Course syllabus

COURSE MEMORANDUM

SJM129 - Tanker Shipping

Bachelor’s Programme in Nautical Science

Chalmers School of Maritime Studies

 

Examiner:

Daniel Ernstsson

daniel.ernstsson@chalmers.se

 

Course Coordinators:

Daniel Ernstsson (Study Period 2)

daniel.ernstsson@chalmers.se 

Johan Magnusson (Study Period 3)

johan.n.magnusson@chalmers.se 

Johan Eliasson (IGF)

johan.eliasson@chalmers.se

 

Language of Instruction:

Lectures and instructions: English (Swedish may be used when necessary, provided that all course participants speak Swedish).

Presentation materials and course compendium: English.

 

Course Representatives: 

TBA

Start-up Meeting: TBA

Mid-course Meeting: TBA

Course Committee Meeting: TBA

 

Course specific prerequisites:

Knowledge and skills corresponding to the learning outcomes of the following courses:

• SJO780 Cargo handling - transport of liquids at sea

 

Course Description:

The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the tanker sector, including the different types of tanker shipping, vetting procedures, and other industry-specific practices. It also develops students’ ability to plan and perform watchkeeping duties on the bridge and in the cargo control room. The primary focus is on onboard safety and the operational responsibilities of nautical officers.

The course provides students with a sound theoretical understanding of the handling and transport of liquefied gases in bulk on both LNG and LPG vessels. Successful completion of the course, together with approved fire-safety training, fulfils the requirements for the special qualification for service on board ships carrying liquefied gases in bulk, in accordance with Chapter 3, Section 6 of the Swedish Regulation (2011:1533) on the Certification of Seafarers and Chapter 10, Section 5 of the Swedish Ordinance (2011:166) on the Training of Seafarers.

In addition, the course provides the basis for certification in basic training for service on ships subject to the IGF Code, in accordance with Chapter 4, Section 11a of the Swedish Regulation (2011:1533) on the Certification of Seafarers and Chapter 11, Section 8 of the Swedish Ordinance (2011:116) on the Training of Seafarers.

Note: This course memorandum covers the entire course but this CANVAS-page is only for the part in LP2. CANVAS-page for the part in LP3 will be published at a later stage.

 

Learning Outcomes (upon completion of the course, the student should be able to):

(L1) Demonstrate knowledge of vetting procedures in tanker shipping.
(L2) Demonstrate familiarity with the commercial contracts and documentation used in tanker shipping.
(L3) Demonstrate familiarity with the various tanker market segments.
(L4) Plan a tanker voyage in accordance with the Safety Management System (SMS) and relevant industry standards.
(L5) Describe the physical and chemical properties of gases.
(L6) Explain the thermodynamic properties of gases.
(L7) Perform relevant thermodynamic calculations related to gas cargo handling.
(L8) Explain the onboard systems of tanker vessels.
(L9) Calculate cargo intake.
(L10) Conduct loading and discharging operations.
(L11) Manage risks and safety issues associated with tanker vessels.
(L12) Assess the environmental impact of vessels and their cargoes.
(L13) Demonstrate the knowledge required for basic service on board vessels subject to the IGF Code (IGF Basic).
(L14) Perform elements of a tanker voyage in the role of Officer of the Watch (OOW).

 

Content and Organisation:

Physical, Chemical, and Thermodynamic Properties of Gases:

Fundamental principles governing gas behaviour, including molecular structure, phase transitions, and thermodynamic processes relevant to tanker cargo operations.

Operation and Management of Onboard Systems on Tanker Vessels:

Detailed study of the technical systems used on tanker vessels, particularly gas carriers, including cargo containment and handling systems, safety systems, and supporting utilities.

Risk Management, Safety Procedures, and Environmental Impact:

Identification, assessment, and mitigation of risks associated with tanker operations, with an emphasis on safety regulations, pollution prevention, and environmental protection strategies.

Commercial Contracts and Documentation in the Tanker Shipping Sector:

Overview of key commercial agreements, charter parties, certificates, and operational documentation used in tanker shipping.

Cargo Handling and Voyage Planning for Tanker Operations:

Principles and practices for planning, loading, transporting, and discharging liquid and gas cargoes, including compliance with industry standards and regulatory frameworks.

