratory Equipment Availability....................................7
6.0 Product Tank Cleaning Guidelines...............................................................................7
7.0 Static Electricity............................................................................................................ 8
8.0 Tank Cleaning Operation Check List............................................................................8
9.0 Revision Record........................................................................................................... 9

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Tank Cleaning Planning CBM-SOP-5.1-01

2.0 Procedural Risk Assessment Title

This SOP is based on the following Risk Assessment; CBM-SOP-5.1-01-RA – Tank Cleaning Planning

Tank Cleaning
Planning
CBM-SOP-5.1-01-
RA

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Tank Cleaning Planning CBM-SOP-5.1-01

3.0 Tank Cleaning Planning Flowchart

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Tank Cleaning Planning CBM-SOP-5.1-01

4.0 Detailed Description

Tank Cleaning operation is a complex procedure requiring good planning, establishing of proper
communication and information exchange between ship and shore and periodical checks before and during
tank cleaning process.

5.0 Tank Cleaning Plan

An adequate planning of the cleaning operations is crucial for the successful carriage of products and to
ensure the avoidance of tanks being rejected, any contamination of cargo and incidents.

No Tank Cleaning to Take Place unless Tank Cleaning Plan or any changes to it are Authorized
by the Master.

Tank Cleaning Tank Cleaning Plan

Plan RFCM-CH-1
CBM-SOP-5.1-
01-WI-01

There are numerous factors having effect on how we clean the tanks. All these factors must be considered
on tank cleaning planning stage

5.1 Non-Acceptable Tank Cleaning Methods

Tank Cleaning Methods described in below Work Instruction are UNACCEPTABLE and NOT
PERMITTED according to Company instructions and General Safety principles

Non-Acceptable
Tank Cleaning
Methods
CBM-SOP-5.1-01-
WI-02

5.2 Cargo Tank Coatings and Tank Coating Resistance Listing

Tank cleaning does have a significant effect on the tank coating life. Prior to any tank cleaning careful
evaluation of the intended method must include the effect that any cleaning could have on the coating. In
some cases, more aggressive cleaning methods that could adversely affect the coating may be needed;
however, the FMT, TCCHEMS Group and Operation Service Manager should be consulted prior to carrying
out the contemplated procedure.

Cargo Tank
Coatings
CBM-SOP-5.1-
01-WI-03

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Tank Cleaning Planning CBM-SOP-5.1-01

5.3 Solubility of Previous Cargoes

The first step in preparing to clean any tank is to determine what will dissolve the residue of the previous
cargo. The easiest is to clean a tank from a previous cargo that is completely water-soluble. If the previous
cargo is not water-soluble, then it needs to be removed by displacement and/or the use of an emulsifier,
saponifier, surfactant or solvent.

Solubility of
Previous Cargo
CBM-SOP-5.1-
01-WI-04

5.4 Melting Point of Previous Cargo

In cases of solidifying products and cargoes with high melting points, if the wash water temperature is not
above melting point of previous cargo, the tank(s) will not usually be cleaned of all cargo residue.

5.5 Wash Water Temperature

In reference to all tank cleaning, when in doubt whether to start with hot or ambient water, always start with
ambient, however for most of the cargoes being cleaned it is impractical to commence tank cleaning with
temperature below cargo discharge temperature.  It is very important to keep a frequent and close check on
the water temperature being used, can be checked via the remote temperature readout.

** Please note that the water temperature as read on a gauge at the heater does not give an accurate
indication of water temperature within the cargo tank being washed.

When wash water temperature expected to be within 10°C of last cargo flashpoint, atmosphere in cargo tank
should be considered volatile and all precautions described in Tank Cleaning in Undefined Atmosphere After
Carrying A Flammable Cargo Work Instruction must be followed.
Tank Cleaning in
Undefined
Atmosphere after
Carrying a Flammable
Cargo
CBM-SOP-5.1-02-WI-
01

For guidelines on correct cleaning chemicals application, Tank Cleaning Chemicals Work Instruction must be
referred to.

Tank Cleaning
Chemicals
CBM-SOP-5.1-
02-WI-02

5.6 Ambient Conditions

There may be certain times of the year where ambient conditions due to weather, extreme heat or cold
require that the ship slow down or stay out of a particular area until most of the cleaning has been done.
Examples: ships with older equipment that may experience overheating of hydraulics/aggregates when
entering the Persian Gulf during summer months or ships proceeding toward Punta Arenas during winter
months etc. In these cases, you should notify the Ship Operator of your intentions and provide daily updates

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Tank Cleaning Planning CBM-SOP-5.1-01

of cleaning status and ETA. Also ensure relevant sea voyage reports reflect the speed has been reduced for
cleaning.

