Asphalt Carrier

A tanker built to carry molten bitumen (asphalt) at roughly 150 to 230 degrees C, kept fluid by heated cargo tanks, thermal-oil or steam heating coils, and heavy tank insulation. Bitumen solidifies near ambient temperature, so the ship maintains heat throughout loading, voyage, and discharge; pumps and lines are heat-traced. Tanks sit independent of the hull to limit thermal stress. Cargo falls under IMO’s IBC Code as a noxious liquid; the trade overlaps short-sea distribution from refinery to road-construction terminals.