C
Publish and Present
Ron Heffron, P.E., D.P.E., F.ASCE
Senior VP, Marine
COWI
Irvine, California
In response to a recognized need for international guidelines for the design of marine oil & gas terminals, PIANC Report 153-2016 was published in 2016. The new report, "Recommendations for the Design & Assessment of Marine Oil & Petrochemical Terminals", provides guidance for both design and assessment of marine terminals handling oil, products, and liquid petrochemicals. This is the first comprehensive global guideline focused on the design of such terminals.
The working group is currently working on an update to the document to incorporate provisions for LNG terminals, Floating LNG terminals, SPMs and MBMs. This document is targeted for publication in 2020.
The very nature of the marine oil and petrochemical trade is global, yet terminal design and maintenance requirements are inconsistent across international boundaries. This has led to conflicts, inconsistencies and potential safety concerns, which is particularly evident amongst the operators with global operations. Reaching a global consensus on such technical guidelines was challenging but the goal was accomplished and the document has been well-received.
The new document has the important distinction of being based on the precept of a voluntary guidance manual, written by industry practitioners for the industry at large. Several international oil companies and terminal operators are actively participating, as well as representatives from OCIMF, SIGTTO, FSRU vessel owners, consulting firms, class societies and specialty marine mooring and equipment providers.
The document is presented in two parts. Part I is focused on the design of new and upgrade of existing terminals, while Part II focuses on the inspection and assessment of existing terminals. The final product is a comprehensive set of guidelines representing an international consensus, written by professionals who represent industry stakeholders.