Sea Lion Development

Sea Lion Phase 1

Oil Spill Strategy for Inshore Crude Oil Transfer
Operations

A04 Issued for Braemar/Aiuká 25/09/17 L 10/10/17 R 10/10/17

Review Lindgren Lobeck
A03 Issued for Braemar/Aiuká 15/08/17
Review
A02 Issued for Sean Hayes 02/12/2016
Review
A01 Issued For P Dennis 11/07/2016
Review
Rev Reason for Issue Author Date Checker Date Approver Date

This document contains proprietary information belonging to Premier Oil Document Number Rev
and must not be wholly or partially reproduced nor disclosed without prior
written permission from Premier Oil.

The master copy of this document is held electronically within Premier’s FK-SL-PMO-EV-STY-0003 A04
Document Management System. If you are using a paper copy or a
digital issue of this document, it is your responsibility to ensure it is the
latest version.
 Oil Spill Strategy for Inshore Crude Oil Transfer Operations
Document No: FK-SL-PMO-EV-STY-0003 REV. A04

Revision History

Amendment Revision Amender Amendment

Date Number Initials

11/07/2016 A01 PD Initial Draft

28/10/2016 A02 SH Team Review Comments Incorporated

15/08/2017 A03 Braemar/Aiuká Update Post OSOP Workshops

25/09/2017 A04 Braemar/Aiuká Premier Comments incorporated

Stakeholders
Stakeholders will be agreed with the Approver during small group review.

Name Position Date Reviewed

Jon Boot Falkland Islands Business Unit Manager

Richard Lobeck Group Head of HSES & Technical Safety

David Hartell Senior Development Manager

Tim Martin Country Manager

Pippa Christie Deputy Country Manager

Lindsey Lindgren Senior Project Engineer - Offtake

Mike Mason Senior Environmental Manager

Sean Hayes Environmental Advisor

Related Documents

Document Number Document Name Description of Content

EIS, FK-SL-PMO-EV-REP-0008 Environmental Impact Statement

FK-SL-PMO-EV-REP-0012 Oil Spill on Paper Workshop Report
FK-SL-PMO-EV-STY-0007 Oil Spill Strategy for Offshore Operations

FK-SL-PMO-EV-STY-0008 Oil Spill Strategy for Stanley Harbour

Operations

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Table of Contents

Revision History 2
Stakeholders 2
Related Documents 2
Structure of this document 5
1 Oil Spill Response Strategy Overview 7
2 Objectives 8
3 Introduction 9
3.1 The Sea Lion Project and inshore transfer activities 9
3.2 Inshore Operations in Berkeley Sound 9
4 Risk Analysis and Spill Prevention Measures 13
4.1 Quantitative Risk Assessment Methodology 13
4.2 Quantitative Risk Assessment Results 14
4.3 Bow Tie Analysis 16
5 Oil characteristics 21
5.1 Hydrocarbon Inventory 21
5.2 Sea Lion Crude Properties 22
5.3 Fuel Characteristics 25
6 Oil Spill Scenarios and Oil Fate and Effects 26
6.1 Oil Spill Scenarios 26
6.2 Oil Spill Fate Modelling 27
7 Environmental Sensitivities 29
7.1 Prevailing Metocean Conditions 29
7.2 Coastal Environmental Sensitivity 30
7.3 Seabirds 30
7.4 Marine Mammals 31
7.5 Fish and Fisheries 31
7.6 Seabed Types 31
7.7 Benthos 33
7.8 Hydrocarbon Contamination 34
7.9 The Environmental Impacts of Oil Spills 36
8 Response Measures 37
8.1 Overview 37

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8.2 Net Environmental Benefit Analysis 37

8.3 Monitor and Evaluate 38
8.4 Containment at Source 38
8.5 Containment and Recovery at Sea 39
8.6 Use of Dispersants 40
8.7 Shoreline Response 41
8.8 General Waste Management 44
8.9 Command structure 48
8.10 Response Flow Diagram for Inshore Transfer Spill 49
9 Identification and comparative assessment of osr assets 51
9.1 Oil Spill Response Analysis 51
9.2 Assessment of Fuel spills within Berkeley Sound 56
9.3 Key Conclusions 57
10 Selected Spill Response Resources and Actions 59
10.1 Spill Response Vessels and Equipment 59
10.2 Personnel and Training 63
10.3 Oil Spill Response Actions 64
11 Oiled Wildlife Response Strategy 66
11.1 Background 66
11.2 General Approach to Oiled Wildlife Response 66
11.3 Specific Sea Lion Oiled Wildlife Strategy 73
12 Effectiveness of Response Measures 80
12.1 Effectiveness of Spill Response 80
12.2 Response Measures and Strategies Overview 80
12.3 Strategy Effectiveness 83
13 Conclusion 107
13.1 Spill Response 108
14 References 110

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STRUCTURE OF THIS DOCUMENT

This document sets out the Oil Spill Response Strategy in Section 1, supported by justification and technical
supporting information in subsequent chapters as follows

Section Content Key Supporting Information

1 Oil Spill Response High-level oil spill response strategy
Strategy Overview
2 Objectives Premier, Industry and Stakeholder Premier HSES Management
drivers for the Strategy System
3 Introduction Introduction and background to the Project Premise
Sea Lion Project and inshore transfer Sea Lion Environmental Impact
activities Statement
Oil Spill Response Planning Falkland Islands National Oil
Spill Contingency Plan
4 Risk Analysis and Outputs from statistical analysis on Bathymetry, metocean and
Spill Prevention the frequency of accidents leading to shipping traffic surveys and
Measures an oil spill and their possible release analysis.
sizes. Discussion and demonstration Bow Tie Analysis Report.
that the likelihood of accidents leading
DNV-GL Quantitative Risk
to a spill have been minimised
Assessment including
comparison with similar
operations worldwide.
Tanker simulator exercises.
5 Oil Characteristics Details of the characteristics and Intertek Report, 2011
properties of Sea Lion Crude Oil Oilfield Chemical Technology
High level description of other Ltd.2011
hydrocarbons on the oil inventory CEDRE Report,2017
Expert input (D. Salt, B. Bennett
and A. Lewis).
IMO implementation of the
OPRC convention and the
OPRC-HNS
Protocol and relevant OPRC
conference resolutions,2004
6 Oil Spill Scenarios Determination of all reasonably Scenarios: QRA,
foreseeable oil spill scenarios during Premier Inshore Environmental
navigation, crude transfer and marine Modelling Report
operations.
Premier OSOP Report, 2017
MCA Ship to Ship Transfer
Regulations 2010/2012
7 Environmental Key environmental sensitivities and Database of supporting surveys
Sensitivities strategic options adopted to minimise and baseline information.
risk

