Liquid Cargo Database has reached 310 cargo entries

Published: 27 February 2023

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The BIMCO Liquid Cargo Database currently contains information for some 310 different cargoes aiming at providing an easy-to-use guidance primarily for shore-side staff and for newcomers to the tanker industry and supplementing the relevant Conventions, Codes and supplementary guidance published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The individual entries contain information about:

• Proper Shipping Name, UN Number if applicable, trade names, etc.
• Characteristics and properties
• Safe practices and appropriate precautions
• Loading, carriage and discharge
• Next cargo requirements or previous cargo compatibility
• Brief cargo tank cleaning overview
• Applicable regulations
• References to other relevant information.

In all cases, the appropriate publications of the IMO, Flag and Port States requirements should be consulted for detailed and updated information eg:

• Ship certificates including the International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk
• Procedures & Arrangements (P&A) Manual
• Cargo tank coating Compatibility chart
• Voyage instructions
• International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC) Code
• MARPOL Annex I & II
• Emergency Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods (EMS)
• Medical First Aid Guide (MFAG)
• Relevant guidance from; Classification Societies, P&I Clubs, etc.

The ultimate responsibility for safety of a ship and crew remains with the Master, who should therefore ensure that the practices adopted for any specific cargo and ship conform to the recommendations or regulations of the IMO, and that such practices provide adequate measures of safety and protection of the environment for the voyage.

Prior to loading, the Master must always obtain adequate information from the shipper as to the characteristics and properties of a cargo as well as consult appropriate publications of the IMO.
All entries in the BIMCO database are kept up to date to the latest version of the IBC Code (2021 Edition) and MARPOL Annex II.

The following guidance related to the BIMCO Liquid Cargo Database and the carriage of liquid cargoes is available here:

• How to use the IBC Code
• Carriage of energy-rich fuels and their blends
• Cleaning of cargo tanks - oil tankers and chemical tankers
• BIMCO Liquid Cargo Database. How to use - step by step
• Introduction to the use of the content in the BIMCO Liquid Cargo Database
• The liquid cargo regulations
• Acronyms relevant for oil- and chemical tankers
• Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), Intermediate Fuel Oil (IFO) and heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)

The BIMCO Liquid Cargo Database is intended for use solely as a reference providing general information for the most commonly transported liquid cargoes.

Please note that the database is only available to BIMCO members. If you are interested in becoming a member, see the categories and benefits and get in touch with our membership team.