Berthing cargo vessels safely.

A proposed change raised concerns about safe operations at our client’s port facility. The suggestion was to increase the maximum allowable wind speed when berthing liquefied natural gas carrier (LNGC) ships. We were asked us to investigate the matter in detail.

We performed a comprehensive risk analysis, using a hazard identification (HAZID) process and ship simulations to:

• determine additional risks during operations with an increased wind speed 
• identify appropriate mitigation measures. 

This started with a workshop at our client’s site, involving stakeholders and subject matter experts. HAZID looks at the combination of the likelihood and severity of consequences using a risk matrix. Risk are ranked as low, medium, high or extreme. With the current wind speed criterion, most of the facility’s hazards were medium. An increase meant some potential high risk rankings, requiring additional controls.  

We carried out real-time ship simulations for a number of the identified high risk hazard conditions. In a virtual reality environment, we assessed the risks faced by a harbour pilot when manoeuvring LNGC vessels into the port under the higher allowable wind conditions, as well as the benefits of any safeguards and controls identified during the workshop. Tests were carried out using a full mission bridge simulator (at the Centre for Marine Studies, Newfoundland, Canada). 

Following analysis of simulations, our detailed report gave recommendations to: 

• reduce risk under current wind speed criteria 
• help make an informed decision about raising the wind speed.