Adapting Age Limits for Stainless Steel Chemical Tankers

Stainless steel chemical tankers are recognized for their notably extended operational lifespans, a distinction largely attributable to their specialized construction and rigorous maintenance protocols. One key factor behind this is that stainless steel offers exceptional resistance to corrosion and chemical reactions while it is also crucial for handling the aggressive substances that chemical tankers transport. Furthermore, typical stainless steels have low carbon contents which improves corrosion resistance near welds which is further improved by the addition of titanium and nitrogen, especially in stressed parts including bulkheads.

Stainless steel’s durability is complemented by the rigorous maintenance procedures these tankers undergo. Chemical tankers are meticulously cleaned between cargoes to prevent contamination and mitigate long-term damage from residual chemicals. This process is essential in preserving the vessel’s structural integrity and ensuring that the ship remains in optimal working condition. Moreover, chemical tankers are subject to frequent and thorough inspections due to the hazardous nature of their cargo. These inspections help identify and address potential issues early, thus prolonging the vessel’s service life and avoiding premature scrapping.

In addition, stainless steel chemical tankers are more capital-intensive and expensive to build compared to their traditional oil-carrying counterparts. The significant initial investment in these vessels means they require more time to break even, thereby extending their operational lifespans.

Despite their robust construction and extended service capabilities, chemical tankers often encounter challenges due to age restrictions imposed by various port regulations and charterers. For example, stricter ESG requirements are pushing many cargo owners to demand younger, more efficient tankers. Indeed, the aging fleet is becoming problematic as many major charterers often impose age limits of 15 to 20 years on vessels.

Furthermore, vessels older than 20-25 years can encounter problems being cleared by port receivers in many parts of the world. This can be problematic for stainless steel chemical tankers, which can operate safely and efficiently well beyond the standard 20-year mark. As a result, well-maintained vessels might be forced into early retirement, which can seem disproportionate given their actual operational condition and potential.

Despite the above, there has been a gentle shift towards extending the operational life of tankers over recent years. The high rates and tight vessel supply have encouraged owners to invest in maintaining older vessels rather than scrapping them prematurely. In 2024, the average age of active tankers increased by one year from 2023, with 70% more tankers operating over 20 years old than in 2022. Indeed, the average age of stainless-steel chemical tankers is now about 17.3 years for 6,000 – 10,000 Dwt units and 14.7 years for 10,000 – 15,000 Dwt units. By 2025, a significant portion of the global tanker fleet is expected to be over 19 years old, with many of these vessels undergoing additional special surveys to prolong their service life. This trend reflects a broader industry movement towards retaining older ships in active service, driven by favorable market conditions and the economic benefits of extended vessel use.

Chemical tankers have been notably absent from recycling yards in 2023, reflecting their strong earnings. This robust financial performance and limited new orders justify scheduling older ships to remain in service, ensuring that scrapping levels should stay low in 2024.

There is a growing discussion about adjusting the age limits for tankers to align with their actual capabilities and conditions. For stainless steel chemical tankers, a flexible regulatory approach could involve considering maintenance history, technological advancements, and overall vessel condition, rather than solely age-based criteria.

Some measures are already in place to assess the quality of older vessels, and more ship owners are applying the Condition Assessment Program (CAP). CAP provides a detailed evaluation of vessel condition through inspections and strength analysis. Targeted at oil tankers, chemical carriers, and bulk carriers over 15 years old, it is trusted by many charterers to ensure compliance with Class requirements and enhance safety.