A vessel’s preparation before crude oil loading

Cargo

Published: 18 April 2023

Credit to: Avigator Fortuner / Shutterstock.com

When a vessel has been nominated to load crude oil, the planning should start as soon as possible.

If not received, the following should be requested for cargo planning:

  • MSDS for the cargo to be loaded
  • Quantity to be loaded (like min/max intake or vessels option +/- x %)
  • Cargo density
  • Any draft restriction at the loading terminal
  • If known, any draft restriction at the discharge port
  • If heating instruction applies
  • Prepare loading plan based on the available cargo information

Composition of the ship/shore safety checklist

The checklist has four main sections:

  • Pre-Arrival checks
  • Checklist after mooring
  • Checks pre-transfer (including agreements)
  • Summary of repetitive checks during and after transfer, until the tanker departs

Before arrival loading terminal

  • Pre-arrival check lists to be completed as per ISGOTT checklist Part 1A and 1B
  • Check how many loading arms that will be connected and size of the connections
  • Check that all cargo tank high level alarms are operative
  • If heating instruction applies, heating coils should be pressure tested
  • If no heating instruction applies, heating coils to be blown and blanked off
  • Check that the oxygen content in the cargo tanks is within required limits

All fast at loading terminal

  • Complete the ship/shore safety checklist – after mooring, as per ISGOTT checklist Part 3

Prior to cargo transfers

  • Complete the ship/shore safety checklist – Checks pre-transfer as per ISGOTT checklist Part 5A, 6 and 7A
    The checklist shall be completed in cooperation with the terminal representative (normally the loading master)

Declaration