Chapter 1

Overview of tank cleaning work

The overall image of the tank cleaning work should be grasped before implementing it. An overview of
individual tasks to be grasped before starting the work is described in this chapter.

1. Tank cleaning work (P.1-2)

Tank cleaning refers to the tasks mentioned below.
1) Washing of tanks, lines and pumps
2) Gas-freeing work

2. Objectives of tank cleaning work (P.1-2)

The objectives of tank cleaning work are as given below.
1) To wash cargo tanks/ piping after leaving the discharging terminal if workers need to enter the
tank/ piping for inspection or repairs, and to create an environment in the tank/piping such that
the workers can enter these spaces safely.
2) To create conditions within the tank/ piping such that these conditions match the required
standards for permitting work such as hot work to be performed in the said spaces.

3. Tank cleaning work processes (P.1-2 to P.1-15)

Implement the processes below in the time sequence of tank cleaning work.
1) Crude oil washing at the previous discharging terminal (P.1-2)
2) Filling of washing water (P.1-3 to P.1-5)
3) Heating of washing water (P.1-5 to P.1-6)
4) Rough washing of cargo line pump (P.1-6 to P.1-7)
5) Line washing (removal of oil traces in the ODM line) and valve flushing (P.1-7)
6) Tank washing (P.1-7 to P.1-8)
7) HC gas purging (P.1-8 to P.1-11)
8) Airing (P.1-11 to P.1-12)
9) Settling and discharging water (P.1-13)
10) Final line washing (P.1-13 to P.1-14)
11) Sludge removal (P.1-14)
12) Slop removal (P.1-14)
13) Primary slop tank washing (P.1-14)
14) Primary slop tank gas freeing, airing and sludge removal (P.1-14)
15) Final line stripping (P.1-14)
16) Acquisition of gas-free certificate (P.1-15)

1.

Tank cleaning work

(Gas free) 1- 1
2002/10(Ver.1)

Tank cleaning is generally not performed during the normal operation of SBT tankers and double-hull
tankers. It is performed only when it is necessary to enter the tank for inspection and repairs in the
event of a breakdown in the cargo handling appliances in the tank, or when the ship is dry-docked.
Tank cleaning involves the removal of traces of oil and petroleum gases in the tank and piping, and
specifically includes the tasks mentioned below.
1) Washing of the tank and lines with sea water
2) Gas-freeing the environment in the tank so that workers can enter the tank safely.

2.

Objectives of tank cleaning work

The objectives of tank cleaning work are as given below.
a) To create an environment in the tank such that workers can enter the tank and piping safely for
inspection and repair work
b) To ensure that the environmental conditions in the tank match the conditions required for
performing hot work safely.

3.

Explanations on tank cleaning work

3.1

Overall flow of work

The overall flow of tank cleaning work by time sequence is as given below.
(Refer to the Flow Chart.)
1) Crude oil washing at the previous discharging terminal
2) Filling of washing water
3) Heating of washing water
4) Rough washing of cargo line and cargo pump
5) Line washing (removal of oil traces in the ODM line) and valve flushing
6) Tank washing
7) HC gas purging
8) Airing
9) Settling and discharging water
10) Final line washing
11) Sludge removal
12) Slop removal
13) Primary slop tank washing
14) Primary slop tank gas freeing, airing and sludge removal
15) Final line stripping
16) Acquisition of gas-free certificate

3.2

Crude oil washing at the previous discharging terminal

Tank cleaning work is considered to begin with the cargo handling work at the previous discharging
terminal. In other words, it is preferable to formulate a plan such that crude oil washing of tanks to be
cleaned is performed at the previous discharging terminal whenever possible, and the sludge
accumulated in the tank is discharged to shore at the same time as the discharging of the cargo.
Adequate discussions should be held with the terminal for tank cleaning before dry-docking the ship, in
regard to implementing crude oil washing such that no sludge remains in the tank as far as possible. If
any sludge does remain in the tank, then the charges for removal of the said sludge will have to be
borne by the shipowner.

