The Vessel Requirements In Biodiesel Trade

The biodiesel products are assigned to the Pollution Category Y and should be carried only with the IMO Ship Type 2 chemical tankers.
The vessel`s cargo tanks must be made of stainless steel or mild steel lined with solvent-free, amine-cured phenolic epoxy coating that is resistant to corrosion caused by the fatty acids.
Given that the biodiesel cargoes are hygroscopic, they must be carried under a dry Nitrogen blanket in order to prevent the absorption of moisture from the tank ullage spaces and an increase in the water content. The nominated vessel must have on board a fully functional Nitrogen generator system and portable gas bottles to supply a Nitrogen blanket sufficient to cover the surface area of cargo in each tank to be loaded and maintain the dry Nitrogen blanket at the required level throughout the voyage from the port of loading to the port of discharge.
The vessel must have on board the following documents:
- a valid International Pollution Prevention Certificate for the Carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk;
- a valid International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk listing the biodiesel product in question as a permitted cargo;
- the Procedures and Arrangements Manual approved by the ship`s Flag State Administration;
- the Cargo Record Book;
- the Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan for Noxious Liquid Substances approved by the ship`s Flag State Administration;
- a valid International Ship Security Certificate;
- a valid Safety Management Certificate and a Document of Compliance with the ISM Code;
- a valid Maritime Labour Certificate.
If the vessel sails under a Flag of Convenience, the vessel must have on board a valid ITF Blue Card to evidence the fact that the minimum terms and conditions of employment of the crew of the vessel are approved by the ITF (International Transport Workers` Federation).
The shippers and port authorities require that the nominated vessels have an up-to-date Vessel Particulars Questionnaire in the SIRE and/or CDI databases and a copy of the SIRE or CDI inspection report uploaded in the SIRE/CDI systems.
The vessel must comply with the FOSFA Qualifications and Operational Procedures for Ships Engaged in the Carriage of Oils and Fats in Bulk for Edible and Oleo – Chemical Use in all other respects.

by Vlad Cioarec, International Trade Consultant

This article has been published in Commoditylaw`s Biofuels Trade Review Edition No. 3.