Improving The Safety Of Offshore Supply Vessel Cargoes

Abstract

As a result of a safety study in their North Sea fields, Shell UK Exploration and Production found that poor cargo stowage on offshore platform supply vessels was a significant factor in accidents. It was clear that better planning of the deck cargo layout on these vessels could significantly reduce the risks associated with unloading them in the field. A safety study was carried out in consultation with vessel owners, operators and masters, and the ultimate result of this was a new piece of computer software known as DECKPLAN. It enables marine and transport department staff to rehearse the loading of the vessel, and obtain the master's approval for the intended cargo layout a few hours before the actual loading process begins. This has improved the safety of cargo stowage, has permitted demonstrable compliance with the IMO's International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, and has also resulted in transport cost savings due to better foreknowledge of under or over-capacity and a reduced need to charter additional supply vessels at short notice. The paper describes the motives behind the development of DECKPLAN and the way it has been implemented successfully in a busy offshore supply base. It describes the experience in using the system to date and outlines plans for extending the system to back- loading of cargo from the offshore platforms and for planning the utilisation of the platform lay-down areas.