3.2.1 Effective crude oil washing

It is important to be have thorough knowledge of crude oil washing equipment, tank construction and
(Gas free) 1- 2
2002/10(Ver.1)

piping, and be adequately familiar with the contents of the Crude Oil Washing Operations and
Equipment Manual.
3.2.2 Number of tanks for which crude oil washing (referred to as COW hereafter) is to be
implemented
MARPOL stipulates the number of tanks for which COW is to be implemented as given below. Note
however, that some terminals may have their own rules and regulations related to COW, and the
number of tanks that can be washed may be restricted depending on the rules and regulations of the
specific terminal.
a) COW of about one-fourth of the total number of tanks is to be performed considering effective
sludge control.
b) However, COW of the same tank two times within four months for the same purpose
is not necessary.

3.3

Filling of washing water

This includes the work of filling the sea water (washing water), which is to be used for washing the
tanks and lines, in the slop tank.
3.3.1 Selection of filling tank
Sometimes only the primary slop tank may be used, and sometimes the tanks on both sides may be
used as filling tanks. If all cargo tanks need to be washed before dry-docking the ship, the usual
practice is to fill slop tanks on both sides of the ship so as to avoid the washing effect from degrading
due to pollution of the washing water. If the number of washing tanks is small or if there are
restrictions on filling water in slop tanks or on the discharging time, then only one primary slop tank
should be filled.

Primary slop tanks/ secondary slop tanks

The slop tanks of crude oil tankers are connected by free-flow lines. This is to collect the dirty water after washing
on one side, to shift the water only that has been separated from oil at the bottom of the tank to the other tank by
gravity and to re-use this water as washing water.
The tank in which dirty water after washing is collected is the primary slop tank, while the tank on the washing
water driving side is called the secondary slop tank. A heating coil is generally installed in the primary slop tank.
For tank washing likewise, the intake ports for washing water are used only on the secondary slop tank side, and the
eductor driving water is returned to the primary slop tank side. Only the sea water layer at the bottom of the
oil-water separator tank in the primary slop tank is shifted by gravity to the secondary slop tank through the free
flow line. This method enables tank washing to be performed efficiently, using washing water in the secondary slop
tank, which has smaller oil content.

3.3.2 Filling method

Three methods of filling washing water are available.
1) Method of filling water from the sea by gravity
In this method, the sea chest valve is opened, sea water of the required volume is directly filled first
from the sea in the No. 5 center cargo tank by gravity, and then shifted to the slop tank using the tank
cleaning pump.
2) Method of filling water from the sea by pump
In this method, the sea chest valve is opened and the sea water from the sea is directly filled in the
slop tank using a pump.
3) Method of filling water by gravity from the ballast tank
In this method, the cargo line and ballast line are connected to the spool piece and water is filled by
gravity from the ballast tank.
(Gas free) 1- 3
2002/10(Ver.1)

If slop tanks on both sides of the ship are to be filled, water can be filled directly into the primary slop
tank and simultaneously shifted to the secondary slop tank by gravity using the free flow line.
3.3.3 Deciding the filling method
Consider the following points to decide the filling method:
1) When adopting the method of filling water from the sea
* The method of taking in warm sea water from the sea directly through the chest is effective since the
heating time is curtailed. Considerable time is required for shifting the water from the No. 5 center
cargo tank to the slop tank.
* Since the cargo line is directly connected to the sea chest, errors in valve operation may result in
marine pollution.
2) When the method of filling water from the sea using a pump is adopted
The volume of the slop tank is generally small. If the planned volume is filled, the difference in levels
of tank and waterline becomes small. Oil remaining in the cargo line flows overboard (in the opposite
direction) due to ship motion, bringing about the risk of marine pollution. Accordingly, when filling
water from the sea by gravity, the slop tank should not be filled directly from the sea. Instead, the No. 5
center cargo tank should be filled with water from the sea.
If the cargo pump trips when filling sea water from the sea using the cargo pump, the oil included in
the cargo line flows back to the sea as a reaction. Thus, it should be borne in mind that there is
adequate likelihood of marine pollution to occur. To prevent pump cavitation, tripping, seizing due to
heat generation and erosion of impeller, the line lower than the water level should always be used. The
cargo pump should be started after confirming that the petroleum gas on the pump suction side has
been removed, and the ballast should be filled.

