The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has launched the sixth edition of its Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals), a long-standing industry reference for the safe operation of chemical tankers.
First published in 1971, the guide remains the principal operational reference for vessels carrying hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk under MARPOL Annex II, supporting safe, compliant and pollution-free operations across the sector.
The latest edition introduces updated guidance reflecting regulatory change, evolving operational practice and emerging safety challenges on modern chemical tankers.
Key additions include new procedures for Annex I to Annex II cargo changeover, supported by a decision-making flowchart to improve tank cleaning processes, and expanded enclosed space entry guidance aligned with the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) recommendations.
It also introduces washing water analysis guidance aimed at reducing unnecessary enclosed space entry, new recommendations on hot work hazardous zones to strengthen onboard risk assessment, and updated guidance on the safe use of shore power as ports increasingly adopt alternative energy solutions.
READ: ICS publishes fifth edition MLC guidelines for shipping
Peter Maasland, Deepsea Operations Manager at Stolt Tankers, said the updates provide crews with practical and structured guidance across all stages of chemical tanker operations, noting the increasing complexity of cargo handling and the importance of maintaining safety and environmental standards.
The guide is compatible with the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT) and is intended for use across chemical tanker operations, including masters, officers, ship managers, cargo interests, training institutions, and port and terminal operators.
In developing the edition, ICS convened a working group of industry stakeholders including Stolt Tankers, Shell, InterMaritime Shipmanagement, MOL Chemical Tankers, NYK Line, Uni Tankers Denmark, Utkilen AS, and DNV, covering safety management, cargo operations and risk assessment. The updates were also endorsed by the International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA) and the Stichting Chemical Distribution Institute (CDI).
Emily Yates, Commercial Director at ICS, said the guide reflects the organisation’s focus on providing consistent and practical operational guidance to support decision-making and reduce risk across the global chemical tanker fleet.
For more information:
International Chamber of Shipping – https://www.ics-shipping.org/
