Tanker Design and Safety: Historical Developments and Future Trends

Posted: July 7th, 2022

Tanker Design and Safety: Historical Developments and Future Trends

Tankers play a crucial role in the transportation of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and other liquid cargo across the oceans. Tanker transportation is considered to be the most efficient way of transporting large quantities of liquid cargo. However, the design and safety of tankers have been a major concern since the early days of tanker transportation. Over the years, there have been significant developments in the design and safety of tankers, driven by regulatory requirements, technological advancements, and industry best practices. In this article, we will discuss the historical developments and future trends in tanker design and safety.

Historical Developments in Tanker Design and Safety

The design and safety of tankers have been a major concern since the early days of tanker transportation. One of the most significant incidents that led to a focus on tanker safety was the Torrey Canyon incident in 1967. The Torrey Canyon was a supertanker that ran aground on the Seven Stones reef off the coast of Cornwall, England. The incident resulted in one of the largest oil spills in history, and it had a significant impact on the environment and the fishing industry in the region. The incident led to the development of international regulations for tanker design and safety.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) was established in 1959, and it has been the primary regulatory body for the maritime industry. The IMO has developed a range of regulations for tanker design and safety, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

In addition to regulatory requirements, technological advancements have played a significant role in the development of tanker design and safety. One of the most significant technological advancements in tanker design was the introduction of double-hull tankers. Double-hull tankers have two layers of steel in the cargo tank area, providing an additional layer of protection against oil spills. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 in the United States mandated that all new tankers built for the US trade after 1993 must be double-hulled.

Future Trends in Tanker Design and Safety

The tanker industry continues to evolve, driven by changing market demands, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements. One of the key future trends in tanker design and safety is the development of alternative fuels. The shipping industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and there is increasing pressure on the industry to reduce its carbon footprint. The use of alternative fuels such as LNG, biofuels, and hydrogen is becoming more common, and this trend is expected to continue.

Another future trend in tanker design and safety is the use of digital technologies. The use of digital technologies such as sensors, automation, and artificial intelligence can improve safety, efficiency, and environmental performance. For example, sensors can be used to monitor the condition of the cargo tanks, and automation can be used to optimize the vessel’s speed and route to reduce fuel consumption.

Finally, there is an increasing focus on crew safety and well-being. The shipping industry is known for its challenging working conditions, and there is a growing recognition of the need to improve the health and safety of seafarers. The development of new technologies such as remote monitoring and telemedicine can improve crew safety and well-being.

Conclusion

The design and safety of tankers have come a long way since the early days of tanker transportation. Over the years, there have been significant developments in tanker design and safety, driven by regulatory requirements, technological advancements, and industry best practices. The future of tanker design and safety is expected to be shaped by the use of alternative fuels, digital technologies, and a focus on crew safety and well-being.

References:

International Maritime Organization. (2019). International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/ListOfConventions/Pages/International-Convention-for-the-Prevention-of-Pollution-from-Ships-(MARPOL).aspx

International Maritime Organization. (2019). International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/About/Conventions/ListOfConventions/Pages/International-Convention-on-Standards-of-Training,-Certification-and-Watchkeeping-for-Seafarers-(STCW).aspx

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2019). Torrey Canyon Oil Spill. Retrieved from https://response.restoration.noaa.gov/about/media/torrey-canyon-oil-spill.html

Pallis, A. A., & Kallioras, A. G. (2018). Sustainable development in shipping: revisiting the wicked problems. Journal of Cleaner Production, 189, 422-431.

Zhang, C., Shi, Y., & Wang, J. (2019). A review on maritime safety and environmental protection: Regulations, technologies, and practices. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 77, 588-603.