Presentation
Oil Spill Response Planning for Ship-to-ship Operation Brazil - Use of Modelling Tools to Support Decisions
SessionShip to Ship Transfers
DescriptionDue to an increase in marine oil transportation in Todos os Santos bay, one of the most sensitive hotspots of Brazil, ship-to-ship (STS) operations have been considered by local operators to expand terminals capabilities. These activities predicted the increase of traffic of ship of different sizes, from Suezmax to VLCC, with cargo varying from crude and refined oil, petrochemicals to biofuels. Thus, concern about negative environmental consequences arouse among regulators and local communities. To prevent and mitigate potential impacts from spills, a global contingency planning approach was adopted. Initially, Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Hazard Identification (HAZID) were performed for risk assessment, which identified 13 events of significant consequences and 38 recommendations to be adopted by the Emergency Response Plan. Secondly, an oil slick forecast modeling study was developed, highlighting 21 vulnerable locations (up to 40,3% oiling probability in the first 72 hours), critical oiling times and oil weathering behavior. These results were consolidated in an Environmental Vulnerable Analysis and used to design an optimized contingency structure. Therefore, different response alternatives were evaluated through modelling. Special attention was given to the comparison between using an oil spill response vessel (OSRV) or several small vessels of opportunity (VOO), considering also logistical aspects. It was found that the latter was significantly more efficient (above 90%) than the first (below 33,3%) mainly because of encounter rate, skimmer efficiency and draft limitations. Additionally, a complete wildlife and vulnerable areas protection plan was designed. These results were used to size and allocate the necessary resources, considering a regional tiered approach. Finally, a field response training program was executed involving different stakeholders, such as regulators, the Navy and local communities. Because of its integrated process, including community engagement, this approach can be used as a potential model for contingency planning for Brazilian STS in the future.
Author
Event Type
Paper
TimeWednesday, May 15th3:30pm - 3:50pm CDT
Location291-292
Preparedness