What is the purpose of a vessel's inert gas system?

The primary purpose of a vessel's inert gas system is to dilute flammable vapors within the cargo tanks. This system serves to maintain a safe environment by replacing the oxygen in the cargo tanks with inert gases, typically nitrogen or flue gas. By reducing the concentration of oxygen, the inert gas system minimizes the risk of ignition of flammable vapors during loading, transport, and unloading of cargoes such as petroleum products.

Inert gas systems are crucial for enhancing safety and preventing explosions, particularly while handling volatile cargoes. They ensure that the vapor space above the liquid cargo is not in a flammable state, which is vital for maintaining compliance with safety regulations and protecting crew, vessel, and environment. The dilution of flammable vapors helps to create a non-flammable atmosphere, significantly reducing the risk of fire and providing an added layer of protection against accidents.