Shipping & Marine

Due to stagnant water, ventilation and confined spaces, ships and marine vessels require continuous gas detection to ensure the safety of the crew and personnel.

Both fixed and portable gas detectors promptly react to any potentially dangerous situation. Gas sensors can communicate with the BMS to raise the alarm using sounders or beacons.

Where Are Our Products Used?

Application: Cargo Hold

Confined Space Access – Failure to recognise the hazards involved in enclosed space entry costs lives. Oxygen depleted environments are caused by corrosion, decay, or poor ventilation. People who attempt to access storage tanks for inspection or cleaning could face asphyxiation. 

Gases such as Nitrogen and Sulphur could be present at any time. Combined and in enclosed spaces, these gases pose much more of a threat than they would individually. 

Purging/Venting – If purging or venting is incomplete and requires inspection, a permit may be required for entry. Tank entry should be treated as confined space entry. Decomposition, residue, or product left in tanks could still pose a risk of suffocation or explosion if gases haven’t been removed. 

Atmospheric testing requires a 4-gas detector to warn against the threat of toxic and combustible gases. Supplied air systems should always be on standby.

Application: Marine Bunkering

Marine bunkering is the action of storing and supplying ships with fuel. It is referred to as a bunker because in the past when ships used to run on steam when powered by coal, the storage containers for the coal were known as a bunker. So, in a nutshell, marine bunkering is vessel refuelling.

Our solution for marine bunkering is a gas leak detection system consisting of multiple flammable and toxic gas sensors throughout the bunker. A warning system with sounders and beacons should be installed outside the bunker which can be seen by workers. The gas control system is usually housed in the control room.

Application: Shipping Containers

Shipping containers present a risk to any person opening and unloading them. There are many reasons why shipping containers contain dangerous gases. This may be dependent on the type of cargo or whether the container has been fumigated.

Fumigation

Fumigation presents a risk to any person opening and unloading. Under the IMO International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, fumigation is compulsory for international transit. 

Firstly, prior to opening and unloading, containers must be gas tested to check they’re safe to enter. This avoids suffocation or breathing difficulties of any unsuspecting persons opening and discharging the containers. An example of which are warehouse operatives, forklift truck drivers, port health / custom inspectors.

 

Our Solution: Gastec Detector Tubes

Gastec Detector Tubes are ideal for performing gas testing in shipping containers. The Gastec detector tube system performs spot sampling which determines the level of hazardous gases present at that moment in time.

Case Study – Gas Detection System Reduces Explosion Risk at Marine Bunkering Terminal

a1-cbiss used our industry-leading knowledge of the Oldham gas detection range to replace and update the fixed gas detection system for a UK marine bunkering terminal.

Talk with the Experts

Contact us - Our team of application specialists can assist you with system design, installation, maintenance, and repair. As a systems integrator, we provide end-to-end support to ensure your facility has a reliable and effective gas detection system in place.

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