* The method of taking in warm sea water from the sea directly through the chest is effective since the
heating time is curtailed.
* Since the cargo line is directly connected to the sea chest, pump trippings or errors in valve
operation may result in marine pollution.
3) When adopting the method of filling water from the ballast tank
* Safety against marine pollution is high since the cargo line and sea chest are not connected.
* The ballast tank and cargo line are connected by the spool piece. Therefore, there is a risk of
polluting the ballast line and ballast tank with oil if there is an error in valve operation.
3.3.4 Deciding the quantity of water to be filled
Consider the following points to decide the filling quantity:
1) The filling quantity cannot be defined unconditionally because of the differences in the capacity of
slop tanks and in the number of washing tanks on each ship. The quantity can be considered
however, based on the quantity of oil recovered after tank washing and the quantity that can be
recovered in the slop tank on one side of the ship.
2) If the filling quantity is too small, the defects mentioned below may occur.
* Reduction in the cleaning effect due to progressive contamination of washing water
* Air may be drawn into the TKC pump
* Reduction in efficiency of gravity shift through free flow line to secondary slop tank.
3) If the filling quantity is too large, the defects mentioned below may occur.
* Increase in the time required for settling and discharge
* Water may need to be discharged during the cleaning work.

Past records indicate that the appropriate total filling quantity (both sides) is about 3,000 MT.

3.3.5 Time required for filling

The time required for filling water by gravity from the sea chest is about 2 hours. However, the time
(Gas free) 1- 4
2002/10(Ver.1)

The heat withstanding temperature of the valve seat ring is generally about 65C.

required subsequently for shifting the water to the slop tank (from the No. 5 center cargo tank to the
slop tank) depends on the stripping work in the final stage of shift from the No. 5 COT (C).
3.3.6 Filling start period
The filling of washing water starts when the preparations before tank cleaning and gas freeing work are
completed after departure of the ship from the discharging port. However, decide the start period after
considering the points below, if the water is to be filled from the sea chest (refer to 3.3.2 Filling
method).
1) Consider the sea area where water is taken into the ship ensuring that sea water at the highest
possible temperature can be filled.
2) Adjust the work schedule such that the filling work is performed during day time so that the
condition of the sea water surface can be properly observed.
3.3.7 Filling line diagram
Marine pollution may occur in the event of errors in the valve operating procedure and if oil has
remained unexpectedly in the line at a position higher than the water level. Study thoroughly
beforehand the valve operating procedure in the lines to be used, and clearly indicate this procedure in
the line diagram.

3.4

Heating of washing water

Washing water is heated so as to enhance its washing effect. Generally, the washing effect (oil removal
effect) of heated washing water (hot sea water) is more pronounced than that of cold sea water,
although some washing effect can be obtained from cold sea water. Washing with hot sea water has a
slightly better washing effect because of the steam generated from hot sea water even at locations that
do not come in contact directly with the washing water (locations with high concentration of stiffeners
in tank or in the large shadow zones of the washing machine).
3.4.1 Judgment on the need for heating water
Make an overall judgment on whether heating is required or not, after considering the points mentioned
below.
1) Ship type and ships age
2) Time for gas-freeing work
3) Number of tanks to be cleaned
4) Description of work within tanks
5) Specific fuel consumption
3.4.2 Heating method
Two heating methods are available.
1) Heating using heating coils
Heating coils installed in the slop tank are used to heat the water.
Generally, this method of heating is combined with the heating of water using heating coils

2) Heating using tank cleaning heater

Washing water is passed through the tank cleaning heater and heated during the washing operation.
3.4.3 Washing water temperature
The temperature of washing water during the washing with hot water is about 50 to 60C.
Examine the withstanding temperature beforehand and set the upper limit because the valve seat ring
and the tank coating may be damaged if the temperature is excessively high.
(Gas free) 1- 5
2002/10(Ver.1)

3.4.4 Time required

The time required for heating the water using the heating coil depends on the season (air temperature),
temperature and quantity of sea water filled in the tank. Therefore refer to past records, if available, and
estimate the time.
Past records show that about 20 hours are required for heating sea water at 23C to 60C using
heater and slop tank heating coil.

3.4.5 Heating start period

The heating start period is as given below.
1) Heating using heating coils
Start filling water in the primary slop tank. After the coils are fully submerged, start the heating.
2) Heating using tank cleaning heater
The tank cleaning heater is installed in the COW line. Pass washing water through the tank cleaning
heater simultaneously with the start of tank washing.