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Section Content Key Supporting Information

8 Oil Spill Response Details of the response methods Premier Inshore Environmental
Measures proposed to contain and recover oil, Modelling Report.
for surveillance, to protect shorelines, Premier Sea Lion Waste
to deal with waste and to manage Strategy
wildlife impacts for typical scenarios.
IPIECA/IOGP Good Practice JIP
& ITOPF Guidelines
IMO, Section IV, Combating Oil
nd
Spills 2 edition, 2005.

9 Identification and SAERI Environmental Surveys,

Comparative 2016 and 2017
Assessment for Premier Inshore Modelling
Effective OSR Report 2017
Assets
Premier OSOP Report, 2017
IMO, Section IV, Combating Oil
nd
Spills 2 edition, 2005.

10 Selection of OSR Premier OSOP Report, 2017

Assets and
Training
Competency

11 Oiled Wildlife An overview of the oiled wildlife IPIECA Guidance Document

Response response and Premiers oiled wildlife
Falklands Island Oiled Wildlife
commitment
Plan

12 Response Details of how Premier Oil intends to Premier OSOP Report, 2017
effectiveness respond to a Tier 1, 2 and 3spills
assessment within Berkeley Sound.
Overall effectiveness of the response

14 Conclusions A summary of the key findings on spill Premier OSOP Report, 2017
prevention and response

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1 OIL SPILL RESPONSE STRATEGY OVERVIEW

This strategy document covers oil spill response for inshore crude oil operations proposed to take place in
Berkeley Sound in support of the Sea Lion offshore oil development. Its key aim is to identify the controls in
the form of spill prevention and spill response that reduce risks to levels that that are as low as reasonably
practicable (ALARP), meet and surpass legislative / regulatory requirements and fall within Premier’s own
standards and guidelines.
This document is to act as the foundation on which an operational oil spill contingency plan (OSCP) and oiled
wildlife response plan (OWRP) will be developed as guided by the Offshore Minerals Ordinance 1994, and the
Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response Co-operation (OPRC) 1990.
The operational OSCP and OWRP will interface with the Falkland Islands National Oil Spill Contingency Plan
(NOSCP), and Falklands Island Oiled Wildlife Plan, and will be submitted to all stakeholders for approval
before operations commence in Berkeley Sound.
The commitments and proposals stated in this document are intended to satisfy specific expectations and
general requirements set out by the Falkland Islands Government (FIG), as discussed via ongoing dialogue,
industry best practices on oil spill risk assessment and response, and Premier corporate requirements around
risk assessment and oil spill response.
This document is based on the tiered preparedness and response concept which gives a structured approach
to establishing oil spill preparedness and undertaking a response. As stated in the Falkland Islands NOSCP,
for a Tier 1 response:
“the level of resources shall be commensurate to the risk of environmental or economic impact of their
activities and sufficiently extend for a period until either Tier 2 or Tier 3 resources and support can be
mobilised and be on scene”.
This document demonstrates Premier’s commitment to ensure more than adequate resources are available to
reduce the risk to that which is considered as low as reasonable practical.
This document describes:
1. The risk assessment process. Risk assessment has utilised bowtie analysis, quantitative risk
assessment methods, reviews of international data and experience to identify the risks and to identify
the most effective controls to put in place to prevent an incident, both industry-standard controls and
controls that go beyond industry norms. From this analysis, the likelihood of occurrence of a spill and
the range of potential release sizes has been identified.
2. The characteristics of the Sea Lion crude oil. This document provides information on the
characteristics of the Sea Lion crude oil based on analysis undertaken by Cedre and Spill Consult.
The characteristics of the crude oil and how they react with environmental receptors is fundamental in
mitigating the risk of an oil spill and its impact to environmental and socioeconomic resources.
3. The environment in Berkeley Sound and the immediate surrounding areas, both marine and
coastal
4. The planned spill response. While a spill is not expected in the life of the field, a range of oil spill
scenarios have been examined to determine the potential fate of released oil. A wide range of
response options have been evaluated to identify robust ways to respond to those scenarios, to
maximise oil recovery and minimise associated impacts, reducing risk to As Low As Reasonably
Practicable (ALARP). This incorporates industry-leading analysis tools and detailed datasets of
environmental sensitivities. From this analysis, a set of response equipment and parameters has
been specified.
5. The concluding Tiered Spill Response Strategy, in line with worldwide practice e.g. IPIECA/IOGP
(2015), reflecting three different levels of magnitude of spill severity and response.

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2 OBJECTIVES

The objective of this document is to demonstrate that key Company policy, statutory requirements and
stakeholder goals have been met. These goals are listed in Table 2.1.
Table 2.1 Key Objectives

Origin Policy / Goal

 Do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent major accidents, ensure the safety
of everyone involved in our operations and to minimise environmental impacts.
Premier
Corporate HSES  Assess and manage risks
Policy  Plan and prepare for potential emergencies
 Meet or surpass statutory requirements.

Seek to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the full spectrum of operational,

environmental, safety, economic, political and reputational risks associated with the
operation, familiarity with specific local operating conditions and local environmental
sensitivities.

Seek to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the likely effectiveness of various

response measures in the proposed operating location.

Focus on prevention of any spill; by reducing risks to as low as reasonably practicable.

Deploying sufficient maritime resources and appropriately robust operational

procedures.

