Crude Oil Tanker Basics (2nd Edition, 2026)

SHORT OVERVIEW

This book covers the basics of crude oil tanker operations, including planning and conducting cargo transfer operations, venting, purging, pump theory, inert gas systems and crude oil washing. It also provides updated guidance on vapour emission control, segregated ballast operations and current regulatory and equipment requirements.

DETAILED OVERVIEW

This new edition also includes expanded guidance on pumping systems, vapour emission control systems, segregated ballast systems, ballast water management arrangements and other current operational requirements for crude oil tankers. This ensures that readers are equipped with the knowledge required to perform operations fully and correctly using up-to-date methods and compliant procedures. The book is supported by many new illustrations, including photographs taken on board a new build VLCC.

CONTENTS LISTING

Chapter 1 - Crude Oil Extraction
Chapter 2 - Crude Oil Chemistry
Chapter 3 - Measurement of Cargo Quantity
Chapter 4 - Calculating Cargo Quantity
Chapter 5 - Loading Rates and Venting
Chapter 6 - Preparing for Cargo Transfer
Chapter 7 - The Loading Operation
Chapter 8 - Pumping and Pump Theory
Chapter 9 - Cargo Discharge Operation
Chapter 10 - Inert Gas
Chapter 11 - Crude Oil Washing (COW)
Chapter 12 - Segregated Ballast System
Chapter 13 - Preparing for Maintenance
Chapter 14 - Contingencies and Emergencies
Chapter 15 - Crude Oil Trade, Voyage Fixing and Economics

Appendices
Appendix 1 - Cargo Calculations
Appendix 2 - Visual Basic Code for Wedge Formula
Appendix 3 - Cargo Loading Transfer Plan
Appendix 4 - Checklist of Cargo Handling Systems
Appendix 5 - Pressure Conversion Units

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Following his appointment as Fleet Operations Manager with Acomarit UK, Captain Armitage progressed to ship Master with Vela International Marine, a role he held for 21 years. In education since 1966, in 2018 Captain Armitage became Visiting Lecturer at City, University of London.