What Marine Manufacturers Should Know About Tanker Safety

Marine manufacturers must practice extreme caution when working with tankers and hazardous materials. Being well-informed about tanker safety is paramount to avoid one mistake from becoming a large-scale accident — and one aspect of tanker safety is marine manufacturers’ insurance. In this article, we’ll talk more about this specialized coverage and share some essential information regarding the potential risks associated with tankers. 

Marine Manufacturers Insurance

Marine manufacturers’ insurance is a specialized insurance coverage that meets the unique needs of enterprises involved in manufacturing marine products. It provides coverage for various aspects of a marine manufacturer’s operations, including:

• General liability
• Real and personal property
• Yacht dealer
• Workers compensation
• Pollution, including cleanup costs
• Marina operators’ legal liability
• Ship repairers’ legal liability
• Jones Act /MEL/USL&H

It also considers the risks of shipping and logistics, ensuring coverage for liquids and gases in transit, in storage, or transported by sea, air, or land. This coverage extends to potential losses or damages during loading and unloading, customs processes, or even piracy incidents.

The “Safety Paradox”

Another concept that’s being highlighted in tanker safety forums is the safety paradox. The safety paradox in the marine industry stems from the observation that as safety measures and regulations increase, unintended consequences arise, leading to new safety risks. 

Managing the safety paradox requires a holistic and proactive approach. It involves continuously monitoring and reassessing safety systems and practices to identify potential unintended consequences or emerging risks. It also requires fostering a strong safety culture that encourages open communication, learning from near misses and incidents, and a willingness to adapt safety measures as needed.

Other Risks Associated With Tankers

Aside from oil spills, fires, and explosions, here are some other risks linked with tankers:

Navigational Risks

Tankers navigate through extreme conditions, including storms, rough seas, and poor visibility. Mistakes in navigation, equipment malfunctions, or failure to follow established procedures can lead to collisions with other vessels, structures, or natural obstacles like reefs or rocks.

Human Error

Even with advanced technologies and safety protocols, mistakes or lapses in human judgment can lead to potentially disastrous consequences. It is essential to recognize that human error is a normal aspect of human performance due to various factors such as workload, stress, and environmental conditions.  

Structural Integrity and Stability

Corrosion, metal fatigue, improper maintenance, or design flaws can weaken the vessel’s structure. If the hull breaches or the ship loses stability, it can result in leaks, cargo spills, or even the ship capsizing. 

Marine Manufacturers Insurance Ensures Proper Coverage

Prioritizing tanker safety is paramount for marine manufacturers to protect their businesses and the environment. By staying well-informed, implementing robust safety measures, and obtaining the necessary insurance coverage, manufacturers can ensure that their operations involving tankers are conducted in a responsible and secure manner. Ultimately, a commitment to tanker safety not only protects the interests of marine manufacturers but also upholds the integrity of the industry as a whole, promoting sustainability and minimizing potential risks.

About Merrimac Marine Insurance

At Merrimac Marine, we are dedicated to providing insurance for the marine industry to protect your clients’ business and assets. For more information about our products and programs, contact our specialists today at (800) 681-1998.