New IMO Regulations on Corrosion Protection of Crude Oil Cargo Tanks
The new SOLAS Regulation II-1/3-11, which entered into force on 1 January 2012, on corrosion protection of cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers, requires cargo oil tanks to be protected against corrosion and makes IMO Resolution MSC.288(87) Performance Standard for Protective Coatings for Cargo Oil Tanks of Crude Oil Tankers (PSPC) mandatory.
A copy of MSC.288(87) can be read here.
The new regulations will be applicable to crude oil tankers, as defined in the MARPOL Convention, of 5000 tonnes dwt and above:
- for which the building contract is placed on or after 1 January 2013
- or in the absence of a building contract, the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 July 2013
- or the delivery of which is on or after 1 January 2016
All cargo oil tanks of crude oil tankers shall be coated during construction in accordance with the Performance Standard for Protective Coatings for Cargo Oil Tanks of Crude Oil Tankers, or with an alternative means.
The IMO have produced guidelines on the maintenance and repair of protective coatings in MSC.1 Circ/1399 Guidelines for Maintenance and Repair of Protective Coatings for Crude Oil Tanks of Crude Oil Tankers. A copy of MSC.1 Circ/1399 can be read here.
Lloyd’s Register have produced guidance for shipowners and operators, manufacturers and ship builders on corrosion protection of crude oil cargo tanks, which can be read here.