Focus the ALARP test primarily on risk/impact rather than cost.

Falklands Island
Focus on delivering an immediate and effective primary on-location response to any
Government
foreseeable incident, including a major incident such as the rupture of a cargo tank on
expectations (via
a tanker.
correspondence)
Critical objectives of primary response should be:
 To contain the escape of released oil in an effective manner.
 To recover released oil quickly and effectively.
 To have sufficient redundancy and reserve capacity to respond in the manner
described above to a multi-faceted incident to prevent escalation e.g. simultaneous
events of large vessel in distress coupled with a significant oil spill.

To prevent, as far as possible, any beaching of oil whatsoever, and to recover, as far
as possible, the maximum amount of escaped oil.

A critical objective of the secondary response should be to respond effectively to any

failure in the primary response to provide immediate and properly resourced
remediation to the affected environmental receptors.

To demonstrate these objectives have been met, Premier will ensure that:
 Potential oil spill scenarios have been identified;
 The fate and behaviour of oil spill scenarios has been understood; and
 Proposed oil spill response strategies, technologies and tactics are appropriate for each scenario; and
thus,
 The likelihood and severity of an oil spill has been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable

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3 INTRODUCTION

3.1 The Sea Lion Project and inshore transfer activities

3.1.1 Overview

The Sea Lion Field lies in water depths of approximately 450m and is located in Block 14/10 in hydrocarbon
license area PL032, approximately 220 km north of the Falkland Islands. The Phase 1 Development is
proposed as the first phase of the Sea Lion Field development with a field life of 20 years and it is estimated
that approximately 223 million barrels (P50 case) of oil can be recovered in this Phase.
Once operational, the production wells will produce reservoir fluids to a Floating Production Storage
Offloading facility (FPSO). Once the FPSO cargo tanks are full of stabilised Sea Lion crude oil, the base case
for crude offloading is to transfer oil from the FPSO into a dynamically positioned Offshore Loading Shuttle
Tanker (OLST) with a capacity of around 150,000 tonnes (c. 1,000,000 barrels). Once the OLST has received
around 150,000 tonnes of cargo from the FPSO, it will begin its transit to Berkeley Sound on the east coast of
East Falkland to carry out an inshore transfer of the oil from the OLST to a purchaser’s Conventional Trading
Tanker (CTT).
This facility of using an OLST to transfer oil in relatively calm waters inshore is essential for the viability of the
project. It is possible that an alternative option of offloading directly to a purchaser’s CTT from the FPSO
could become viable in the future subject to criteria of environmental risk, safety, availability and
commerciality, but inshore transfer would nevertheless be required as a contingency.

3.2 Inshore Operations in Berkeley Sound

3.2.1 Inshore transfer of crude oil

The Sea Lion Project involves offshore production on an FPSO with the export of oil to market via tankers.
The project basis includes having a reliable outlet whereby oil is first offloaded from the FPSO to an offshore
loading shuttle tanker (OLST) offshore, and then transferred from the OLST to a purchaser’s Conventional
Trading Tanker (CTT) in more sheltered waters.
The OLST will transfer around one million barrels per visit, approximately 150,000 tonnes. A typical OLST is
shown in Figure 3.1 and a typical CTT is shown in Figure 3.2. Both vessels will be Suezmax size, which is a
tanker class having a range of capacities around 150,000 tonnes of oil.
The inshore transfer process is expected to last for 24 - 48 hours and is expected to occur once every 13 days
at peak production reducing to once every 46 days after about 10 years of operation.
Following environmental, safety and marine studies into potentially suitable transfer locations around the
Falkland Islands, an inshore transfer location within Berkeley Sound was chosen as having the least
associated risk, primarily due to providing shelter from prevailing winds and its simple east-west navigation.
To minimise risks (described further in Section 4), a fixed mooring buoy has been chosen to which the CTT
will be secured during routine transfer, and exclusion zones also proposed, as shown in Figure 3.3.

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Figure 3.1: Dynamically Positioned Offshore Loading Shuttle Tanker (OLST)

Figure 3.2: Conventional Trading Tanker (CTT)

Prior to arrival of the OLST, the purchaser’s CTT will arrive outside the entrance to Berkeley Sound where it
will connect to an inshore support vessel (ISV) capable of performing tug duties. A Falkland Islands pilot and
assistant will board the CTT via boat or helicopter to navigate the CTT into the Sound to the mooring buoy. It
will proceed into Berkeley Sound at no more than 8 knots.
Once the CTT, ISV assisted, is secured on the mooring buoy, the OLST will enter the Sound, escorted by a
Multi-Role Support Vessel (MRSV) which can perform tug duties. The OLST will manoeuvre alongside the
CTT using its thrusters and will tie up alongside, illustrated in Figure 3.4.

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Figure 3.3: Location of inshore transfer Mooring Buoy and exclusion zones in Berkeley Sound

Once secure, the transfer hoses will be hooked up between the OLST and the CTT and the crude transfer will
commence. Once the transfer is complete, the OLST will castoff from the CTT and, escorted by the MRSV,
will proceed to the entrance of the Sound before heading back to the Sea Lion Field. The CTT will then leave
the mooring, still with ISV assist, and the Falkland Islands pilot will navigate the CTT clear of the entrance to
Berkeley Sound. The pilot will then disembark, and the tug will disconnect from the CTT which will then transit,
with its cargo of Sea Lion crude, to refineries around the world.
In addition to the escort tugs, each inshore transfer operation will be supported by a dedicated oil pollution
vessel, a workboat and oil recovery barges to ensure immediate response in the event of any incidents.
Operational limits will apply to the operation as shown in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1: Limiting operational criteria for ship-to-ship transfer in Berkeley Sound

Activity Maximum wind speed (knots) Significant wave height (m)

Mooring 25 -

Suspending cargo transfer 30 2.0

Disconnection of Cargo Hoses

(prepare for departure of both vessels 35 -
from the Buoy Mooring)

Disconnection of cargo hoses 40 -

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Figure 3.4: Transfer of crude between the OLST and the CTT

