Veg oil’s are categorized on basis of their iodine value as follows :
Drying oil, Semi-drying oil and non-drying oil.
Most of the plam oils are plant derivative or seed derivative. The carriage is governed by NIOP, FOSFA.
Crude Oil/RBD Plam olein
Prior loading
Plam olein is basically carried in raw form or RBD(Refined, Bleached, Deodorized)
Consult if the cargo is listed in vessel’s COF
Both CPO and Plam olein are non-drying oils consult milbros/verweys tank cleaning guide to
confirm the same
If tanks are coated, Consult coating resistance list for FFA value (Free fatty acid content)
Check if the last three cargoes and immediate last cargo is not on FOSFA, NIOP, Chinese last
cargo (If the shipment is for china) banned list.
Pressure test the heating coils/heat exchanger
The melting point of CPO and Plam olein is in the range of 45 to 60 C, So mostly no precautions
regarding line freezing are required if the cargo is loaded from Indonesia as loading temperature
will be around 50 to 55 C
If cargo is loaded at ambient temperature of less than 35 to 40 C then ensure to have sufficient
steam hoses to clear the cargo line incase the cargo freezes while loading or discharging
Check remote temperature sensors are operational.
Order for squeezing gear (Anti-slippery/high temperature resistance gum boots, Disposable
boiler suit, Shovels (FRP type to prevent coating damage),Waders/wiper/squeeze(rubber or
woods), Pneumatic lights with spare lamp
Ensure gas meters are calibrated and operational
Loading
Obtain masters combined certificate from the surveyor prior loading
Marpol shipping document and MSDS to be obtain prior vessel leaves the load port or issue the
LOP
During loading (if loading in an ambient temperature which is less than the melting point by 10 C
) ensure the lines are blown each time the cargo operation is stopped to prevent cargo freezing
in the line.
Once the loading is completed blow all the lines at the pumpstack and at the manifold to the
tank.
Prepare the loading plan such that CPO is loaded in the aft tanks to facilitate better heating
Voyage
Crude plam oil is a high sediment cargo. Recirculate the cargo atleast twice daily to prevent
sediments settling and hardening at the bottom of the tank same can be done for plam olein
even though it has less sediment. This will be of the great help at the discharge port.(It is
prudent to carry out recirculation even if there are no voyage instructions for the same)
Depending on the voyage length start cargo heating to bring the cargo at discharge temperature
to prevent prewash as per Marpol Annex 2
Plam oils are categorized as Solidifying cargoes, if the discharging temperatures are not
maintained a Prewash will be required (Refer Marpol Annex 2)
Start heating at a slow rate, fast heating can damage the oil quality and the oil will turn rancid
which also increases the FFA content which can cause coating damage in the coated tanks.
Depending on the voyage length it is prudent to start heating the cargo atleast 6 to 7 days prior
arrival discharge port. Do not allow the cargo temperature to fall 5 C below the discharge
temperature
Solidifying Cargoes
Solidifying Cargoes
Unloading Temperature Melting Point of Cargo
Less than 5°Cabove its melting point Less than 15°C
Less than 10°Cabove its melting point Equal to or greater than 15°C
Such cargoes are subject to additional MARPOL controls and have a special
requirement ‘16.2.9’ in Column “O”, Chapter 17 of the IBC code.
Obtain the Shipping Document from Shippers, prior to loading.
Heat such cargoes as per Shipper’s instructions complying with the vessel-specific
work instruction for heating.
Improper heating/ failure of heating system can result in cargo solidification within
tanks/ piping system
Once during the voyage discharging temperatures are achieved do not stop heating
continue to slow/warm up heat to maintain the temperature.
Discharge
Ensure the discharge temperature is maintain as per Marpol document
Ensure the discharge plan is prepared considering the following
- As far as possible and if stability permits avoid taking ballast above the DB level in the adjacent
cargo tank where the cargo is being discharged to prevent solidifying of cargo/sediments.
When the cargo is at 25% of tank volume
- The cargo should be recirculated while discharge is being worked on other full tank
- Ensure the heating coils are turned off
- Start ventilation of the tanks for gas freeing and prepare the tank for man-entry for
squeezing
- The main hazard of veg oils and palm oils is evolution of carbon monoxide which is toxic
- After 1 hr of recirculation discharge the cargo till the sounding is 0.5 to 1 m
- If the tank is now ready for man-entry complete the enclosed space permit/squeezing
checklist and man-entry to be made for squeezing
- Ensure bulk discharging from other tank is in progress.
- Crew inside the tank has to wade all cargo residue towards the pump suction. Ensure there
is always some liquid cargo in the tank to suspend the cargo residue for discharging.
- The attendant at the pumpstack can be used for adjusting framo rpm and recirculate cargo if
required while squeezing
Follow the above procedures for all the tank
Before calling the crew out of the tank call the surveyor for the individual tank inspection and
receive dry/empty tank certificate as and when tank is being squeezed
Since crude palm oil and palm olein are non-drying no wash is required immediately after
discharging as is the case with drying and semi-drying oil
If in between of discharging cargo is stop ensure blowing the lines especially when discharging
cold ambient temperatures to prevent cargo freezing in the line.
Ensure sufficient steam hoses are stand by to clear the freezing line
Tank Cleaning.
Cleaning to be done as per Marpol Annex 2
Portable tank cleaning machines to be used as per fixed tank cleaning machine shadow diagram
Initial wash with hot seawater ( Temperature equal to melting point of the cargo ) for 2Hrs.
Chemical recirculation with 10% Multicleaner ( or other saponifier) in FW for 2 hrs.
1.5 to 2 hrs hot ( 70 C) SW wash (For coated tanks refer to temperature limitation as set out by
coating manufacture)
15 Mins FW rinsing .
Subsequent Washing will depend on commercial requirement ( next cargo being loaded) and
Spectrometer results if utilized for cleaning.
