DHAHRAN, 16 December 2002 — Vela International Marine Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, has successfully tested a new shipboard crude oil vapor recovery system that effectively eliminates the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), resulting in a major step toward greater safety and a cleaner environment.
Using technology developed by Venturie AS of Sogne, Norway, Vela tested the system in recent sea trials aboard the 301,000-deadweight-ton tanker Polaris Star. It marked the first use by a Vela vessel of the system, following earlier prototype testing by another international shipper.
Vela is planning to begin refitting its 20 crude-oil tankers with the new technology this year and expects to have the entire crude-oil carrier fleet converted by 2005. The Venturie system solves a condition long faced by the tanker industry: handling hydrocarbon vapor build-up due to pressure, temperature and movement within the cargo tanks. These vapors are routinely vented into the atmosphere.
The new system as installed on the Polaris Star circumvents the need to expel any vapors by injecting them directly back into the cargo tanks. That reduces pressure in the tanks while allowing the vapors to be naturally absorbed by the oil. (SPA)