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4 RISK ANALYSIS AND SPILL PREVENTION MEASURES

Spill risk assessment in the terms of establishing, analysing and evaluating the risk is a key element in the risk
management process and the basis for this document in ensuring Premier have in place adequate resources
and response measures to commensurate the environmental and socioeconomic risk of the proposed inshore
operations (Section 3).
A semi qualitative hazard identification, “a situation with potential for causing harm to human safety, the
environment, property or business” (Marine Risk Assessment, Det Norske Veritas, Pg16) identified three key
processes where an accident could result in an oil spill occurring during an inshore transfer operation being: -
 Navigational accidents during tanker transit (e.g. a tanker collision, power grounding, drift
grounding);
 Marine accidents during oil transfer (e.g. a vessel collision with a tanker while on the mooring buoy,
fire and explosion); and
 Transfer spills (e.g. a transfer hose leak).

Accidents are defined in this study as unplanned events with the potential to cause a release of oil, i.e. an
accident does not necessarily result in an oil spill.
DNV-GL (Premier 2016c) completed a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) to estimate the oil spill risk
associated with the accidental events identified above. The accidental events were assessed in terms of the
likelihood and potential volume of the resulting oil spills.

4.1 Quantitative Risk Assessment Methodology

4.1.1 Navigational Accidents Assessment

Navigational accidents during transit were modelled by DNV GL’s Marine Accident Risk Calculation System
(MARCS) program. It includes models of each type of navigational accident, which calculate location specific
marine accident risks, expressed in terms of the frequency and consequences of accidents, and their
geographical distribution. Further details of the model can be found in (Premier 2016c).
MARCS makes probabilistic calculations of accident frequencies and locations, based on inputs such as
accident frequencies, ship routes and their associated traffic densities, rescue tug capabilities and weather
conditions. It also estimates the oil spill sizes, taking account of the tanker size and the double hull design.

4.1.2 Marine Accidents During Transfer

The risks of marine accidents during inshore transfer have been estimated using bespoke models. Full details
are given in (Premier 2016c).
The frequencies were estimated as follows:
 Collision with third-party vessel while at the buoy - using simple assumptions about traffic patterns
within the Sound, combined with probability factors for collisions between fishing vessels and offshore
installations.
 Collision with support vessel (i.e. ISV or MRSV) - using data on support vessel collisions during ship-
to-ship (STS) transfer operations worldwide.
 Collision between OLST and CTT - using data on collisions between shuttle tankers and FPSOs in
the North Sea, following a review of alternative data sources that are more relevant.
 Mooring failure and possible drift grounding - using data on conventional buoy mooring failures,
combined with the MARCS model of drift grounding.
 Structural failure – using worldwide trading tanker incident data.
 Fire / explosion – using the MARCS model of fire / explosion.

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The probability of oil spill given a collision during transfer was estimated using an energy method, taking
account of the sizes and speeds of the colliding vessels and the energy required to penetrate the cargo and
bunker tanks. For the other marine accidents, the oil spill probabilities were derived from historical data or the
MARCS model as appropriate.
The outflow quantity given an oil spill due to marine accidents during transfer operations was estimated from
historical data or the MARCS model as appropriate.

4.1.3 Oil Spills During Transfer

The frequency of oil spills due to the transfer system itself has been estimated using a newly developed model
of spill risks during STS transfer. This model has been developed from an existing model of spill risks during
bulk liquid transfer in ports in the 1980s, and validated against lightering / STS experience in the UK in the
1990s. It has been modified to apply to current practices, using several sources of data on the trend in
accident frequencies since that time. The probability distribution of outflow quantity has been derived from
recorded oil spill quantities during US STS operations in the 1980s and 1990s. Further details of the model
can be found in (Premier 2016c).

4.2 Quantitative Risk Assessment Results

4.2.1 Accident Frequencies

In the QRA, the accident frequency is calculated for a defined operation and represented as a frequency per
year. In all cases, the frequency is estimated for the year of peak production when an estimated 27 inshore
transfer operations would take place. As the field ages, production declines, the frequency of inshore transfers
declines and so accident and any associated spills risks would also decline.
As stated previously, accidents are defined in this study as unplanned events with the potential to cause a
release of oil, i.e. an accident does not necessarily result in an oil spill.
The QRA process split the inshore transfer operations into phases and assessed the frequency of different
types of accident during each phase. Table 4.1 shows the predicted frequency of each accident type in each
operational phase.

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Table 4.1: Accident frequencies (per year, based on peak year activity)

Frequency of accidents in each accident category

Inshore transfer
Transfer Vessel Powered Drift Structural Fire / Total
phase
spills collisions grounding grounding failure explosion
CTT in ballast at sea n/a 4.6E-05 n/a 1.0E-05 7.1E-05 3.7E-05 1.6E-04
CTT in ballast in Sound n/a 2.4E-03 5.0E-06 7.0E-06 3.6E-06 2.0E-06 2.4E-03
ST laden at sea n/a 7.6E-05 n/a 1.4E-05 5.9E-05 3.1E-05 1.8E-04
ST laden in Sound n/a 4.9E-04 9.9E-06 5.5E-06 3.6E-06 2.0E-06 5.1E-04
Transfer at buoy 4.9E-03 1.1E-02 n/a 1.1E-04 1.3E-03 1.3E-04 1.7E-02
ST in ballast in Sound n/a 4.9E-04 5.4E-06 6.9E-06 3.6E-06 2.0E-06 5.0E-04
ST in ballast at sea n/a 7.8E-05 n/a 1.8E-05 5.9E-05 3.1E-05 1.9E-04
CTT laden in Sound n/a 9.7E-04 2.7E-06 7.0E-06 3.6E-06 2.0E-06 9.9E-04
CTT laden at sea n/a 4.6E-05 n/a 1.0E-05 7.1E-05 3.7E-05 1.6E-04
Total 4.9E-03 1.5E-02 2.3E-05 1.8E-04 1.6E-03 2.7E-04 2.2E-02
Total
0.0049 0.015 0.00002 0.0002 0.0016 0.0003 0.022
(as whole number)
Total 1 in 204 1 in 67 1 in 43478 1 in 5556 1 in 625 1 in 3704 1 in 45
(as return freq. in years)

