Small tankers have been in the spotlightrnfollowing a series of casualties on smaller tankers and chemical tankers. The 2004 loss of the Bow Mariner, following catastrophic explosions in the cargo tanks, particularly focused attention on these vessels.rnAn Inter-Industry Working Group (IIG) carried out a study looking for common problems highlighted by these accidents. It reported its findings to the IMO, whose various committees are now working their way through its recommendations, with input coming in from administrations and other groups.rnLloyd's Register-Fairplay statistics show that, of a dozen tanker incidents involving fires or explosions last year, half were the result of engine room fires. Of the rest, probably two or three, involving very small vessels, were classic tanker accidents - explosions during tank cleaning. Two were explosions during repairs to the cargo tank or pump room. In the other cases no clear cause was reported at the time.rnSo on the face of it last year's record does not indicate an increasing trend of fires and explosions during cargo handling or tank cleaning operations.rnThe IIG decided the casualties it looked at were caused by operational failures where procedures had not been followed. The group did, however, suggest that the IMO should give consideration to the application of inert gas to new product tankers of less than 20,000dwt and new chemical tankers that are currently not required to have such systems.
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