Evaluation of technical and safety aspects of nitrogen use onboard tanker ships

Nitrogen is used onboard tanker ships to safeguard cargo during cargo handling operations and ship voyages. Although the use of nitrogen minimises the formation of combustible or dangerous gas mixtures, its application on board ships can also involve dangerous aspects that should be of concern to the tanker industry and require careful analysis. This study evaluates, from a technical and safety point of view, the use of nitrogen in critical cargo processes onboard tankers. The paper presents the processes of nitrogen utilisation onboard tanker ships with regard to undesirable situations that can occur during cargo operations and also discusses proper safety measures.