In summary, the breakdown of accident frequency by accident type and operational phase is as follows:
 Breakdown by accident types:
 The largest contribution (69 %) to the overall accident frequency is from collision. Collisions can
be further broken down according to vessel type;
o 42 % is collision between the two tankers (OLST and CTT) while mooring. This is
because this is inevitably the most difficult part of the operation;
o 22 % is from OLST and CTT collision with support vessels (ISV and MRSV), which can
occur during transits in the Sound or at the buoy. The main reason for this is that these
vessels inevitably operate close to the tankers; and
o 5 % is from collisions with third-party vessels.
 Transfer spills contribute 22 % to the overall spill frequency, although it should be noted that this
refers to spills to sea of 0.1 tonne or more, and small spills contained on board either tanker may
occur at a larger frequency;
 Structural failure (principally hull damage that is revealed as the CTT is loaded) contributes 7 %;
 Groundings contribute approximately 1 %; and
 Fire / explosion are also predicted to contribute approximately 1% each.
 Breakdown by operational phase:
 The largest contribution (77 %) to the overall accident frequency is during oil transfer with the
two tankers moored at the buoy. This includes all transfer spills, collisions between the two
tankers while mooring, and structural failures during transfer; and
 11 % of the overall accident frequency involves the CTT while in ballast in the Sound. This
includes collision with support vessels (ISV) during connection at the pilot boarding location.

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4.3 Bow Tie Analysis

Premier have undertaken a detailed review of the proposed inshore transfer operations to identify and reduce
the likelihood of any accidents occurring which may lead to an oil spill event.
After intricate bowtie analysis of potential safety and environmental incidents to understand the root causes,
contributing factors and most effective controls and countermeasures (Premier, 2016a), a number of
preventive controls, in line with and above industry standards, have been identified to reduce the likelihood of
a spill occurring during a inshore transfer operation.
Preventative controls are designed to put multiple barriers in place to prevent a major accident or spill
occurring but experience demonstrates that accidents and spills can and do still occur and thus Premier are
committed to having adequate response measures in place to support the inshore transfer operations and to
reduce the consequences of an oil spill in the unlikely event that one does occur. .
An example Bow Tie is shown in Figure 4.1 and Figure 4.2.
Figure 4.1 shows the left hand side of the bow tie, representing the potential events (blue boxes) that could
lead up to a ship collision along with all the measures (barriers) in place to prevent a spill occurring.
Escalation factors that may compromise barrier effectiveness are shown in yellow.
Figure 4.2 shows the right hand side of the bow tie, representing all the potential consequences in the event a
spill to sea does occur along with the mitigating response measures proposed to minimise the impacts
In addition to ship collision bow ties were also created for the following events: -
- Powered Grounding
- Powered Grounding causes breached of tanker hull
- Buoy mooring Failure
- Drift Grounding Causes breach of tanker hull
- Foundering
- Fire/Explosion
- Spill During Transfer
This detailed and site-specific bow tie analysis has enabled risk reduction measures to be targeted and
allowed their benefits to be evaluated numerically.
These include measures considered to be modern best practice, and some that are beyond standard industry
practice.

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Figure 4.1 Bow tie analysis diagram showing initiating events for a ship collision

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Figure 4.2 Overall Bow Tie Analysis diagram showing spill response (Contributing factors to the initiating events have been omitted)

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4.3.1 Prevention Measures

A number of oil spill prevention measures which occur throughout the Bowtie analysis which are above and
beyond industry good practice for standard STS operations are highlighted below:
 Strict, comprehensive vessel vetting procedure including acceptance of only double hulled
tankers
 Active escort towing of the Purchaser’s CTT prior to entry to Berkeley Sound and remaining in
place until it has exited

rd
Guard boat security by the MRSV to warn 3 party vessels that enter the active exclusion
zones
 Operation to be completed in a sheltered location at a fixed Mooring Buoy
 Clearly identified manoeuvring and approach channel exclusion zones
 Simulator training for the Pilots and support vessel Masters
 Harbour Authority and Vessel Traffic Management to be implemented
 High manoeuvrability of OLST provided by it DP capability
 Automatic detection of tankers moving apart
 Remote shutdown capability of the OLST cargo pumps from the manifold area of the
Purchaser’s CTT
 ‘Breakaway’ couplings fitted to the cargo transfer hoses, that will part safely if put under undue
stress and automatically seal the connections
 Discharge pressure monitoring on the OLST (linked to emergency shutdown system)
 Auto pressure relief system on the OLST manifold
 Enhanced crew competency on the OLST Tanker

4.3.2 Oil Spill Frequencies

The oil spill frequency is defined as the expected number of accidental releases of 0.1 tonne or more of Sea
Lion crude cargo or fuel oil to the sea in the defined operation or year.
Figure 4.3 shows the size distribution of the oil spills for the peak year with 27 transfer operations. These are
expressed as exceedance frequencies, i.e. the number of spills per year exceeding the stated quantity (on the
-3
x-axis). For example, the frequency of spills of 0.1 tonne or more (from any source) is 5.9 x 10 per year
(0.0059 per year or once in 170 years). Larger spills have a lower frequency (for example, the frequency of
transfer spills declines with increasing size). The curve is truncated at 150,000 tonnes; this being the size of
the cargo transferred.
For small spills (<10 tonnes), transfer spills dominate. For medium sized spills (10 to 1,000 tonnes), collisions
between tankers and support vessels dominate. For large spills (>1,000 tonnes) structural failures dominate.
The contributions from grounding and fire / explosion are similar across the range of spill sizes.
Structural failures make the largest contribution to the largest accidents because they can potentially cause
the release of large quantities of oil from the cargo or bunker tanks in the unlikely event that the whole tanker
sinks while at sea. Grounding and fire / explosion are predicted to make smaller contributions for similar
reasons. Collisions with third-party vessels also have the potential to cause relatively large spills, but most
third-party vessels would be too small to cause the loss of the entire tanker.
Collisions between the two tankers (OLST and CTT) while mooring have the potential to cause large spills,
but this is very unlikely because the CTT, which is most likely to be struck in a collision, is in ballast when the
OLST approaches it. Transfer spills, although of relatively higher frequency, are mainly small.