Vetting Procedures in the Tanker Industry:

Examination of the vetting systems, inspection protocols, and quality-assurance processes applied to tanker vessels in commercial operations.

Industry‑Standard Voyage Planning for Tanker Cargo Transport:

Methods and tools for planning tanker voyages in accordance with operational, safety, and regulatory requirements established by industry bodies.

Introduction to Crude Oil Tanker, Shuttle Tanker, and Offshore Loading Operations:

Overview of cargo-transfer operations in crude oil transport, shuttle-tanker logistics, and offshore loading arrangements, including FPSO and ship-to-ship (STS) operations.

Basic Service Requirements Under the IGF Code:

Introduction to competencies, operational practices, and safety requirements for personnel serving on vessels subject to the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low‑Flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code).

Note: A substantial part of the course consists of group projects and planning tasks that require student teams to work independently.

The course comprises several instructional components, including:

• Simulations
• Group projects
• Written assignments
• Lectures and seminars
• Guest lectures from relevant authorities and industry representatives
• Study visits
• Calculation exercises

Note: Parts of the course are certification-related (TS); therefore, several course components are compulsory.

 

Course Literature:

Olsson Neptun, Tomas (ed.), Tanker Safety – Liquefied Gases, Volume 1 (2006).

Olsson Neptun, Tomas (ed.), Tanker Safety – Liquefied Gases, Volume 2 (2019).

Digital resources are available on the course homepage in Canvas.

 

Assessment:

Part A: Cargo Voyage Exercise – OOW (3.0 credits):

Successful completion of all compulsory simulations and practical exercises related to the duties of the Officer of the Watch (OOW).

Part B: Written Assignment – Voyage Planning (4.5 credits):

Successful submission of all required written assignments and participation in compulsory lectures and seminars.

Part C: Cargo Handling Exercise (3.0 credits):

Successful completion of all compulsory cargo-handling sessions and exercises, including IGF Basic.

Part D: Final Examination (4.5 credits):

Participation in compulsory lectures and successful completion of the written examination (passmark: ≥80%).
The course compendium and a non-programmable calculator are permitted aids.

Where special circumstances apply, the course examiner may assess an individual student by means other than those stated above. This may apply, for example, if the student has a decision from Chalmers granting study support for a disability.

 

Grading Scale:

Pass/Fail

Note: A pass in the written examination in LP3 requires at least 80% correct answers).

 

Incomplete Assessment:

If a student is absent from a compulsory simulator exercise, a make-up session will be arranged. However, a make-up session cannot be guaranteed before the next simulator exercise. Students are therefore responsible for independently completing all required preparations, study assignments, and quizzes for any missed exercise so that they have sufficient prior knowledge to benefit from subsequent simulator exercises.

If a student is absent from a compulsory component that cannot be rescheduled, such as a seminar or study visit, the missed component must be made up through independent study to achieve the same learning outcomes. The arrangements will be agreed with the teacher and will take the form of one or more additional assignments.

If a student is absent from, or receives a failing grade in, the practical assessment, additional assessment opportunities will be offered within a reasonable period. Each student will be offered two additional booking opportunities (three attempts in total) within a reasonable period after the end of the course and no later than the course committee meeting. Students who have not achieved a passing grade after these attempts cannot be guaranteed another opportunity until the next course offering.

If a student is absent from, or receives a failing grade in, the theoretical assessment (digital examination), the resit dates and registration deadlines specified by the examinations administration apply. Three examination sessions are arranged for each course offering. Students who have not achieved a passing grade after these sessions will be referred to the regular examination at the next course offering.

Note: Late submission of assignments may substantially delay completion of the course and have consequences for registered credits, progression requirements, CSN funding, and related matters. Please ensure that all submission deadlines are met.

 

Changes Resulting from the Most Recent Course Evaluation:

The course has been developed in response to previous course evaluations. The following changes are particularly noteworthy:

• The course website has been fully re-organised and optimized for both computers and mobile devices.
• The content has been fully updated and revised.
• The course structure has been optimized, and modules have been relocated.

Students are encouraged to contact the teaching team through the chat function on the Canvas course page. Questions of a more private nature should be sent by email.

Note: The course uses the “Announcements” function to share information throughout the course. Check your notification settings and enable notifications if necessary (Account > Notifications).