Tanker vessels are designed to transport liquefied cargo in bulk, including crude oil, petroleum products, wine, bitumen, LNG and LPG. Compared to conventional cargo ships, they face far greater challenges in lighting due to their operation in permanently hazardous atmospheres, where even a single spark can cause catastrophic explosions.
On tanker vessels, lighting is not simply a matter of visibility; it is critical to safety, efficiency, and survival. These ships also operate under constant vibration, extreme temperatures, and corrosive salt spray.
To withstand these conditions, lighting systems must be both anti-corrosive and explosion-proof. In this article, let’s explore the lighting solutions for key areas of tanker vessels: the deck, the engine room, and the cargo spaces.
Standards and Certifications for Tanker Vessel Lighting
Lighting on tanker vessels is a critical safety measure, essential for both operations and crew protection. To meet these needs, systems must comply with strict international standards that vary by vessel type, cargo, and operating waters.
SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) sets minimum illumination levels for machinery spaces and cargo areas, as well as requirements for pollution prevention lighting during cargo operations.
In hazardous areas, lights must meet IECEx (global) or ATEX (Europe) certification for explosion-proof performance. In the U.S., UL 844 provides a similar standard.
Classification societies such as DNV, ABS, and Lloyd’s Register further ensure that installations are safe, corrosion-resistant, vibration-proof, and backed by emergency systems.
|
Certification/Standard |
Governing Body/Origin |
Purpose & Application |
|
SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) |
International Maritime Organization (IMO) |
Requires lighting for general vessel safety, navigation, and emergency systems on all ships, including tankers. |
|
IECEx |
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) |
Mandatory certification for lighting used in hazardous areas (e.g., cargo pump rooms, tank decks) to prevent explosions from flammable vapors. |
|
ATEX |
European Union |
Mandatory certification for lighting used in hazardous areas (e.g., cargo pump rooms, tank decks) to prevent explosions from flammable vapors. |
|
UL 844 |
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) |
North American standard for explosion-proof lighting. Ensures fixtures are safe for use in hazardous locations on tankers operating in the U.S. and Canada |
|
IP Rating (Ingress Protection) |
IEC Standard 60529 |
Classifies a fixture's resistance to water and dust. Essential for fixtures exposed to seawater, rain, and cargo washdowns. |
|
Classification Society Approval |
Various Classification Societies |
Confirms a fixture meets specific marine safety and performance rules set by a society like DNV or ABS. Required for all permanent lighting on a vessel. |
Deck Area Lighting
The deck is a high-traffic zone where crew members carry out essential tasks such as mooring, cargo transfer, and maintenance. Reliable lighting is critical to ensure these activities can be performed safely and efficiently, even at night or in poor weather conditions.
According to CFR 33 §155.790 (“Deck Lighting”) of U.S. Coast Guard regulations, tank vessels must provide deck illumination during transfer operations, with at least 1.0 foot-candle measured 3 feet above the deck in work areas and 5.0 foot-candles measured 3 feet above the deck at transfer connections.
The deck is also one of the harshest environments on a vessel, constantly exposed to saltwater corrosion, heavy vibrations, and extreme weather. For this large open area, marine-grade LED floodlights are the most effective solution.
Our FL72 LumiNova Pro is a preferred choice, engineered for durability, efficiency, and safety. With C5 corrosion resistance, 3G vibration resistance, and multi-lens technology, it ensures safe and reliable operations on deck. With multi-lens technology, it delivers precise illumination with minimal glare. Offering efficacy up to 160 lm/W, LumiNova Pro provides bright lighting that enhances visibility while reducing energy costs.
Engine Room Lighting
The engine room is the heart of a tanker vessel’s operations. In this critical environment, reliable lighting is essential; any failure can escalate into an emergency, impacting both propulsion and cargo systems.
Engine rooms are subject to extreme conditions such as high temperatures, constant vibration, and possible hydrocarbon contamination from fuel systems. For this reason, durable, explosion-proof lighting is indispensable.
Linear luminaires are the most widely used type of hazardous-area indoor lighting. To meet these demands, we developed the HA06 Supernova, an explosion-proof linear luminaire designed for Zone 2 and Class I, Division 2 (C1D2) environments.
Constructed from fiber-reinforced plastic, the Supernova offers exceptional corrosion resistance, making it ideal for marine applications. For safety in emergency situations, it includes an emergency lighting function that provides up to 3 hours of illumination, ensuring that personnel are never left in the dark.
The Supernova is designed to meet the requirements of different global markets and carries multiple certifications and markings to ensure compliance and reliability.
Here are certifications and markings of Supernova:
IECEx:
Ex nR IIC T6 Gc
Ex tb IIIC T80℃ Db
ATEX:
ex line II 3G Ex nR IIC T6 Gc
ex line II 2D Ex tb IIIC T80℃ Db
NEC & CEC:
Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D
Class II, Division 2, Groups F, G
Class III
Cargo Area Lighting
Cargo areas, including tanks, pump rooms, and transfer stations, represent the highest-risk zones on board a vessel. The presence of flammable and explosive vapors from crude oil, chemicals, or liquefied gases makes the use of standard lighting fixtures a serious ignition hazard. In these environments, explosion-proof lighting is not just recommended; it is a mandatory safety requirement.
In pump rooms, submerged cargo pump areas require compact, explosion-proof fixtures with ATEX Zone 1 certification and stainless steel construction to ensure chemical resistance. For aggressive chemicals or heated cargo applications, specialized coatings are essential. Fixtures must also be rated to withstand both ambient conditions and the radiant heat generated by cargo heating coils.
Our HA03 Victory, a high-bay luminaire engineered for Zone 1 and Class I, Division 1 (C1D1) hazardous environments, is the solution. Constructed from copper-free aluminum with stainless steel fasteners, the HA03 is built for long-term durability in marine conditions.
The luminaire supports multiple bracket configurations, making it adaptable for a wide range of installations. It is also available in color temperatures from 2000K to 6500K, as well as RGB and amber light options, enabling operators to meet functional requirements while minimizing environmental impact, particularly in protecting coastal ecosystems and wildlife.
We offer a comprehensive range of explosion-proof lighting solutions tailored for the demanding environments of tanker vessels. If you are seeking reliable and certified lighting for your operations, contact us to find the right solution for your needs.
