Which tank on a tanker is designated for collecting slops and residues?

• A. Slop Tank
• B. Cargo Tank
• C. Ballast Tank
• D. Fore Tank

Answer: (A)

In tanker operations, waste liquids from cargo operations—washings and cargo residues—are collected in a dedicated slop tank. This tank provides a safe, segregated space to hold those slops before they’re processed by an oily-water separator or disposed of at shore facilities, helping manage waste in compliance with MARPOL and ship procedures. It’s connected to the cargo system so wash water and residues from cargo tanks can be directed into it.

The other tanks serve different roles: the cargo tanks carry the actual cargo, ballast tanks hold ballast water for stability, and a fore tank is a forward-position tank that may be used for ballast or other purposes depending on the vessel. None of these are specifically designated for collecting slops and residues.