What is a significant property that tank ship cargoes are classified by?

The classification of tank ship cargoes is essential for ensuring safety and efficiency during handling and transportation. One of the significant properties used in this classification is toxicity. Toxicity refers to the potential of a substance to cause harmful effects on living organisms, which is crucial to consider when transporting hazardous materials. Understanding the toxicity of a cargo is paramount for the safety of the crew, the vessel, and the environment, as it dictates the safety measures and protocols that must be implemented during loading, unloading, and potential spill responses.

While other properties such as viscosity, flammability, and color may play important roles in specific contexts, they do not carry the same level of regulatory and safety implications as toxicity. For example, flammability is critical for understanding fire hazards associated with certain substances, yet it is the toxicological aspects that drive many of the safety protocols in handling hazardous materials, particularly in maritime settings. Thus, toxicity serves as a fundamental criterion for classifying cargo to mitigate risks and ensure appropriate safety measures are taken.