L10 - Regulation 15 - Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

Question 1

What are VOC?

Answer 1

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are the lighter hydrocarbons that
vaporise during the ship oil product loading process.

Question 2

What are the characteristics of VOCs?

Answer 2

1. VOCs are dangerous to human health (carcinogenic).
2. They also cause harm to humans and the environment (smog).

Question 3

What vessels are they associated with?

Answer 3

VOCs in shipping are predominately associated with oil tankers and gas carriers. Oil tankers normally polluting the port of oil loading.

Question 4

Where do VOCs derive from?

Answer 4

VOC could be discharged as part of tank loading, tank purging / tank washing processes and fuel bunker tanks as well.

Question 5

How does Regulation 15 of MARPOL VI control VOC emissions?

Answer 5

1. Ports and terminals can implement VOC controls (designated as VOC control ports)
2. Controls involve return of VOC back to port using a Vapour Emissions Control System (VECS)
3. Crude oil tankers to have an approved VOC Manual (does not apply to gas carriers)
4. If a State decided to designate any port as a VOC control port, they should notify IMO.
5. The number of VOC control ports are very limited now.

Question 5

What documents related to VOC do crude oil and gas carriers must carry?

Answer 5

Crude oil tankers to have an approved VOC Manual (does not apply to gas carriers)