HM 40. Guidelines for the crude oil washing of ships’ tanks and the heating of crude oil being transported by sea

This publication provides guidelines for the carriage, heating and crude oil washing (COW) of many crude oils that may be transported by sea.

As well as enhancing the current regulations regarding reducing marine pollution, the publication provides guidance on the grades of crude oil that may give rise to an increase in volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions if used excessively for COW. The publication also highlights a number of crude oils that are known to be potentially harmful due to concentration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and/or benzene.