Chemical tankers carry bulk liquid chemicals, vegetable oils, and specialty products in segregated stainless-steel or coated tanks. The IMO classification runs from IMO I (most hazardous — pressurised or highly toxic chemicals) through IMO II (liquid chemicals, vegetable oils) to IMO III (less hazardous products that can share tankage with petroleum distillates). Parcel tankers — the IMO II / III vessels carrying multiple cargo parcels simultaneously — place the greatest demands on the cargo officer and Chief Engineer, justifying a wage premium above crude tanker equivalents on smaller hull sizes. All chemical tanker watchkeeping officers must hold STCW Advanced Chemical Tanker (V/1-1-3) in addition to the standard tanker familiarisation certificate.
Chemical tanker officers typically earn 10–20% above bulk carrier equivalents. The premium is highest at Chief Officer level, where the cargo-planning burden and chemical hazard responsibility are greatest. At Master level, IMO I parcel-tanker operators pay on par with or slightly above equivalent crude tanker Masters. Chemical tanker ratings earn broadly in line with crude tanker ratings; the certification requirement (Basic Tanker V/1-1-1) is the same entry threshold.
What affects pay on chemical tankers
IMO class. IMO I parcel operators pay highest; IMO III vessels closer to product-tanker rates.
Number of parcels. High-parcel-count vessels demand more from the cargo officer and typically pay accordingly.
STCW Advanced Chemical (V/1-1-3). Required for watchkeepers; restricts supply and supports pay.
Tank type and coating. Stainless-steel and zinc-silicate coated tanks require different cleaning protocols — experience managing these attracts premiums.
Operator and trade. Stolt-Nielsen, Odfjell, and MOL Chemical Tankers operate large parcel fleets and have published CBA schedules above ITF TCC minimum.
Frequently asked questions
What makes chemical tanker work more complex than oil tanker work?
Chemical tankers (especially IMO I parcel tankers) carry many different cargoes simultaneously in segregated tanks, each with different compatibility, temperature, and pressure requirements. The Chief Officer must manage a complex cargo plan, MSDS sheets for each parcel, and compatibility matrices. This parcel-trade complexity justifies a premium over single-grade crude tanker operations of similar vessel size.
What certificates are required for chemical tanker officers?
STCW V/1-1-1 Basic Tanker Familiarisation, plus V/1-1-3 Advanced Chemical Tanker (mandatory for watchkeeping officers on chemical tankers). Some operators also require STCW V/1-1-2 Advanced Oil Tanker if the vessel trades oil and chemicals interchangeably. The advanced chemical course is typically a 5-day shore-based programme followed by an assessment.
Do chemical tanker ABs earn more than crude tanker ABs?
Not significantly at rating level — the certification burden sits at the officer level. AB pay on chemical tankers is broadly comparable to oil tanker AB rates. The premium on chemical tankers is concentrated at Chief Officer and Second Engineer ranks, where the cargo-handling responsibility is highest.
Are bitumen and asphalt carriers counted as chemical tankers?
For wage survey purposes, bitumen and asphalt carriers are grouped with chemical tankers in this dataset, as they require similar ICS/OCIMF tanker protocols. Operationally they are simpler (single product, high-temperature cargo) but the certification requirement (Basic Tanker V/1-1-1) is the same.
Disclaimer. Salary ranges are point-in-time estimates from public sources. They do not constitute a wage offer, a binding rate, or legal advice. Always verify against your SEA and the applicable CBA.