The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has launched the sixth edition of its Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals), introducing critical updates to the industry’s primary reference for managing hazardous liquid cargoes. This 2026 edition enhances crew safety through refined enclosed space entry protocols, new shore power safety guidelines, and a detailed flowchart for Annex I to Annex II cargo changeovers. Developed by a consortium of global experts including Shell and Stolt Tankers, the guide remains the authoritative standard for maintaining regulatory compliance and pollution-free operations across the global chemical fleet.
London | April 21, 2026 – The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has officially released the sixth edition of the Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals), marking a pivotal update to the industry’s most authoritative manual for the carriage of hazardous and noxious liquid substances.
First introduced in 1971, the guide has served as the gold standard for chemical tanker operations for over half a century. The 2026 edition arrives at a critical juncture for the maritime industry, addressing the increasing technical complexity of chemical parcels, evolving MARPOL regulations, and the global push toward decarbonized port operations.
Bridging Regulation and Reality
While MARPOL Annex II provides the legal framework for preventing pollution from chemical tankers, the ICS guide serves as the practical bridge, translating high-level regulations into executable shipboard procedures. This edition focuses heavily on the operational “gray areas” where safety risks are highest, specifically during cargo changeovers and tank cleaning.
“Chemical transportation demands the highest levels of planning and operational discipline,” said Peter Maasland, Deepsea Operations Manager at Stolt Tankers. “This edition equips crews with the clarity, structure, and tools they need to uphold safety and environmental protection across increasingly complex operations.”
Key Technical Enhancements
The sixth edition introduces several “first-of-their-kind” guidance sections designed to minimize human error and physical risk:
- Annex I to Annex II Changeovers: One of the most significant additions is a detailed decision-making flowchart. This tool provides step-by-step logic for masters and owners when transitioning tanks from oil-based cargoes to chemical products, ensuring cleaning standards meet both safety and commercial requirements.
- Enclosed Space Entry (ESE) Evolution: Reflecting recent IMO recommendations, the guide expands on ESE protocols. It moves beyond simple checklists to focus on situational awareness and the “human factor” in entry incidents.
- Washing Water Analysis: In a move to further reduce risk, the guide introduces guidance on analyzing tank wash water. This allows crews to verify tank cleanliness levels remotely, effectively reducing the frequency of physical entries into hazardous enclosed spaces.
- Shore Power Protocols: In a first for the guide, recommendations for the safe use of shore power (OPS) have been included, addressing the safety interfaces required as tankers increasingly plug into port grids.
- Hot Work Hazardous Zones: New risk assessment tools for onboard “hot work” define specific hazardous zones to prevent ignition incidents during maintenance.
A Collaborative Industry Standard
The development of the 2026 edition involved a rigorous technical review by a dedicated ICS working group. The expertise was drawn from a cross-section of the global fleet, including:
| Segment | Contributing Organizations |
| Ship Owners/Managers | Stolt Tankers, MOL Chemical Tankers, NYK Line, Uni Tankers, Utkilen AS |
| Energy Majors | Shell |
| Technical & Class | DNV, InterMaritime Shipmanagement |
| Endorsing Bodies | IPTA (International Parcel Tankers Association), CDI (Chemical Distribution Institute) |
Operational Compatibility
The ICS has ensured that this sixth edition remains fully compatible with the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT). This alignment is crucial for “parcel tankers” and “combination carriers” that frequently handle both chemical and petroleum products, providing a seamless safety management system (SMS) across different cargo types.
Emily Yates, Commercial Director at ICS, emphasized the model’s mission “The industry relies on consistent, authoritative guidance to enhance onboard decision-making. This edition reflects the realities of today’s fleet, ensuring that safety remains the top priority in a rapidly changing energy landscape.”
Availability
The Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals), Sixth Edition is now available for order via the official ICS website. It is considered essential carriage for masters, ship operators, terminal managers, and maritime training institutions worldwide.
About the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS)
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is the definitive global trade association for shipowners and operators, representing the interests of the industry across all technical, legal, employment, and policy domains. With a membership base consisting of national shipowners’ associations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the ICS represents companies that collectively operate more than 80% of the world’s merchant tonnage.
Beyond its advocacy role at the UN and IMO, ICS Publications is the industry’s leading source for operational excellence. It develops and promotes global best practices through a comprehensive suite of publications and free resources, providing the technical benchmarks used by ship operators worldwide to ensure safety, environmental compliance, and structural integrity at sea.
Source: International Chamber of Shipping