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Guidance on Risk Analysis and Safety Implications of a Large LNG Spill Over Water - LNG Review 2005
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Sandia National Laboratories
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Originally printed in:
LNG Review
- 2005
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As shown in Tables 4 and 5, multiple security strategies are available to help prevent or mitigate these events. These are often complementary to existing LNG safety strategies. Suggested general security improvements to address the three major intentional breach scenarios should account for site-specific conditions and hazards and include (as required):
- appropriate off-shore LNG ship interdiction and inspections for explosives, hazardous materials and proper operation of safety systems;
- appropriate monitoring and control of LNG ships when entering US waters and protection of harbour pilots and crews;
- enhanced safety zones around LNG vessels (safety halo) that can be enforced;
- appropriate control of airspace over LNG ships; and
- appropriate inspection and protection of terminal areas, tugboat operations prior to delivery and unloading operations.
Effective implementation of these types of security measures, along with complementary measures, such as improved intelligence and co-operation, could reduce the potential for several types of intentional events. (The types of measure needed to reduce specific threats are discussed in more detail in an associated classified report by Hightower.2)
A reduction in threats would reduce the potential sizes of breaches, as well as associated spills and hazards. This could significantly reduce the risks to people and property from an LNG spill over water.
Before implementation of specific safety or security measures is contemplated at a site, a baseline risk analysis should be conducted, a minimum acceptable risk estimated and vulnerabilities and hazards evaluated. After the initial risk analysis has been completed, prevention and mitigation measures or strategies can be considered and evaluated. These can then be compared so as to assess if they provide the enhancements required to reduce the risks of an LNG spill to acceptable levels for a site.
Applying the Risk Management Process to LNG Import Facilities
Risk management of an LNG import facility should be viewed as a system that includes the LNG tanker, the import terminal facilities and location, the navigational path and the nearest neighbours along the navigational path and at the import terminal. Four classes of attributes affect the overall risks, including:
- the context of the import facility – location, sitespecific conditions, LNG import and importance to the region;
- potential targets and threats – potential accidental events, credible intentional events and ship or infrastructure targets;
- risk management goals – identification of levels of consequences to be avoided, such as injuries and property damage, and the level of LNG supply reliability that is required; and
- protection system capabilities – LNG tanker safety and security measures, LNG import, operations safety and security measures, as well as early warning and emergency response/ recovery measures.
In a risk management process, the four types of attribute discussed are then evaluated to determine if the protection system in place can effectively meet the risk management goals identified for a specific import terminal site and operations. If so, the safety and security measures and operations developed for the LNG import operations are adequate. Import operations should be reviewed on a regular basis to assess whether context, targets, threats, risk management goals or risk management systems have changed such that a reassessment of risks is needed. If the initial risk assessment determines that the identified risk management goals are not being met, potential modifications in location and site conditions, import operations, safety and security measures, as well as emergency response and early warning measures should be assessed to determine effective improvements in the overall risk management system.
Categories:
LNG
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Gas Processing
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Plant Operations Management
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