Guidance Manual for Tanker Structures - Consolidated Edition 2024
This consolidated edition combines in one guidance manual the various sources of information necessary for assessing the condition of the ballast tanks, cargo tanks and structure of tankers in service.
Since 2016, single hull tankers (SHTs) have been phased out of international trading. Since 1993, double hull structures are the mandatory standard for tanker design, as detailed in the 1996 requirements of MARPOL Annex 1, Regulation 19. Phase-Out Process.
Following a series of high profile tanker accidents and spills in the 1990s, MARPOL was amended to begin the process of a gradual phase-out of SHT, with timings based on tanker category.
Due to the impact of the sinking of the 'MV Erika', the IMO adopted an accelerated phase-out scheme, which entered into force on 1 September 2003, under the 'Regulation 13G' amendments of MARPOL Annex 1. The phase-out process was further accelerated by additional amendments that entered into force on 5 April 2005 (note that Regulation 13G is now incorporated as Regulation 20 in the revised MARPOL Annex I).
Under MARPOL, the final phasing out date for Category 1 tankers (pre-MARPOL) was 2005. The final phasing out date for Category 2 and 3 tankers (MARPOL tankers and smaller tankers) was brought forward to 2010, from 2015. In addition, a new Regulation (Regulation 21) for vessels carrying heavy grade oil (HGO) banned the carriage of HGO in SHT of 5,000 tons dwt and above after 5 April 2005, and in SHT of 600 tons dwt and above, but less than 5,000 tons dwt, by not later than 2009. Exceptions from 2010.
The 2010 date remained the phase-out date for most of the global SHT tonnage. However, four exceptions permitted the use of SHTs after 2010, which were:
1. If the vessel was engaged in cabotage trade i.e. trading locally and not internationally (the IMO extended this option to allow for some member States to achieve renewal for their domestic fleets, where the vessels were confined to operate only within the member State).
2. Theoretically, if the vessel was engaged in trade between States where neither were signatories to the MARPOL 1973/1978 Convention (although this is effectively nil, as 99.1% of world tonnage is under a Contracting State that has ratified MARPOL).
3. If the vessel was not engaged in the carriage of oil (provided that the ship was in service on 1 July 2001, fitted with only double bottoms or double sides that extend to the entire cargo tank length or double hull spaces, not meeting the technical minimum distance protection requirements and that the flag State was satisfied. Again, such continued operation cannot go beyond the date on which the ship reaches 25 years of age after the date of its delivery).
4. If the vessel operated under the Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS), as approved in IMO Resolution 94(46). However, such operation is now phased out.
Only Very Limited Numbers Remain.
The number of SHT vessels remaining in the world is, therefore, very low. Those that do remain are strictly limited in their trading and operational abilities to within the national boundaries of their member State, and to those not carrying oil cargoes (subject to the other requirements specified above). The few member states still operating SHTs, have already begun the process of full phase-out in their national legislation. Double hulled vessels are, therefore, effectively considered the universal standard for new and existing tankers in international maritime operations.
TSCF
The Tanker Structure Co-operative Forum (TSCF) is an informal technical body whose membership is voluntary and comprised of Oil Companies, Independent Owners/Operators and Classification Societies who will actively contribute to the TSCF'S Mission.
The mission of the TSCF is to advance maritime safety through improvements in the design and maintenance of tanker structures. This is achieved by sharing technical knowledge and experience in order to gain a better understanding of the safety performance of tanker structures in service. Specific topic areas of interest include corrosion, structural defects, inspection procedures, and criteria for determining renewal of damaged or corroded structure.
The TSCF is committed to sharing accumulated experience on tanker structures with the marine industry. This is achieved through prompt public release of technical manuals and information papers, and proceedings of TSCF Shipbuilder's Meetings.