Grounding contingency plan for intact double hull tanker

• Published in: Alexandria engineering journal Vol. 55; no. 1; pp. 235 - 241
• Main Authors: Hussein, A.W., El-Dessouky, U.M., El-Kilani, H.S., Hegazy, E.H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.03.2016; Elsevier
• Subjects: Double hull tanker; Grounding; Double hull tanker; Grounding
• ISSN: 1110-0168
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aej.2015.10.017

Ship grounding is a hazard which requires enormous caution when occurs. No matter how secure a grounded ship may appear, she is in a dangerous position. In most cases, rapid refloating is desirable to remove the ship from a place of danger, to reduce stress on the hull and to decrease the risk of pollution. The usual action taken is reducing the weight of the ship, which requires the help of salvage team and consequently causes high cost. Another alternative is weight transfer from tank to tank until ship refloats; this has to be done with extensive not to cause double loss. This paper proposes practical support that would help the captain make the right decisions at the moment of the casualty. The plan is summarized in a chart which gives direction to the captain how to refloat the ship by transferring weight from cargo tanks to ballast tanks. Since the ship strength is of major concern, strength check is included in the plan. The proposed Grounding Contingency Plan “GCP” for intact double hull tanker is suggested to be prepared in design to facilitate the decision making for the captain and indicates the direction of action to minimize the risk.