The catastrophic incidents on a significant number of small product tankers and chemical tankers, some of which have led to a tragic loss of life, have highlighted the fact that the industry needs to update the current application of inert gas regulations to new oil and chemical tankers. In 2006 an inter-industry group consisting of Intertanko, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Oil Companies’ International Marine Forum (OCIMF), European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) and International Parcel Tankers Association (IPTA)…