A methodology for risk assessment of LNG carriers accessing vulnerable port areas. (1st April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marroni, Giulia; Casson Moreno, Valeria; Ovidi, Federica; Chiavistelli, Tommaso; Landucci, Gabriele
• Is Part Of: Ocean engineering. Volume 273(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04-01
• Subjects: LNG maritime transport -- LNG carrier -- LNG ship -- Dangerous goods transportation -- Risk assessment -- Risk matrix -- Major accident hazard -- LNG fueled ship; Ocean engineering -- Periodicals; Ocean engineering; Periodicals; 620.4162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2023.114019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-8018

Abstract

Abstract: The navigation course of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers and fueled ships may cross vulnerable areas where commercial, civil, and industrial assets are present. Despite the effort made by scientific community and authorities, there are no consolidated methodologies addressing the risks arising from the interaction between LNG carriers and fueled ships accessing ports and onshore facilities. This work focuses on the development of a simplified methodology for risk assessment of LNG carriers and fueled ships in port areas able to identify accident scenarios involving the ship course and vulnerable targets. The analysis starts verifying the compliance with respect to the port regulations and the feasibility of the course with respect to the channels. Then, based on standard features of LNG carriers and fueled ships, a set of reference accidental scenarios to be considered during the risk assessment is identified. A specific guidance for the identification of hazards, estimation of frequencies and consequences is provided, finally adopting a customized risk matrix to support decision-making on prevention and mitigation measures. The application of the methodology to a real case study dealing with an important Italian harbor, highlights the capability of the method to support land use planning. Highlights: Effects on onshore facilities due to LNG coursing, docking and onboard operations. Reference accidental scenarios are identified and ranked using a risk matrix. Compliance with respect to port-specific legislation is integrated. Case-specific recommendations on risk prevention and mitigation.