Seawater temperature and ballast water temperature need to be considered during the cleaning. If it is
necessary to carry cold ballast in spaces under the cargo tank(s) being cleaned, then the water level should
be lowered clear of the tank top

5.7 Adjacent Cargoes and Final Stowage

There will be occasions where the availability of tanks due to the discharge rotation will restrict tank cleaning
operations. Every effort in finding a better stowage to avoid this situation prior to actually loading should be
made in conjunction with the Ship Operator.

Be aware that stow change options are always possible to resolve a situation.

If in doubt, TCCHEMS Group and Ship’s Operator must be consulted.

Final stow is ALWAYS a subject of Master’s approval.

5.8 Carriage and Discharge Temperatures

The carriage and discharge temperatures are very important. If the carriage temperature is not maintained
and the discharge temperature is not close to the maximum allowed as per shipper’s instructions, the
cleaning will be more difficult. Always arrange to have the product on discharge temperature 2-3 days prior
to arrival at discharge berth whenever possible. The vessel will keep the Ship Operator up to date on the
cargo heating progress while en route to the discharge port. Any concerned variation in the discharge
temperatures MUST be reported immediately

5.9 Manpower Available

It is expected that all available manpower be used whenever the ship is going through a difficult or lengthy
cleaning operation. On most ships, Deck and Engine Crew are GP General Purpose in which case Engine
crew can participate in cargo preparation and squeegee operation if deemed necessary.
Every crewmember involved into tank cleaning operation MUST be instructed by Chief Officer on safety
procedures and task involved.
Ship Operator and local area operations office should be notified if additional time is required to accomplish
the task and given frequent updates of tank status and ETA. Changes in senior deck officers or deck crew
should be avoided just prior to any intensive cargo or cleaning operations, doubling up can be very beneficial
during these periods for any key personnel with regard to expediting the job and increasing experience
levels.

5.10 Equipment Availability and Condition

Fixed and portable equipment must be available and in good working condition all times. Defective portable
equipment MUST be immediately reported to Technical Superintendent and Ship’s Operator and rectified as
soon as possible.

Testing and
Operation of Tank
Cleaning Equipment
CBM-SOP-5.1-02-
WI-04

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Tank Cleaning Planning CBM-SOP-5.1-01

5.11 Cleaning Chemicals and Laboratory Equipment Availability

Availability of cleaning chemicals including laboratory equipment and reagents required for tank cleaning
operation needs to be evaluated.

Proper planning process is required to obtain required materials in due time and in the “major hub” supply
‘keyports’ of Rotterdam, Antwerp, Houston, Durban, Fujairah or Dubai, Singapore and Ulsan, where these
materials are available and most cost effective.

FMM 25.3.9
Preferred Purchase
Keyports

The price of cleaning chemicals must be taken into account whilst planning your tank cleaning program for
the upcoming voyage or even the round voyage. Although the process of maintaining an onboard minimum
stock requirement was eliminated some years ago, this is where experience, common sense and good
planning play their part in identifying where and when to purchase whilst always being aware of the safety
and vetting issues when storing large numbers of drums in the deck area. Refer to MPM-SOP-6.1-WI,
section 12.
Special Ordering
Instructions
MPM-SOP-6.1-WI

6.0 Product Tank Cleaning Guidelines

These guidelines have been made up using the USCG Compatibility Guide to assign cargoes to different
groups.  There are certain groups example: 20 - Alcohols, Glycols that, on the basis of compatibility,
encompass a range of cargoes, from those with high vapor pressures to those with low vapor pressures and
from completely water-soluble products to totally insoluble products.  As such, it is very important to take
examine those basic characteristics - solubility, vapor pressure, melting point, and flash point - when
planning the cleaning method.

The guidelines do not account for the degree of solubility, treating completely soluble products and those
that are partly or even just slightly soluble all in the same way. The only distinction made is between soluble
and non-soluble products, but this factor should also be taken into consideration when planning the cleaning
method.

Product Tank
Cleaning Guidelines
CBM-SOP-5.1-01-
WI-05

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7.0 Static Electricity

In certain conditions the generation of electrostatic charges, their collection on an object or material and
subsequent discharge can ignite flammable vapours.

The basic precautions must be applied during tank cleaning operation to eliminate risks of electrostatic
discharge in flammable atmosphere.

Static Electricity
CBM-SOP-5.1-01-
WI-06

8.0 Tank Cleaning Operation Check List

Tank Cleaning Operation Check List is designed for use on preparation, execution completion stages of
operation. Checklists are an important memory jogger, even for experienced crew, to ensure that no crucial
step in the operation is left out and that all pre-planning can be followed through in a safe and efficient
manner.

All duty and deck watch keepers should pause before commencing operations and take time to use and
complete the checklist.

Tank Cleaning Plan

RFCM-CH-1

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9.0 Revision Record

Revision No.
Rev. No. Date Section Remarks
1 2019-05-17 5.11 Refer and link to MPM-SOP-6.1-WI section 12

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