What type of chemical is considered to be a common cargo in tank ships?

Benzene is a common cargo in tank ships due to its properties as a volatile organic compound and its widespread use in the chemical and petroleum industries. It is primarily utilized as a precursor in the production of various chemicals, including plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers. Because of its liquid state at normal temperatures and its compatibility with tank vessel storage systems designed specifically for transporting hydrocarbons, benzene is efficiently handled during maritime transport.

In contrast, while white phosphorus and aluminum hydroxide do have specific industrial applications, they either present significant handling hazards or are not typically classified as general cargo for tankers. White phosphorus is highly reactive and poses a severe fire and health risk, making it unsuitable as a common cargo for tankers. Aluminum hydroxide, as a solid, is more frequently transported in bulk carriers rather than specialized tank ships designed for liquids. Methanol, although another liquid chemical cargo, is less prevalent than benzene in terms of overall transport volume in tank ships. Therefore, benzene stands out as the most common chemical cargo due to its significant role in industrial processes and established protocols for safe transport at sea.