IBCtanker

IBCtanker is a term used in maritime engineering to describe a conceptual class of tanker vessels that integrate ballast water management with cargo containment and transfer systems. The goal is to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental performance in the transport of liquid bulk cargoes.

Key features of the IBCtanker concept include modular cargo tanks with segregated ballast spaces, automated ballast control and inert gas systems, and centralized process supervision that coordinates cargo pumping, tank cleaning, and ballast operations. The design emphasizes strong hull integrity, options for double-hull or segmented containment, and energy-efficient equipment such as waste-heat recovery and optimized propulsion.

In operation, an IBCtanker would be able to carry various liquid cargoes, including crude oil, refined products, and chemicals, with flexible tank configurations to switch between cargoes quickly. Integrated ballast management aims to minimize fresh seawater intake and discharge, reduce the risk of cross-contamination between cargoes, and lower emissions through improved engine efficiency and optimized voyage planning.

Development status: The concept has appeared primarily in engineering research, feasibility studies, and speculative design discussions. As of the early 2020s, no dominant production class had been established, though several projects used the idea in simulations or small-scale prototypes. Regulatory considerations include compliance with MARPOL pollution prevention, ballast water management conventions, and cargo-tank safety standards.

See also: Tanker, Ballast water management, Double hull, Maritime engineering, Ship design.