By Capt. Neeraj Bharti, Founder, Master Mariner · Published · 2 min read
Gasoline, jet, naphtha, kerosene, ULSD: how cleanliness expectations differ by grade
"Clean product" covers a wide range of cargoes, and they are not equally demanding. A tank prepared well enough for gasoil may not be good enough for jet fuel. Matching the cleaning to the grade, and knowing which parameter each grade is most sensitive to, avoids both wasted effort and off-spec claims.
What each grade is sensitive to
| Grade | Most sensitive to | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jet fuel (Jet A-1) | Contamination of almost any kind, previous cargo history, water, particulates, FAME | The most demanding; charterers often restrict the last three cargoes |
| Naphtha | Colour, sulphur, odour, certain contaminants for petrochemical users | Often used as petrochemical feedstock, where buyers are strict |
| Gasoline | Colour, sulphur, contamination with heavy components | Blended specifications can be tight |
| Kerosene | Colour, flash point, contamination | Similar concerns to jet but often less strict |
| ULSD | Sulphur (parts per million), colour, water | Small residues of high-sulphur oil can put it off-spec |
| Gasoil (higher sulphur) | Colour, flash point | Usually the most tolerant clean grade after DPP |
These are general patterns. The actual specification and acceptance criteria come from the charterer and receiver.
How to match the cleaning
- Get the specification of the nominated grade and the inspection standard.
- Identify the critical parameters: sulphur for ULSD, colour and contamination for jet and naphtha.
- Plan the cleaning around those risks: for sulphur, the whole cargo system including coils and pumps; for colour, coating condition and residue in shadow areas.
- Check previous cargo restrictions, especially for jet. See Jet A-1 after dirty cargo.
- Consider stepping down through a more tolerant grade first if the ship is coming out of DPP and the target is demanding. See crude oil to clean products.
Flash point
Changing between low-flash cargoes such as naphtha or gasoline and higher-flash cargoes such as gasoil or jet needs care. Traces of a light, volatile product can lower the flash point of the next cargo. Thorough cleaning, draining and ventilation of the whole system are essential.
See the DPP to CPP changeover guide and fuel oil to gasoil or ULSD.
How Cleanship helps
We plan cleaning around the nominated grade's critical parameters, from our bases at Fujairah and in India. See our DPP and CPP tank cleaning service or contact us.
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
Which clean petroleum grade is the most demanding?
Jet fuel is usually the most demanding, followed by naphtha for petrochemical use. Gasoil is generally the most tolerant clean grade after dirty cargo.
What is ULSD most sensitive to?
Sulphur, measured in parts per million. Small residues of high-sulphur oil in tanks, lines, pumps or coils can put it off specification.
Why does flash point matter when changing grades?
Traces of a light, low-flash product such as naphtha or gasoline can lower the flash point of a higher-flash cargo such as gasoil or jet, so the whole system must be thoroughly cleaned and ventilated.
Who sets the acceptance criteria for a clean cargo?
The charterer and receiver, through the voyage instructions and specification. They should be confirmed before cleaning starts.
- tank cleanliness by grade
- jet fuel tank preparation
- naphtha tank cleaning
- gasoline tank cleaning tanker
- ULSD tank requirements
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