Answer
As per SOLAS, the practical difference is mainly in what cargo is carried and which mandatory code applies.
| Point | Oil tanker | Chemical tanker |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo | Petroleum oil in bulk | Noxious liquid chemicals in bulk |
| Main pollution annex | MARPOL Annex I | MARPOL Annex II |
| Main cargo safety code | SOLAS tanker fire-safety requirements | IBC Code under SOLAS Chapter VII |
| Typical cargo | Crude oil, fuel oil, petroleum products | Methanol, acids, caustic soda, styrene, etc. |
| Cargo hazard focus | Mainly flammability/fire/explosion | Flammability plus toxicity, corrosivity, reactivity |
| Cargo tank/coating | Designed for oil cargoes | Tank material/coating selected for chemical compatibility |
| Cargo segregation | Less complex generally | Often stricter segregation due to incompatible chemicals |
| Certificate | Normal SOLAS/statutory tanker certificates | International Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk |