This content is only available to Members - please log in to download/view.
Guideline for the Application of Inert Gas on Tankers
25 June 2026
Version 2 of INTERTANKO's Guideline for Application of Inert Gas on Tankers, provides updated industry guidance on SOLAS inert gas requirements for both oil and chemical tankers.
In an effort to improve regulatory consistency, the 2016 amendments to SOLAS clarified that the risk of fires and explosions depends on cargo properties rather than vessel size. However, questions have remained - particularly regarding the application of these standards to chemical tankers.
Originally issued in 2018, the revised guideline includes updated tables, definitions, and references, along with a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. The FAQs specifically address the chemical tanker exemption and practical challenges related to cargoes requiring oxygen-dependent inhibitors, reflecting issues commonly encountered in chemical tanker operations.
