Checklists reduced coating damge

After finding that incorrect use by the shipowner was usually the reason for claims of damage to tank coating, German shipbuilder Aker MTW Werft is issuing checklists to purchasers of its chemical tankers.

“Modern tanker coatings are highly complex and cargo-specific,” says Ed Jansen, principal surveyor with Antwerp-based Expertisebureau Touw-Jansen who drew up the checklists. “Unfortunately, crews are not always aware of how to treat them properly, resulting in damaged cargoes, damaged coatings, or both,” he adds.

Three A4-sized checklists outline the cleaning and ventilating procedures for the tanks, along with cargo loading and discharging requirements. Paint manufacturers Sigma and Hempel have also incorporated the checklists in the on-board literature provided with their coating systems.