3.5

Rough washing of cargo line and cargo pump

The rough washing of cargo line and cargo pump refers to the flushing out of oil that has collected in
the cargo pump, lines and valves by passing the washing water through these items before washing the
cargo tank. Rough washing ensures that a tank that has been washed will not become contaminated by
careless valve operation.
3.5.1 Rough washing line diagram
Consider the following points when preparing the rough washing line diagram:
a) Formulate the plan to include passing the water through all cargo and stripping pumps.
b) Ensure that line washing is performed not only in the same direction as the flow in each line but
also in the reverse direction.
c) Ensure the lines with dead ends are not included as far as possible.
d) From the valves in contact with lines through which washing water passes, clearly mark and
identify the valves that should be closed during the said work on the line diagram.
e) Write the direction of flow of liquid, description of work and precautions on each line diagram.

3.6

Line washing (removal of oil traces in the ODM line) and valve flushing

Line washing refers to the removal of oil traces sticking to the cargo pump, lines and valves using
washing water. Valve flushing refers to the washing of lines and valves on the tank side using flushing
valves. Valve flushing is to be implemented for each valve during the line washing work. This work
constitutes the main washing of the lines and valves, and should therefore, completely remove all traces
of oil sticking to the lines and valves.
3.6.1 Line diagram for line washing and valve flushing
Consider the points below when preparing the line diagram for line washing and valve flushing.
a) Ensure that line washing is performed not only in the same direction as the flow in each line but
also in the reverse direction.
b) Ensure the lines with dead ends are not included as far as possible.
c) From the valves in contact with lines through which washing water passes, clearly mark and
identify the valves that should be closed during the said work on the line diagram.
d) Write the direction of flow of liquid, description of work and precautions on each line diagram.
e) Plan for a washing time longer than the rough washing time. Take care to ensure that traces of oil
sticking to the cargo pump, lines and valves are completely removed.
f) Write down the timing for valve flushing on the line diagram.
g) Configure the valve flushing lines such that the profile of the washing line does not permit any
blockage to the flow of washing water when valve flushing is implemented.
(Gas free) 1- 6
2002/10(Ver.1)

h) Formulate the plan for valve flushing such that all tank valves and stripping valves are flushed.

3.7

Tank washing

Tank washing refers to the work of washing the cargo tanks with sea water using a fixed washing
machine (if necessary, portable washing machines may be used in combination with fixed washing
machines), and simultaneously, recovering the oil in the slop tank by continuously stripping the
washing water.
3.7.1 Items to be studied
Study the items related to tank washing mentioned below for efficient washing of each tank.
1) The ships attitude during the washing work
2) Tank washing sequence
3) Washing pattern
3.7.2 Ships attitude during the washing work
Adjust the ships trim and heel appropriately after considering the position of bell mouth of the tank
during the washing work.
3.7.3 Tank washing sequence
Decide the tank washing sequence decided after considering the points mentioned below.
1) Perform as early as possible the internal inspection of tanks, where necessary.
2) Always wash tanks connected to drip lines around the manifold after the drip lines have been
washed.
3) Wash one of the forepeak tanks last because oil is pushed into the forward end of the COW line.
4) The tank washing sequence is closely linked to the HC gas purging and airing work sequence
implemented after washing. Therefore, decide the washing sequence after considering that the
distance of equipment to be moved, such as the portable fans for airing, is minimized during such
work.
5) Slop tanks cannot be cleaned simultaneously with the cleaning of other tanks since they are filled
with washing water. Therefore, clean the secondary slop tank after shifting the washing water to the
primary slop tank after the first discharge. Wash the primary slop tank after discharging the slop to
shore at the anchorage before dry-docking.
3.7.4 Deciding the washing pattern and the number of washes
Decide the washing pattern and the number of washes after considering the points mentioned below.
1) Past records
2) Structural features of each tank
3) Type of oil loaded.
3.7.5 Washing time
The washing time is decided by the factors below.
1) Washing pattern
2) Number of washes
3) Rpm of the washing machine.

(Gas free) 1- 7
2002/10(Ver.1)

The general guidelines for washing times are as given below.