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0.01 Total
Transfer
Frequency (per year) of exceeding spill quantity

Collision (support / tanker)

Structural
Drift grounding
0.001 Fire / explosion
Collision (3rd party)
Powered grounding

0.0001

0.00001

0.000001
0.1 1 10 100 1000 10000 100000 1000000
Oil spill quantity (tonnes)

Figure 4.3: Oil spill size distribution

4.3.3 Oil Spill Locations

The analysis also considered the location of the potential releases. The majority would occur when moored at
the mooring buoy. Spills resulting from drift grounding and powered grounding were modelled using trajectory
models taking into account local metocean conditions and the heading and momentum of tankers at different
points in their cycle of operations, to define the most likely locations for such incidents.
Overall, the results of the QRA can be related to the specific scenarios modelled in this assessment. Figure
4.3 shows the frequency (per year for the peak production year) of exceeding spills of varying sizes (values
taken from Figure 4.3). This information can also be expressed as ‘chance’, which is the inverse of the
frequency. For example, the frequency for any spill (exceeding 0.1 tonnes) is 0.0059 per year at peak
production, which equates to a frequency of once in 170 years. In summary, the oil spill frequency results
show:

 The largest contribution (84 %) is from a transfer spill;

 Collisions have a small probability of causing a spill, compared to the accident frequencies (1 in 29
collisions leads to an oil spill of any size);
 Collisions contribute to less than 9 % of all oil spills.
o The type of collision making the largest contribution (7 %) is collision between the two tankers
(OLST and CTT) while mooring;
o Collision with support vessels is relatively unlikely to result in oil spill, and so only contributes
1 % to the oil spill frequency; and
o Collisions with third-party vessels contribute 1 %.
 Structural failure (principally hull damage that is revealed as the CTT is loaded) contributes 4 %; and
Grounding and fire / explosion are predicted to contribute approximately 1 % each.

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5 OIL CHARACTERISTICS

Understanding the physical and chemical properties of the hydrocarbons at risk of being spilt is fundamental
in developing an effective response strategy. When an oil spill occurs the nature of the oil undergoes a series
of changes to its properties over time known as weathering. The way in which the hydrocarbon ‘weathers’ and
interacts with the marine and terrestrial environment can determine the oil spill response equipment and
processes required to reduce the severity of a spill.
This section of the document identifies the location, volume and type of hydrocarbons at risk of accidental
release, key physical and chemical properties, and the way in which they interact to the marine and shoreline
environments. Due to the relatively unknown characteristics of Sea Lion crude oil, extensive studies have
been undertaken by several independent organisations to assist in developing a detailed understanding of the
oil and how it will behave in the marine environment with the goal of ensuring an effective response strategy is
implemented.

5.1 Hydrocarbon Inventory

A list of oil inventories that will be present during inshore transfer operations is given in Table 5.1. The Project
does not intend to run engines on intermediate fuel oil (IFO) inshore, but IFO may be present in bunker tanks
on the larger vessels. Marine gas oil (MGO) will be used to power vessels inshore and will be present in
bunker tanks.

Table 5.1: Potential maximum hydrocarbon inventories

Source Vessel Inventory Volume / Type

Total crude volume 150,000 tonnes crude oil in 6 x 2 tank configuration

Cargo tank size (typical) 13,250 tonnes crude oil

Shuttle tanker (ST)
Fuel bunker 4,400 tonnes IFO

Fuel bunker 900 tonnes MGO

Tanker
traffic Total crude volume 150,000 tonnes crude oil in 6 x 2 tank configuration

Cargo tank size (typical) 13,250 tonnes crude oil

Conventional
Trading Tanker b
Fuel bunker 4,400 tonnes Intermediate Fuel Oil (IFO)
(CTT)
850 tonnes Marine Diesel Oil / Marine Gas Oil
Fuel bunker c
(MGO)

Tanker Loading hoses 35 tonnes (2 hoses) crude oil

MRSV Diesel tanks 500 tonnes

Inshore
ISV; escort tug Diesel tanks 500 tonnes
transfer
process
Oil spill response
Diesel tanks 3.5 tonnes
vessel

Workboat Diesel tanks 1 tonnes

Third-party
Jigger Diesel tanks 500 tonnes
vessels
a
Intermediate Fuel Oil (IFO) is a viscous fuel oil that is often blended with marine gas oil or diesel to use in engines in transit.
b
Marine Gas Oil (MGO), marine diesel and diesel are available in several different forms with similar properties and all represent a light,
dispersible and evaporative fuel.

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5.2 Sea Lion Crude Properties

5.2.1 Overview

Sea Lion crude is atypical given its extremely high wax content, which is greater than any analogue in the Oil
Spill Contingency and Response (OSCAR) oil weathering reference database. Crude oils with high wax
content tend to congeal rapidly on release as it cools to ambient temperature. Tests were undertaken to
determine the weathering, behaviour and potential impacts of Sea Lion crude, and a summary of results is
presented below, for full details see CEDRE, 2017.
Table 5.2 Results of CEDRE Sea Lion crude oil tests (CEDRE, 2017)

