- Recent tank entry incidents have exposed severe toxic gas risks linked to coconut oil cargoes
- Cargo movement during tank entry was a critical contributing factor
- Coconut oil derivatives can rapidly create oxygen-deficient and toxic atmospheres
Two recent incidents involving coconut oil cargoes have exposed the risk of toxic gas generation in cargo tanks, even after initial tests indicate safe conditions.
During Crude Coconut Oil discharge at Rotterdam, cargo circulation released vapours, causing oxygen deficiency and carbon monoxide levels above 400 ppm, leading to crew incapacitation.
In a separate incident during the Coconut Oil Fatty Acid Distillate discharge at Lianyungang, the crew entered a tank without proper testing and collapsed due to toxic gas exposure.
Four crew members died, and one was critically injured, highlighting the potentially fatal consequences of these hazards.
Key Hazards Identified
Coconut oil products can generate dangerous atmospheres in enclosed spaces. Crude Coconut Oil may release carbon monoxide when heated or agitated due to its impurity content and low thermal stability. CFAD contains volatile fatty acids that can vaporise, create flammable atmospheres, and displace oxygen. Importantly, cargo movement can rapidly change conditions, meaning safe pre-entry readings do not guarantee continued safety.
Contributing Factors
The incidents revealed inadequate risk assessments, failure to account for vapour release during cargo circulation, communication breakdowns between tank entry teams and cargo control, and insufficient continuous gas monitoring. Training gaps were also identified, particularly regarding cargo-specific hazards and the dynamic nature of tank atmospheres.
Critical Preventive Measures
The source stresses an absolute rule: no cargo movement should take place while personnel are inside cargo tanks unless specifically authorised by a dedicated risk assessment. Enhanced multi-point gas testing, continuous atmospheric monitoring, adequate ventilation using multiple access points, and closed-loop communication with the Cargo Control Room are identified as essential controls.
Product-Specific Considerations
Crude Coconut Oil and CFAD are classified as high-risk products due to carbon monoxide generation and volatile vapours, while refined coconut oil presents a moderate but still significant risk. Heating temperatures should be kept to the minimum required, and tank cleaning or squeezing operations should be treated as high-risk activities due to residue-related gas release.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free — Click here to Subscribe!
Source – North Standard
