• The Danish Maritime Authorities (DMA) have, in accordance with the EU Marine Equipment Directive (MED), issued a ban against two Korean high velocity valves (Tanktech & Sewon).

• With cargo temperatures in double hull tankers up to 20 higher than in single hulls due to the insulation of the double walls and much larger void spaces, double hull tankers need better and more adequate corrosion protection measures..

• Legislators lack the will to recover Volatile Organic Compounds...

• [Pres-Vac] - ..has recently added a cargo pump line to its product portfolio. The lead unit in this pump range is the EL-CHEM deep-well pump for chemical tankers, the most notable feature of which is the sealless drive system based on a magnetic coupling.

• A series of chemical carriers for Odfjell under construction at the new Stettin Shipyard in Poland will feature a new type of venting system, optimized for in-transit conservation of cargo vapor, near nil maintenance, and unsurpassed gas dispersion, namely non-oscillating constant pressure high velocity vents.

• Vapour emission from tankers are coming increasingly under the spotlight, but a simple technical approach may be able to make a significant contribution to cutting vapour losses.

• Environmental attention may soon focus on the fugitive emissions from cargo tank venting equipment, especially if a wider array of chemicals is subject to vapour emission controls in the future.

• Following a series of incidents involving tank ruptures, a new requirement for secondary cargo vapour relief has been introduced under SOLAS. Tankers will have to provide full-flow relief in case of failure of the primary venting system.

• Odfjell's latest series of chemical tankers under construction in Poland will feature a new type of venting system, optimised for in-transit conservation of cargo vapour, developed by Pres-Vac

• New approaches to curb the emission of VOCs from oil tankers do not necessarily indicate the installation of expensive vapour control equipment.

• Changes to the regulations for pressure/vacuum valves on oil and chemical tankers have, if anything, only led to more confusion. Eric Aarestrup Sorensen calls for owners to make use of the new ISO standard.

• Pres-Vac Engineering's extensive experience of vapour recovery operations, including tank venting, reveals some problem areas.

• Traditional designs of high velocity vents do not meet the new requirements specified by IMO's Maritime Safety Committee. A new approach is needed.

• For Pres-Vac Engineering new IMO rules on tank venting systems have provided a major challenge, as existing equipment is abandoned in favour of new systems. The only alternative to bespoke venting equipment is short, large-diameter vent pipes, expensive to retrofit to chemical tankers.

• The problem of 'chattering' in vent pipes on chemical tankers may be more widespread than was originally thought.

• Use of the KVOC system seeks to reduce the generation of VOC emissions by use of the Pres-Vac VOCON valve.

• Classification society must explain its backing for South Korean product Brussels wants to ban

• DMA bans Tanktech valves after tests showed potentially hazardous pressure peaks

• Danish Maritime Authority finds cargo handling valve performance faulty.

• Frontline says costs are unrecoverable and focuses on improving operational procedures

• Pres-Vac introduces new venting system designed to allow maintenance of constant tank pressure by taking advantage of new ISO standards

Misc.

• Port Technology International
• Traditional designs of flame arresting equipment have for decades been based on the application of Continental standards but recent developments indicate a new and different approach...

• Borsen

• Shipping Gazette

• Fairplay

• Marine equipment news