1) Single-hull tankers
Top wash 1-2 times, bottom wash 3-5 times: About 4 to 7 hours per tank
2) Double-hull tankers
Top wash once, bottom wash 2-3 times: About 2 to 3 hours per tank

3.7.6 Washing line diagram

The line configuration for tank washing is almost the same as that of COW but the washing line
diagram should be planned considering the points given below.
a) The washing water should always be taken from the secondary slop tank. The sea water after
washing should be stripped by the eductor and returned to the primary slop tank.
b) During normal COW, only the tank cleaning pump is used. In case of tank washing work, however,
the use of cargo pump simultaneously with washing should also be considered.

3.8

HC gas purging

Before airing the washed tank, perform HC (hydrocarbon) gas purging using inert gas to prevent the
atmosphere in the tank from reaching the flammable range of petroleum gases. Reduce the HC
concentration to below 2% by volume (HC gas does not explode if its volume ratio is less than 2%)
while maintaining the atmosphere within the tank in a non-flammable condition.
During the HC gas purging operation, the environment above deck becomes extremely dangerous since flammable
and toxic HC gas is discharged to the atmosphere from the vent riser.
SOLAS Chapter II-2 stipulates that the discharge port for discharging HC gas so that the HC gas concentration
becomes less than 2% by volume, should be led more than 2 m above the upper deck and that it should be provided
with an appropriate cutout device. HC gas with a concentration of less than 2% by volume can be discharged from
the deck level.

3.8.1 HC gas purging

method
Fig.4-1
(A) Purging thorough vent riser
Four HC gas purging methods are available.
1) Purging through vent riser (see Fig. 4-1(A))
In this method, the IG line and the cargo line on deck are connected, the inert gas is fed from the tank
main valve through the direct filling line, and the HC gas in the tank is released to the atmosphere
from the vent riser.
2) Purging through the purging pipe on deck (see Fig. 4-1(B))
In this method, the IG line and the cargo line on deck are connected, the inert gas is fed from the tank
main valve through the direct filling line, and the HC gas in the tank is released to the atmosphere
from the purging pipe installed on the deck.
3) IHI purge mouth method (see Fig. 4-2)
In this method, the inert gas is supplied from the IG branch valve, and the HC gas in the tank is
released to the atmosphere through the direct filling line from the tank valve using the purge mouth
installed in the crossover line
4) Mother tank method (see Fig. 4-3)
In this method, the inert gas is fed from the IG branch line taking one tank as the mother tank. The HC
gas in the tank is led to other tanks through the cargo line (bottom line) from the tank valves, and
released to the atmosphere from the purging pipe installed on the deck.
The mother tank method is effective when several tanks are to be replaced simultaneously.

(Gas free) 1- 8
2002/10(Ver.1)

Fig.4-2

IHI purge mouth method

Fig.4-1(B) Purging through the purging pipe on deck

(Gas free) 1- 9
2002/10(Ver.1)

When purging HC from the bell mouth via the cargo line in the tank, the water remaining in the tank and the line
should always be completely stripped before purging the gas so that the HC gas flow is not blocked in the cargo
line.

3.8.2 Selection of method

Implement HC gas purging effectively for a short time by a method in which inert gas is vented all over
the tank. Consider the points mentioned below for selection of the method, and select a method that is
most suitable for the ship. In principle, implement HC gas purging according to the operation manual
supplied by the shipbuilder.
1) Difference in specific gravity (HC gas is heavier than inert gas)
2) Flow of inert gas
3) Piping
4) Structure and equipment in tank
5) Progress status of tank cleaning work
3.8.3 Time required
The time required for HC gas purging is decided by the items given below.
1) Tank volume
2) Number of tanks
3) Number of IG fans to be used (quantity of inert gas to be supplied)

Fig.4-3 Mother tank method

4) Gas purging method
Past records reveal that the required time per tank is about 6 to 10 hours when the IG fans are operated in
parallel.
The time required for purging after washing can be shortened by purging each tank for about 2 to 3 hours using
the washing water heating time before the tank washing work. The need for implementing this (Gas
work depends
on10
free) 1the time of start of the cleaning work.

2002/10(Ver.1)

3.8.4 Number of IG fans to be used

If the IG fans are run in parallel, the HG gas purging time can be significantly shortened and the inert
gas supply can be increased. On the other hand, the oxygen concentration of the supplied inert gas
increases and the fuel consumption increases. It is preferable to run the IG fans in parallel and shorten
the working time because the main purpose of this work is to purge HG gas.
3.8.5 Start period
Start HC gas purging in parallel with the tank washing work. By parallel operation, the HC gas
concentration can be brought down below 2% by volume more quickly, and airing can be started
earlier.

