The purpose of an inert gas system on a tanker is to:

The inert gas system on a tanker is designed primarily to dilute the atmosphere within cargo tanks. By introducing inert gas, which typically consists of nitrogen and other non-combustible gases, the system effectively reduces the concentration of flammable vapors. This dilution is crucial because it keeps gas concentrations below the lower explosive limit, which significantly lowers the risk of fire or explosion during loading, transportation, and unloading of flammable cargo.

Inert gas systems help maintain a safer environment in the tanks, especially when dealing with volatile materials. This is vital to ensure that even if a small amount of flammable cargo vapor is present, it cannot ignite in the presence of a potential spark or heat source. The method of using inert gas is a proactive safety measure that aligns with industry regulations and standards for tanker operations, enhancing overall safety and security during sea transport.

While cleaning tanks, preserving cargo, and maintaining temperature are all important aspects of tanker operations, they do not capture the fundamental role of the inert gas system, which directly targets the prevention of explosive atmospheres in the cargo hold.