Benzene concentrations on board chemical tankers

Authors: Werner Jacobs Dirk Dubois Eva Floren Diane Aerts Jan Goris Anna Buczynska René Van Grieken

Publish Date: 2010/11/23

Volume: 10, Issue: 1, Pages: 117-126

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Abstract

Maritime transport of benzene is regulated by the International Maritime Organisation IMO Two important guidelines for a ship’s crew in this matter are IMO circulars 1095 and 1220 The first one describes the minimum safety standards for ships carrying liquids in bulk containing benzene while circular 1220 deals with structural guidelines for new ships carrying liquids in bulk containing benzene but also technical developments could help in improving safety and health protection on board chemical tankers carrying benzene in bulk The aim of the present paper is to determine the benzene concentration in the working and living environment on board a modern chemical tanker carrying benzene in bulk where all safety technical and operational procedures described by IMO in the abovementioned circulars are followed During specific cargo operations we measured the benzene concentrations on different locations on board by means of Radiello® passive diffusive samplers Despite all measures taken we found an important difference in benzene concentration between operations with a benzene cargo compared to operations without benzene on board as well as inside and outside the accommodation Moreover even during discharge operations where the emission is theoretically zero we found an important increase in the benzene concentration In addition we found less favourable results for the engine room

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