Answer
The IBC Code (Chapter 2) classifies chemical tankers into three types based on the severity of the hazards presented by the products they carry. IBC Code hull configurations showing internal cargo tank spacing requirements.
Type 1 Chemical Tanker
Hazard Profile: Designed to transport products that pose the maximum environmental and safety hazards (e.g., highly toxic or persistent chemicals like Phosphorus).
Damage Stability & Survivability: Must withstand the highest standard of hypothetical collision or stranding damage anywhere along its length.
Tank Location Requirements: Cargo tanks must be located far inside the hull protective boundaries:
From the side shell: Not less than B/5 or 11.5 meters (whichever is less).
From the bottom shell: Not less than B/15 or 6 meters (whichever is less).
Absolute Minimum: Nowhere less than 760 mm from the outer skin.
Volume Limits: Strictly capped to a maximum capacity of 1,250 m3 per individual cargo tank.
Type 2 Chemical Tanker
Hazard Profile: Designed to transport products that pose appreciable safety and environmental hazards (e.g., Acetonitrile, Nitric Acid, specific vegetable oils).
Damage Stability: Highly robust, but criteria vary slightly based on vessel length.
Tank Location Requirements: Offers less side-collision clearance than a Type 1:
From the side shell: Not less than 760 mm everywhere.
From the bottom shell: Not less than B/15 or 6 meters (whichever is less).
Volume Limits: Capped to a maximum capacity of 3,000 m3 per individual cargo tank.