Aspect Test results Implication for risk assessment and

/ or spill response
Specific Gravity SG is 0.833, i.e. the density is 0.833 tonnes per cubic Less dense than seawater (S.G 1.027
(S.G) metre and readily floats
Wax content Very high wax content of 42.3 % measured by The crude is solid at ambient
gravimetric analysis temperature and resists physical
breakup into smaller particles.
Pour point Oil remains solid until heated to 39 °C The crude is solid at ambient
temperature and on the sea surface
and does not spread once cooled. It
must be heated to >39°C to flow under
the action of gravity. At higher
pressures, it can be pumped at lower
temperatures e.g. 25°C for oil
recovery.
Physical state Immediately solidified in contact with water at As above. Individual oil masses do
when in contact Falklands seawater temperature not tend to coagulate together once
with water / cooled.
ambient air
temperature
Evaporation True Boiling Point data indicates that at 140 °C up to In the event of a spill, very little will
2.8 % volume of the crude evaporates (this is evaporate so the mass of oil spilled
extrapolated to the fraction lost over a weathering will not reduce greatly as the crude
period of approximately 0.5 – 1 day in reality). The weathers at sea. The density of the
maximum evaporation was found to be 11.7 % volume, oil will increase slightly by
which represents evaporation over 3-7 days evaporation, but not enough to sink in
weathering in reality. seawater.
Dispersion In a test environment, the oil was released in simulated Masses of oil from an oil spill would
open sea conditions: not break up after weathering at sea
 Approximated to Beaufort sea state 3 but remain in discrete clumps
(corresponding parameters in the ‘polludrome’ (test
environment) were wave height 20cm, mean period
3s, current speed 40cm/s, wind 5m/s, volume of
3
seawater 7 m );
 Sea temperature 8 °C;
 Solar energy was created using UV light; and
 Water continuously circulated for 7 days.
No dispersion of the oil into the water column or
significant breakup of the oil masses was recorded.
The test environment energy was then increased to
breaking wave conditions for 3 days, and no difference
in the oil behaviour was observed.
Response to The oil does not respond to chemical dispersants. Chemical dispersants will not be
chemical Dispersants did not penetrate the surface of cooled oil. effective on spilled oil and are not
dispersion recommended
Biodegradation The high alkane content of the oil means it will If not recovered, the oil would remain
biodegrade but due to the high wax content this is in the environment as a solid (for at
expected to take some time. least seven days) until eventually
breaking up and biodegrading
Interaction with Tests at 5 and 100 parts per million (ppm) showed that This indicates that at low
suspended solids after 5 days there was no interaction between the oil concentrations such as at sea, the oil

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Aspect Test results Implication for risk assessment and

/ or spill response
and the suspended solids at 5 ppm, and some is unlikely to interact with suspended
particles were adsorbed onto the surface of the oil at solids and fall into the water column.
100 ppm but the oil remained floating At much higher concentrations, there
will be some interaction, and over long
periods of exposure to suspended
solids e.g. near beaches, the oil may
eventually sink to the seabed
Adhesion to Adhesion to feathers was tested by dipping feathers In the event of a spill, the
feathers from nine species found around the Falklands into two concentration of oil will affect the
oil spill scenarios and one produced water discharge amount of oil adsorbed by birds’
scenario: feathers.
2
Spill scenario At concentrations of 1kg/m all
 Feathers were dipped into a concentration of species tested were stained but thin-
2
100g/m oil in sea water: billed prion and imperial feathers
showed greater adhesion, suggesting
o No oil was adsorbed by feathers; and these species may be more
o No structural damage was observed. susceptible
 At a concentration of 1 kg/m :
2 Emulation of produced water
discharge caused adhesion of oil
o All feathers were stained by the oil and two
particles to all species of feathers
species (thin-billed prion and imperial shag)
tested
had microparticles stick to them; and In all scenarios tested no structural
o No structural damage was observed. damage to the feathers was observed
Produced water scenario although the barbules (the ‘feathery’
linkages in between the feather
 At a concentration of dispersed oil at 10 mg/l with oil
structure) were dis-arranged
droplets of ~100 microns:
o Oil particles were observed on all feathers;
o All species adsorbed similar amounts of oil;
and
o No structural damage was observed.
Pelt and fur Tests are planned for pelt and fur adhesion TBC
adhesion
Sheen formation TBC TBC
and visibility
Emulsification See above test conditions for ‘Dispersion’. During release, and to some extent
Around 5 % emulsification was observed, although in during dispersion, the volume of oil is
the form of water trapped in solid oil rather than a true likely to increase by around 5 % due
emulsion. to water trapped in the oil
Dissolved See above test conditions for ‘Dispersion’. Water column impacts are more likely
fractions in the No PAH dissolved into the water column after seven to arise from ingestion of oil rather
water column days than contamination of the water
column from any dissolved
components of the oil.
Low risk to shellfish which tend to
accumulate PAH.
Ecotoxicity Tests on the marine algae Skeletonema costatum Sea Lion crude is unlikely to impact
(diatoms) were carried out for 72 hours to determine the upon phytoplankton
concentration which results in 50 % inhibition of growth
rate.
Diatom growth was not affected by Sea Lion crude
Ecotoxicity Tests on the copepod Arcatia tonsa were carried out This indicates that Sea Lion crude
(copepods) for 48 hours to determine the lethal toxicity of the crude may impact upon zooplankton in the
to copepods. 20.7g/l of Sea Lion crude in seawater is water column in the event of a spill,
the concentration at which 50 % of test organisms died dependent on the concentration of oil
when compared to a control. This is expressed as
‘EL50 48 hours > 20.7g/l’

Ecotoxicity Tests on the amphipod Corophium sp were carried out This indicates that Sea Lion crude
(amphipods) for 10 days to determine the lethal toxicity of the crude may impact upon benthic
to amphipods. 392 mg/kg of oil in sediments is the assemblages in the event of a spill,
concentration at which 50 % of the test organisms died but at a relatively high concentration
when compared to a control. This is expressed as of oil in the sediments. Amphipods
‘LC50 10 days >392 mg/kg’ are recognised as good indicators of

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Aspect Test results Implication for risk assessment and

/ or spill response
oil pollution.
Ecotoxicity (fish Tests on embryonic zebra fish (Danio rerio) were This indicates that Sea Lion crude is
eggs) carried out for 96 hours to determine the lethal toxicity unlikely to impact fish eggs in the
of the crude to fish eggs. At all concentrations tested event of a spill
no toxic effects were observed on the fish eggs when
compared to a control. Slight subacute toxicity (<3 %)
was noted.

