Odfjell Quarterly October 2012

QHSEODFJELL QUARTERLY magazineSafety shutdown atOdfjell Terminals (Rotterdam):– Leaving nothing to chanceBy: Theo Kruithof, Communications Officer, Odfjell Terminals (Rotterdam)In previous Quarterly issues we wroteabout the environmental and safetysituation at our Rotterdam terminal. Somefar-reaching events have taken place sincethen.Following the BRZO (Major Accidents (Risks)Decree) inspection by the authorities ofMarch this year, Odfjell Terminals (Rotterdam)(OTR) has taken many steps into the rightdirection in order to meet the requirementsthat resulted from the BRZO inspection.Safety shutdownOne of the requirements following the Marchinspection involved the live-testing of coolingand foam extinguishing lines. After havingtested a number of tanks, OTR concludedthat the tanks equipped with carbon steelfirefighting lines were not working properly.As a result of unconfirmed rumours about thenew parts of the terminal showing defectiveextinguishing equipment as well, OTR decidedto declare a complete safety shutdown. Theannouncement was made on the 27 July.ApprovalsTanks can only be taken back into service afterapproval by the authorities. Approval is givenafter the authorities have ascertained thatthe tanks’ fire fighting equipment is workingproperly and the tank inspection data areaccepted. OTR’s inspection data are based onthe latest Risk Based Inspection methodologyEEMUA-159. By mid september the authoritieshad released 50 tanks, or 483,800 cbm capacity.At the same time, OTR made full use of thesafety shutdown by performing additionalsafety checks to the storage tanks and the otherinfrastructure, and by carrying out repairs andupgrades where needed. Consequently, tankswill only be taken back into service when boththe authorities and OTR give the green light.Sympathy for customersOn the one hand, the safety shutdown is adisappointment: OTR has let its customersdown. Many are depending on the servicesthat OTR normally renders. OTR very muchregrets putting its clients in this difficult positionand wishes to express its apologies onceagain. Unfortunately, OTR did not have anyother option, given the circumstances. We putsafety first. On the other hand, the authoritiesand OTR are scrutinising all tanks, ruling outany safety issues. In addition, OTR continuesto improve its Safety Management System,thereby further increasing the control oversafety risks.Comprehensive modernisation planThe staff at OTR is determined to have asmany tanks as possible back into safe serviceagain as soon as possible. The tanks with thecarbon steel fire fighting lines will be subjectto a broader renovation plan. Consequently,substantial parts of the terminal will remainidle for a while since the technical upgrade willtake place one tank pit at a time. OTR is nowworking on a comprehensive modernisationplan. Moreover, OTR is dedicated to improvingthe integrity of its tanks as well as permanentlyimproving the safety and environmental performanceat its terminal. OTR’s ambition is tocomply with the highest industry standards.NR.03/ 1211OTR is testing the firefighting systemDemolition of nine tanks in tankpit 9Aodfjell quarterly magazine