Liquid cargo handling definition
Liquid cargo handling. The movement of liquid bulk cargo, crude oil and derivatives, from the tanker is undertaken by means of pipelines connected to the shore-based storage tanks. Pumping equipment is provided in the tanker storage plant or refinery ashore, but not on the quayside. In view of the dangerous nature of such cargo, it is common practice to build the special berths a small distance from the main dock system on the seaward side. Oil cargo is discharged from the ship’s tanks, via the cargo piping system to the main ship’s manifold usually situated amidships, on either port or starboard side. From there by means of shore-based loading arms oil is transferred to the shore manifold and is then distributed to shore-based storage tanks on the oil terminal. The loading arm hose must be flanged oil-tight to the ship’s manifold so that oil spills can be avoided.