IMO gives recirculation the nod

As part of its recent work on the carriage of biofuels and biofuel blends by tanker vessel, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) last year prohibited the onboard blending of different products while a vessel is under way. This was set down in MSC-MEPC.2/Circ.8.

In response to a query from the International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA), reflecting concern on the part of its members, the IMO Working Group on the Evaluation of Safety and Pollution Hazards (ESPH) has confirmed that this ban was not intended to extend to the recirculation of cargo in order to maintain cargo homogeneity. As there is no transfer of cargo between tanks and no new product is created, the terms of the Circular do not apply. Nor does it cover the circulation of cargo through external heat exchangers.