Use of Fast Response Vessels in Brazilian Oil Spill Response Plans

Abstract

Abstract In Brazil, environmental laws define oil containment and collection as a primary strategy to oil spills originated by exploitation and production enterprises that reaches water bodies. Thus, it is foreseen a continuous equipment increase over the time, in a scaled response, always in accordance to accidental scenarios forecasted in the enterprise risk assessment. This way, minor spills, with higher probability to occur, require smaller resources, however made available in a smaller rage of time, whereas larger and less frequent spills must be attended to with strongest resources, in a larger period of time. At Brazilian maritime zones with higher exploitation and production activities the use of larger vessels, aiming to solve the worst cases, was prioritized. Such vessels are also used to respond the small and medium discharges, which could be solved by less robust vessels. The use of smaller and fastest vessels and simpler equipment to be operated allows the fleet's rationalization and a quicker and more effective response to more frequent situations. This changing also fosters economic profits (by reducing the figures and the fees paid by vessels chartering) and environmental benefits (by reducing emissions and the fuel consumption). In order to represent this situation, this paper compares the compliance with requirements from regulatory agency using an exclusive fleet of traditional boats and a fleet of traditional boats and fast response. A case study will be presented, considering a high activity oilfield on Brazilian coast.