Utilizing Milbros UV Graphs Improves Chemical Tank Cleaning Safety and Turnaround

Digital solution can limit time at port and maximize cost savings

November 6, 2024 | Boston, MA

News Milbros

Milbros, a Veson Nautical solution and the industry’s most reliable and extensive database of liquid bulk products, has launched Milbros UV Graphs, a product aimed at revolutionizing traditional tank cleaning practices across fleets worldwide.

Milbros UV Graphs have been developed to work with a spectrophotometer, a machine now being installed on ships that accepts a sample of the residue, or wash water from the tank. The machine measures the absorbance of light at different wavelengths, including the ultraviolet (UV) range.

Partnered with a UV graph, the data shows how much UV light is absorbed at specific wavelengths, helping you identify any remaining tank contaminants. At present, Milbros offers at least 250 of these UV graphs with the number expected to rise.

Clients can download the required chemical chart and use the onboard spectrophotometer to create a graph. If the graph’s reading is below 100 parts per million (ppm), the tank is clean. If not, the graph will indicate how much contaminant could still be present, allowing the cleaning team to accurately calculate how much more cleaning needs to be done.

“Maritime shipping companies are facing increased pressure to limit their time at port and maximize cost savings,” Capt. Caspar Lavall, Principal Product Manager at Milbros says. “Milbros UV Graphs offers charterers, shipowners, and surveyors a safer, more efficient approach which maintains compliance while growing their bottom line.”

Milbros UV Graph

Acetic Acid Water 100ppm Standard Uv Example

Capt. Lavall adds that chemical tanker cleaning is a rigorous component of safe cargo handling, and if not done correctly, can lead to environmental safety hazards, ruined cargoes, delays, and unnecessary costs. 

These costs can include the recleaning of tanks that are contaminated, but over cleaning of tanks is also common. UV Graphs can ensure that neither scenario that affect the turnaround time of vessels whilst in port.   

The use of UV Graphs complements traditional chemical tanker cleaning methods which require crews to enter confined spaces to sample various sections of the tank, exposing them to harmful chemicals. Using a UV Graph reduces the number of tank entries by allowing operators and crew to perform most of the inspections remotely.  

UV Graphs are also trusted by many surveyors as a valid proof of tanker inspection and are speeding up the approval processes by allowing operations teams to submit results via email.   

“The chemical tanker sector is facing new and complex challenges and having the right digital tools in place to successfully manage the risks that come with preparing vessels for volatile cargoes is vital,” Capt. Lavall concludes. “Milbros UV Graphs is a digital solution that can help establish a competitive advantage in the market.” 

Visit https://veson.com/products/milbros/ to learn how you can safely clean cargo tanks while minimizing port congestion and growing your cost savings. 

Media Contact

Kevin Baxter

Kevin Baxter

Communications Lead

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About Veson Nautical

Veson Nautical delivers maritime freight management solutions that propel the global shipping economy. Trusted by buyers and sellers of bulk marine freight in every region of the world, Veson solutions are responsible for managing $109 billion in freight traded and moving 4.4 billion tons in annual trade each year.

With a suite of offerings in marine contract management, vessel document management, and data analytics, Veson’s products are widely recognized for their strong utility, sustained innovation, and measurable business impact.

More than a provider of solutions, Veson is a champion of progress that actively supports its clients, partners, and broader community in navigating change while shaping the best practice workflows and standards of tomorrow’s connected maritime shipping ecosystem.