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LPG Moves by Tanker
From a article in "Wrld Oil, August 4, 1947. ( Thanks to Beppe Allievi )
THE first bulk transportation of high pressure liquefied petroleum gas by tanker is now being made. This will make available
to foreign countries, at first to Soutli America, a petroleum fuel which has grown to sizeable importance in the United States
during recent years.
Two companies (Panama Transport Company and Warren Petroleum Corporation) have recently placed in service especial-
ly designed tankers and tank ships for the purpose of transporting propane. Other companies and additional tankers undoub-
tedly will engage in this work.
"Esso Sao Paulo," 16,000-ton tanker of the Panama Transport Company fleet, has been equipped for carrying high pressure
liquefied petroleum gas in bulk, and is en route to Rio de Janeiro with a cargo of 100,000 gallons of propane. Distribution of
liquefied petroleum gas in Brazil through bulk import of the product in large tankers is a program of the Brazilian Government
to stabilize prices and improve living standards. The propane will be distributed through Companhia Nacional de Gas "Esso"
jointly owned by Brazilian businessmen and Standard Oil Co. (New Jersey).
The "Esso Sao Paulo" will dock first at Aruba off Northern Venezuela to take on a cargo of gasoline, kerosine and other white
oils in addition to the LPG and will then proceed to Rio. This is the first bulk transportation of propane by tanker to Latin Ameri-
ca. The regular run of the "Esso Sao Paulo" will be between Aruba, site of Jersey Standard's largest foreign refinery, and Rio
and Santos, Brazil. The "Esso Avila," now being reconstructed into a propane carrier will soon be ready to transport LPG to
Venezuela, Central American nations and Caribbean ports.
In connection with the Jersey Standard program to bring a more efficient fuel to the people of Latin America, Mrs. Graciela
Friedrich of Bogota, Colombia, director of home service, recently visited the United States to study latest methods of cooking
and newly designed equipment for the modern gas kitchen in which propane is used. Her company, Compania Colombian
de Gas S. A., is jointly owned by Tropical Oil Company, a Jersey Standard affiliate, and Colombian businessmen, and was
formed to distribute liquefied petroleum gas throughout Colombia.
Warren Petroleum Corporation's liquefied petroleum gas tank ship is a dry-cargo vessel on which 68 specially designed
tankers are being installed. Long necks on the tanks permit all connections, valves, etc., to be above the top deck, provi-
ding safety, easy testing and inspection.
Above; Lying offshore at Wilmington, Del., after special tanks were installed, the Esso Sao Paulo, a Panama Transport
Company tanker, awaits the first bulk shipment of liquid gas to be transported via ship. Railways tank cars are used to
transport the gas to the ship since dock facilities for loading it directly into the ship are not available.
Below: Aboard the Esso Sao Paulo.
Above: Warren Petroleum Corporation's liquefied petroleum gas tank ship, a type C 1-A dry-cargo vessel, being converted
at Beaumont, Texas.
Below: A few of the 68 specially designed tanks being prepared for installation in the ship. Long necks permit all connections,
valves, etc., to be above the top deck, providing safety and easy testing.