3.9

Airing

Airing refers to supplying fresh air into the tank in which HC gas purging has been completed, and
replacing the gas in the tank so that the environment in the tank is made conducive to work to be
performed by workers.
3.9.1 Airing methods
Two airing methods are available.
1) Method of using portable fans and air ducts
In this method, portable fans are installed in the tank cleaning holes on the upper deck, air is supplied
to the tank and the inert gas is discharged. Air ducts are fitted to the portable exhaust fans and gas is
exhausted from the bottom of the tank
2) Method of using IG fans
In this method, fresh air is supplied using IG fans. When the method is implemented, a blind flange is
inserted in the IG branch line of the tank that has already been gas-freed. For this reason, a spool piece
connecting the IG line and cargo line is used and air is supplied to the tank from the tank main valve
through the direct filling line.
3.9.2 Selection of method
In the actual operation, the IG fan is used preferentially for HC gas purging of the tank. Airing cannot
be performed until the washing and HC gas purging of all tanks except the slop tank are completed.
Accordingly, airing should be performed using the portable fan and air ducts.
3.9.3 Arrangement of portable fan and air ducts
The positions where these items are to be arranged depends on the arrangement of structural members
in the tank. An example of the position is given below.
Forward side: Supply fan
Aft side: Exhaust fan (with duct)
Fresh air is supplied from the tank cleaning hold on the forward side. The gas at the bottom of the tank
on the aft side is released to the atmosphere by portable exhaust fan through the air duct.
This arrangement is used considering that the mixture of gases in the tank (mainly inert gases) has a
specific gravity greater than the supply air.
3.9.4 Time required
Airing requires the maximum time among the tank cleaning tasks. The time required for airing depends
on the volume of the tank, but in general, this time is about 12 to 24 hours.

(Gas free) 1-11

2002/10(Ver.1)

The use of a simple ventilator such as a half-cut drum contributes to shortening the time considerably and is worthy
of consideration.
Air may not reach all parts of the tank, depending on the arrangement of structural members in the tank. In some
sections (particularly the bottom corners), gas may accumulate and the HC gas concentration may not reduce at all.
In such cases, the air supply position or the height of the air duct should be suitably changed so that the air flow
changes. Dispersing the gas is also effective in shortening the gas-freeing time.

3.9.5 Airing start period

1) When portable fans and air ducts are used
Airing can be started when the HC gas concentration in the tank drops below 2% by volume due to
HC gas purging.
2) When IG fans are used
Airing using IG fans can be started when the tank washing (except the primary slop tank) and HC gas
purging have been completed.
3.9.6 Continuing the airing work
Even if the target values (O2 21%, HC below 1% LEL, H2S below 10 ppm) of the atmosphere in the
tank have been reached, HC gas is always generated from the sludge accumulated in the tank.
Therefore, airing work should be continued on the ship until it reaches the dry-dock. (However, it is
necessary to switch over to inerting when water is being discharged from slop or when the primary slop
tank is being washed at anchorage before dry-docking the ship.) Particular care is necessary during
daytime when the temperature rises because a large quantity of the gas is likely to be generated at this
time of the day. Airing should be systematically carried out in areas other than cargo tanks where HC
gas is expected to accumulate (cargo line, cargo pump, vent riser system, coffer dams), gas detection
performed and safety should be confirmed.

3.10 Settling and discharging water

Settling is the process by which the washing water containing a mix of crude oil and sea water, which
has been collected after cleaning each tank, is allowed to remain still in the slop tank so that oil and
water can be separated. According to MARPOL, discharging water from slop refers to the work of
discharging only the water that has been separated from oil-water mix by settling using ODM
equipment. Settling and discharging of water are carried out several times intermittently, but the
washing water that remains finally will be discharged to the barge. Therefore, the water from the slop
should be discharged as far as possible so that the total quantity of the slop water decreases.
3.10.1 Settling time
The time required for settling varies depending on the type of oil loaded on the ship and the ship
motions, but generally, 24 hours minimum are required.

