Design and Development of Bid Documents for Cold Ironing of Oil Tanker Vessels at Berth T121 at the Port of Long Beach

Abstract

Exhaust emissions from auxiliary engines operating when ships are at berth is a significant source of pollution in the San Pedro Bay Ports Complex. The Port of Long Beach (POLB) has adopted a Green Port Policy making environmental protection a top priority. As part of the Port’s Green Port Policy a reduction of diesel emissions is a goal. The Port has identified vessels that have a high power demand as candidates for implementation of shore-side electrical power or “cold ironing” while at berth. Cold Ironing of ships at berth allows auxiliary engines to be turned off, thus eliminating that source of emission and causing an overall reduction of air pollution in the Port. This paper provides an overview on the design and development of bid documents for Cold Ironing Alaska Class Oil Tankers at the BP oil-unloading terminal located at Berth T121 in the Port of Long Beach. The project will be the first of its kind to cold iron an oil tanker terminal. The paper focuses on the design of the onshore and offshore facilities required to support and implement Cold Ironing, and on the operational and safety issues involved with Cold Ironing of an oil tanker terminal. The facilities include electrical, structural, mechanical and civil design elements. Not all vessels will be cold ironed at the facility. The paper presents the investigation and analysis undertaken to ensure there will be no conflicts between the new facilities and mooring of smaller non-cold ironed vessels and the mooring and berthing of the Alaska Class Oil Tankers. The facilities must be constructed while maintaining operations at the terminal. A discussion of the development of construction documents to accomplish the project while maintaining operations is included. Cold Ironing of the vessels requires that various modifications be made to the vessels which will be performed under a separate project. The paper discusses the coordination required between the ship and shore side facility designs. Many operational procedures had to be developed for the implementation of the Cold Ironing. The paper discusses the issues involved and how they were developed as part of the design process. In addition, various safety procedures were developed and are also discussed. This paper will be of interest to those engaged in the design of cold ironing facilities or providing alternative electrical power to vessels. Specifically the paper will be of interest to those who are engaged in the design of petroleum or LNG terminals because of the nature of these berthing facilities.