Simulation Method - Based Oil Spill Pollution Risk Analysis for the Port of Šibenik

Abstract

Statistical data, analyses and assessment of maritimepassenger traffic in sea ports in the Republic of Croatia pertaining to the traffic in the Port of Šibenik indicate that, following the expansion and reconstruction of berths for large ships in 2014, marine traffic in the waters of the Port of Šibenik and the Channel of St. Ante has been on the rise. There is therefore a need for pollution risk analysis for the Port of Šibenik. Risk assessment was made using the qualitative method of “Risk assessment-based threat ranking”, following which a scenario involving discharge of harmful substances (oil spill) and possible pollution of the Port of Šibenik and the Channel of St. Ante in difficult navigating conditions in restricted waterways and bad weather was simulated. Marine pollution itself has no direct impact on human life. There are usually no human casualties, although major disasters can affect human health. There can therefore be dire indirect consequences, with negative impact on the eco-system, and consequently on some of the most important branches of industry like tourism, sports, fishing, etc. The prevalent northerly and southerly winds have a particularly high influence on the spreading of oil spills in closedoff waters like those of the Port of Šibenik. The influence of sea currents in the Krka river basin and the Channel of St. Ante is exceptionally strong, especially during heavy rains accompanied by increased water flow. Oil spill simulation is therefore an important tool for planning preventive action and response operations in case of oil spill from ships.