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International Chamber of Shipping announces sixth edition of Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals) – Strengthening safety standards for chemical tanker operations

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) today announces the launch of the sixth edition of its benchmark publication, the Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals).

First published in 1971, the Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals) remains the primary industry reference for the safe operation of chemical tankers. This new edition provides up‑to‑date, practical guidance for those serving on board ships carrying hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk under MARPOL Annex II, supporting safe, compliant and pollution‑free operations.

The sixth edition incorporates substantial updates to reflect evolving industry practice, regulatory developments and the operational challenges faced by modern chemical tankers. Key new content includes:

New guidance on Annex I to Annex II cargo changeover, featuring a detailed decision-making flowchart to support safe and efficient tank cleaning operations
Updated enclosed space entry procedures, expanding on the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) recommendations to improve crew safety and situational awareness
Washing water analysis guidance, aimed at reducing unnecessary enclosed space entry
New recommendations on hot work hazardous zones, supporting more robust on board risk assessment
Guidance on the safe use of shore power, in response to the growing availability of alternative energy solutions in ports
“These updates ensure the guide continues to support crews with practical, validated best practice for every stage of chemical tanker operations,” said Peter Maasland, Deepsea Operations Manager at Stolt Tankers. “Chemical transportation demands the highest levels of planning and operational discipline. This edition equips crews with the clarity, structure and tools they need to uphold safety and environmental protection across increasingly complex operations.”

The guide is fully compatible with the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT) and is recommended for use on all chemical tankers. It serves as an essential reference for:

Masters, officers and crew on board chemical tankers
Ship operators and managers
Cargo interests and charterers
Training institutions
Terminal operators and port authorities
In preparing this edition, ICS convened a dedicated working group of industry experts, who undertook an extensive technical review to ensure the guide reflects the latest operational realities. Representatives from Stolt Tankers, Shell, InterMaritime Shipmanagement, MOL Chemical Tankers, NYK Line, Uni Tankers Denmark, Utkilen AS and DNV contributed their expertise across safety management, cargo operations, risk assessment and maritime engineering. The resulting updates have also been endorsed by the International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA) and the Stichting Chemical Distribution Institute (CDI), underscoring the guide’s authority and relevance across the global chemical tanker sector.

“We know the industry relies on consistent, authoritative guidance to enhance on board decision‑making and reduce operational risk,” added Emily Yates, Commercial Director at the International Chamber of Shipping. “The sixth edition of the Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals) continues ICS’s longstanding mission to support global operators with high‑quality resources that reflect the realities of today’s fleet.”