Vapour Recovery System

Abbreviation: VRS

Closed-loop return of cargo vapour from ship to shore (or shore to ship) during loading to prevent atmospheric venting.

In practice

Common at MARPOL VOC-controlled terminals (US gulf, EU regulated ports). Cargo officer verifies the vapour return arm connection and the flame arrestor before transfer. Pressure imbalance between ship and shore is the routine operational hazard.

Regulatory detail & full definition

Required at terminals where VOC emissions are regulated (US OPA-90 Section 4115; EU VOC Directive). The vapour return line connects via a flame arrestor and detonation arrestor; the ship's IGS pressure is balanced against shore receiver. Critical for chemical, MTBE, and gasoline cargoes.

Authoritative source: ISGOTT 6th edition ↗

Inert Gas System

Source: OPA-90 Section 4115; ISGOTT Ch. 11

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Vapour Recovery System

In practice

Related

Vapour Recovery System

In practice

Related