Statoil has successfully completed a detailed risk analysis at its Norwegian downstream oil refinery, said Lloyd’s Register this week.
The analysis – Environmental Risk and Oil Spill Emergency Preparedness – helped Statoil put in place the latest safeguards in to its Mongstad oil refinery to minimise risk to life, property and the environment.
It also helps Statoil prioritise oil spill emergency preparedness measures, comply with legal requirements and manage risk at Mongstad in an environmentally sustainable and safe way.
“The work we have successfully completed with Statoil is an example of the management team’s mindset and approach for continuous improvement in managing risk and providing a sustainable and safe operating plant,” said LR’s Kristin Myhre, department manager.
Myhre indicated that such an approach leads to improved business reputation within industry and local communities and recognition by the regulatory authorities and environmental protection agency of Statoil’s successful approach to managing hazards.
The risk analysis work was carried out following improvements and modifications made recently to the oil refinery plant and infrastructure.
Mongstad has an annual capacity of near 12 million tonnes of crude, and is the largest facility of its kind in Norway with petrol, diesel, jet fuels and other light petroleum products exported to continental Europe.
“The analysis we carried out has helped to identify the major contributors to environmental risk at the refinery,” said senior environmental consultant Are Børjesson.
“We achieved this by assessing all the potential hazards around how the refinery operates and how it is managed – also assessing the process around oil spill emergency preparedness and response, the barriers and technical measures.”
Oil spill software was applied to simulate different levels of risk scenarios. Risk software was then used to assess coastline and environmental impact.
Børjesson added: “We went through a further analysis with Statoil’s site specific Oil Spill Emergency Preparedness measures to investigate their effectiveness and impact on environmental risk. ”
“The work and openness of Statoil to ensure that a robust approach to safety is in place across their refinery operation provides industry and the local community with confidence of the company’s capability and determination to reduce and manage risk. They are doing the right thing.”