VAPOUR EMISSION CONTROL

Many vapours created by tankers are harmful to the environment. During loading and tank cleaning, these are Vapour Emission Control often vented to the atmosphere. Vapour Emission Control (VEC) allows vapours from oil or chemical tankers to be returned to shore in a closed system and then either converted back into oil through adsorption, or burned.
This programme provides an introduction to the concepts of Vapour Emission Control and explains how ports around the globe are increasingly demanding that emissions are minimised through VEC. It points to MARPOL guidelines specifying that vessels should have a VOC management plan to minimise emissions during the voyage and when undertaking cargo operations.
Vessels’ on board vapour collection systems are outlined, together with the standards they must meet, and there is a brief explanation of the terminal facilities required to achieve VEC. Attention is drawn to the very specific requirements for both pressure and tank level monitoring systems required by MARPOL regulations, as well as the best practice outlined in OCIMF guidelines.
These are expanded into a series of procedures to be followed and checks to be made before arrival at the terminal, immediately before loading, and then during and after loading. The programme concludes with a short summary and checklist for mariners to ensure safe Vapour Emission Control operations.

Main Topics

• Why Vapour Emission Control
• VEC Regulations
• The Systems on Board and Ashore
• Operation and Training
• Procedures Before Arrival
• Procedures Before Loading
• Procedures During Loading
• Procedures After Loading
• Lightering
• Summary and Checklist