Tank Vessel Cleaning

What is

Tank cleaning is the process of removing hydrocarbon vapours, liquids or residues. We provide cleaning services to oil tankers, shipping vessels, and other waterborne vessels. Our experienced teams clean engine rooms, pump rooms, storage rooms, bilge tanks, slop tanks, fuel oil tanks and oil spills with our eco-friendly solution.

Tank cleaning may be required for one or more of the following reasons:

To carry clean ballast.
To gas free tanks for internal inspections, repairs or prior to entering dry dock.
To remove sediments from tank top plating.
To load a different and not compatible grade of cargo.

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Preparations Done Before Performing Vessel Tank Cleaning

Empty the tank as much as possible; strip the tank by trimming the ship forward or aft depending on the suction valve location.
When the ship is going for dry-dock the keel plan is to be sent to the shore facility so that they should not put any keel block in the way of the plug present at the bottom shell plating.
The tank has to be properly ventilated as it is an enclosed space and might contain flammable gases.
It is to be made sure that the steam connections are closed and proper signs and placards are displayed so that during cleaning, nobody opens the valve and gets burnt or hurt.
The tank has to be checked for flammable gases.
The tank has to be checked for oxygen content with the help of oxygen analyser.
The tank is drained of left over oil with the help of plugs.
The location of plug can be found in shell plating diagrams.
Generally, this plug is covered with cement and made streamlined with the shell plating.
Enclosed space entry checklist is filled out so that no safety issues are compromised or left.

Vessel Tank Cleaning Process

Entry is only to be made inside the tank if the oxygen level is 21% by volume and flammable gases are vented out.
One person should always standby outside the manhole door and should be in communication with the person inside.
The person outside should continuously communicate with person inside and with the duty officer.
In case of hot work to be carried out, a fire line is to be carried inside. Also, a small fire extinguisher for small fire should be there. Inform Port state authority before commencing hot work.
The tank is cleaned manually with the help of brushes, rags etc.
The oxygen content is continuously monitored and in case the alarm indicates low level, the space has to be evacuated immediately without any delay.

After Completing Vessel Tank Cleaning Process

Make sure no tools are left inside which may get stuck in the valve or damage the transfer pump
The place where crack repair is done should be checked for leaks.
If it is a steam leak repair, the coils need to be checked for steam leak inside.
In case of crack or plate renewal the tank has to be pressure tested and checked for leaks. If the repair is major it has to be inspected by class surveyor before putting it in operation.
Close the manhole after inspection, repairs and cleaning.
Close and remove the sign – permit to work.

Want to know more?

Pentas Flora provides a range of tailored services to our customers throughout Malaysia, handling all kinds of maritime wastes. Contact us for more information about our maritime services.