Report of Study of Tanker Safety and Pollution Prevention Requirements for U.S. Tankers in Domestic Trade.
Abstract
This report presents results of a study to determine if tanker safety and pollution prevention measures in addition to those contained in 1978 Protocols to SOLAS 74 and MARPOL 73 agreements should be applied to U.S. tank vessels in domestic trade. The study examined the risks associated with the marine transportation of oil by U.s. tank vessels in domestic trade, looking at the present and projected U.S. flag tank vessel fleet, oil movements by these vessels, and resulting hazards to people, property, and the marine environment. Possible preventative actions, including extension of ship construction and equipment requirements contained in 1978 Protocols to SOLAS 74 and MARPOL 73 to smaller tankships, were identified and examined. Estimates were made of: (1) the impact of possible preventative actions on accidental and operational oil discharges and damage to the marine environment, (2) tankship fires and explosions, and (3) transportation costs and capital requirements. On the basis of information presented in the study, a key recommendation is the adoption of additional measures to control oil discharges from possible future transportation of OCS oil to shore by U.S. tank vessels. Requirements for segregated ballast tanks or clean ballast tanks should not otherwise be extended to smaller U.S. tankships in domestic trade.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA057607