3.10.2 Implementation period and sea area

When all tanks except slop tank have been cleaned, settling can be started. After the separation of oil
and water is confirmed, discharge the water from slop. However, discharging of water from slop can be
performed only in sea areas that are more than 50 miles away from the nearest land and in
Generally, more than 85% of the oil-water mix separates into oil and water about one hour after settling. However,
at least 24 hours are required for the emulsion layer to become an oily mixture of less than 100 ppm.
It is important that adequate time be given for settling so that the slop water (dirty ballast) can be separated into oil
and water. For efficient separation into oil and water, the washing water should be heated using the heating coils
provided in the slop tank. However, precautions are necessary because if the slop water is heated excessively,
convection may occur causing the oil and water to mix again. Generally, the temperature at which ideal separation
of oil and water occurs is considered to be between 45 to 55 degrees Celsius.

(Gas free) 1-12

2002/10(Ver.1)

specially-designated areas, otherwise the implementation period has to be adjusted. Moreover, this
discharging work has to be performed always during the day time so that the sea water surface can be
monitored when the water from slop is discharged into the sea.

3.11

Final line washing

Final line washing refers to the flushing out (rinsing) of all traces of oil remaining in each cargo pump
and cargo line after the washing of all tanks except the slop tank has been completed. The final line
washing process consists of drawing the sea water directly into each cargo pump from the outboard sea
chest valve, washing all lines, and sending it to the primary slop tank.
3.11.1 Implementation period
Final line washing is generally implemented after the first discharge of water from slop.
3.11.2 Line diagram for final line washing
Consider the points below when preparing the line diagram for final line washing.
1) The objective of final line washing is the rinsing of the lines, so all the lines are to be washed.
However, the procedure may be completed simply and within a short time by performing rough line
washing and hot water line washing. (Washing may be performed by passing water in one direction
only)
2) Start all cargo pumps and tank cleaning pumps sequentially to pass water through them. Wash all
the pumps in this way.
3) Do not flush the tank valves. However, thoroughly wash the valves or lines that are to be removed
during dry-docking.

3.12

Sludge removal

Sludge removal refers to the work of discharging to shore the sludge remaining in the tank after
gas-freeing the tank at the designated anchorage and before dry-docking the ship.
3.12.1 Time required
The time required for sludge removal is decided according to the quantity of accumulated sludge and
the number of sludge gangs available.
Generally, about 100 to 200 MT of sludge are generated. Past records show that such quantities can be removed in
about 2 days.

3.13

Slop removal

Slop removal is the process of discharging to shore the slop water remaining in the primary slop tank.
3.13.1 Slop water measurements
Measure the slop quantity and retrieve slop samples (oil samples) before slop removal. These actions
should always be witnessed by the ship supervisor. Decide the slop quantity finally after discussion
with the sub-contractor. (Refer to Document 6)
If the API of the slop oil and the oil-water interface are accurately measured, and the SLOP CERTIFICATE is
prepared beforehand by the ship, some of the sub-contractors may use the measured values.

3.14

Primary slop tank washing

Primary slop tank washing refers to the washing of primary slop tank that has not been washed after the
slop water has been discharged to shore.
3.14.1 Washing method
(Gas free) 1-13
2002/10(Ver.1)

Perform primary slop tank washing by drawing the sea water from the sea chest into the tank cleaning
pump. Strip the washing water used for washing the tank using the stripping pump and discharge it to
barges using the direct MARPOL line.
Hot water washing may also be implemented using the tank cleaning heater but in this case, a hose connected to
the COW line and leading overboard should be used for adjusting the flow rate of the COW machine. This
however, has the risk of discharging oil in the COW line into the sea. Moreover, the boiler load adjustment is
difficult. Thus, cold water washing is generally implemented.

3.15

Gas-freeing, airing and sludge removal of primary slop tank

Perform gas-freeing, airing and sludge removal of the primary slop tank after washing is completed,
similar to the procedure implemented for other tanks.

3.16

Final line stripping

Final line stripping refers to the washing and stripping of the line (MARPOL line) used for discharging
slop water in the primary slop tank and the stripping pump.

3.17

Acquisition of gas-free certificate

After gas-freeing all the tanks, receive gas inspection by the Gas Chemist on site before the
dry-docking of the ship, obtain a gas-free certificate and complete the tank cleaning work.

(Gas free) 1-14

2002/10(Ver.1)