In the context of tankship operations, what does "stripping" refer to?

Stripping in the context of tankship operations specifically refers to the process of pumping out the last remnants of cargo from a tank. During this operation, ship crews use specialized pumps to ensure that as much of the liquid cargo is removed as possible. This is important for several reasons: it minimizes waste, ensures compliance with environmental regulations regarding cargo residues, and prepares the tank for cleaning and maintenance or for loading a different cargo.

The other potential options, while relevant to various aspects of tankship operations, do not accurately define stripping. For instance, cleaning the tanks is a separate process that occurs after stripping has removed the bulk of the cargo. Inspecting safety equipment and transferring cargo to smaller vessels are distinct operations that do not relate to the removal of the last contents from a tank, and thus do not capture the essence of what stripping entails.