Lightering

LIGHTERING
		Lightering is a cargo transfer operation between two vessels. It is carried out offshore in fair weather conditions, or in sufficiently sheltered coastal areas according to the weather conditions. Lightering is mainly implemented in the event of the grounding of a vessel, either to make the vessel lighter and therefore reduce its draught in an attempt to refloat it, or before dismantling the vessel on site. The aim of a lightering operation is to reduce the volume of pollutant liable to be spilt at sea following damage to the transporting vessel. Lightering is either carried out by pumping means belonging to the vessel in difficulty, by auxiliary submersible pumps or, for small tanks, by power pumps. The choice of pumps is determined by the product needing pumped, the volume of the tanks to be lightered and access to the vessel. CEPPOL has a range of submersible pumps and power pumps suitable for different products and vessels. The pumps used may be hydraulic, pneumatic or electric. Sets of lightering equipment have been specifically designed to be airlifted onto vessels. This equipment includes one or two hydraulic pumps, a power unit and all the pipes and cables needed to use the equipment. The pump rates of the means available vary from a few cubic metres per hour to more than 500 m3/h. Certain equipment has also been specifically designed for lightering cargos of chemicals.

Last Updated on Saturday, 12 February 2011 14:46