Adhesion to Three types of seaweed were tested for oil adhesion: Spills that are direct to the beach, and
seaweed sea lettuce (Ulva), Laminaria and Fucus. with the oil still hot would mean
Adhesion to the three seaweeds was tested with hot oil substantial adhesion to seaweed,
to emulate a spill of crude directly onto the beach at though this scenario is very
low tide, though it should be noted that this scenario is unrealistic.
very unrealistic as any spills at sea would mean the oil Spills to water, which then drift onto
solidifies before reaching the shore, even in the case the beach are unlikely to adhere to the
of a tanker grounding, the vessel would ground a seaweed if they reach the shore at
distance from the shore due to its hull depth. high tide or if they reach seaweed that
Oil that had solidified and cooled having been spilled is permanently immersed.
to sea (to emulate a spill which had drifted onto the If cold oil reaches shallow water at the
beach at high tide) was also tested. shore at low tide (i.e. where waves are
Adhesion to the seaweed at low tide can be substantial mixing oil and seaweed on a beach) it
but at high tide interaction was very limited. may strongly adhere to exposed sea
At high hide, the oil remained on the surface of the lettuce and Laminaria.
water and did not stick to the seaweed. Roughness of the seaweed plays a
For cold oil directly applied to seaweed, adhesion to role in the adhesion of the oil.
sea lettuce and Laminaria was strong but less so with
Fucus.
Hot oil directly applied to the seaweed adhered well to
sea lettuce and Fucus but not as much to Laminaria,
with the roughness of the seaweed being important in
the amount of oil adhesion.
Adhesion to Tests were carried out to assess the oil adhesion to If a spill occurs at high tide (i.e. to
shoreline different substrates; two tidal cycles were emulated. water) the oil will stay on the surface
When the crude was spilled at high tide (i.e. to water), of the water and little adhesion to the
the oil solidified on contact with the water and no shoreline should be observed.
contact occurred between the oil and sediments. After If a spill occurs at low tide, directly
two tidal cycles, no adhesion was observed and the oil onto the coast (as noted above an
stays on the water’s surface. unrealistic scenario), adhesion should
When the crude was spilled at low tide (i.e. directly be consequent in rocky and cobbled
onto the substrate which, as noted above is very areas but for sandy sediment,
unrealistic) the oil stayed stuck to the rocky and adhesion should be limited and oil
cobbled shores and was laid on the sandy sediment. easily removed.
After three hours, the oil lifted off the sandy sediments It should be noted here that the tidal
but stayed stuck to the rocky and cobbled shores. range around Berkeley Sound is
After one week, a small amount of oil resurfaced from relatively small.
the rocky sediment but the majority of oil stayed stuck.
After one week, the majority of oil resurfaced from the
cobbled sediment but a small portion remained stuck.
Around 31% of the sediment was stuck to the oil
After one week, no adhesion was observed to the
sandy sediment and all oil remained on the surface of
the water.
Removal of oil Hot oil was spread onto standardised granite tiles If spilled directly on rocks (very
from rocky shores manually and allowed to cool. Pressure washing was unlikely), the Sea Lion crude oil could
carried out at 15 °C, 50 °C and 50 bar and 100 bar be efficiently treated by using a high-
pressures. pressure water washer by using hot
Pressure did not seem to play an important role for any water (50°C). It should be noted that,
of the oils but hot water was much more efficient. in real conditions, rocks are not totally
Cleaning efficiency seemed to be slightly better for the cleaned and an oil film will remain, to
Sea Lion crude oil than the heavy fuel oil. be weathered over time.

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5.3 Fuel Characteristics

The properties of IFO and MGO are significantly different to Sea Lion crude and well documented throughout
the oil spill response industry. The physical and chemical properties of the oils undergo a series of changes
due to different weathering processes.
MGO containing lighter hydrocarbon compounds compared to IFO will readily spread in the marine
environment where it will change under the processes of dissolution, evaporation and dispersion. IFO
containing heavier hydrocarbon compounds is known to be more ‘persistent’ in the marine environment
remaining visible and undergoing the weathering processes at a slower rate.
IFO contains Asphaltene giving a moderate tendency to form stable water in oil emulsions when mixed with
sea water. In terms of response measures this is a negative process as emulsified oils are highly viscous and
can increase the volume of the oil fivefold.
Both IFO and MGO have much lower wax content compared to Sea Lion crude, and will adhere to surfaces,
fur and feathers, penetrate substrates much more easily and release an iridescent/silvery sheen on the
surface of the water.
A summary of physical properties is given in Table 5.3. IFO will be very viscous and tarry at ambient
temperatures, while MGO will continue to flow readily even at very low temperatures.
Table 5.3: Summary of typical fuel properties

Oil type API (°) Specific Gravity Viscosity (cP) Pour point

IFO-380 (typical) 15.2 0.965 10,000 cP at 13 ºC 20C

MGO (typical) 36.4 0.843 3.9 cP at 13 ºC -36C

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6 OIL SPILL SCENARIOS AND OIL FATE AND EFFECTS

Understanding the likely trajectory and fate of the hydrocarbons within the marine environment greatly assists
in identifying the risk to the surrounding environment and preparing effective response strategies.
Specific oil spill scenarios were identified and modelled to determine the severity of an oil spill without a
response within Berkeley Sound to assist in providing information on the:
 Fate of the hydrocarbons in terms of the relative amounts dispersed, evaporated, beached,
biodegraded and deposited in sediments;
 Probability of hydrocarbons on the sea surface or reaching the shore;
 Characteristics of hydrocarbons dissolved in the water column;
 Overall likely transport of oil at sea in terms of density, direction and time.
The information obtained from the model identified the sections of shoreline with a higher probability of
surface oiling and known wildlife habitats most at risk from contact with the oil. This information allowed
sufficient response measures to be developed to ensure that Premier could adequately commensurate the
environmental and socioeconomic risk of the inshore operations.

6.1 Oil Spill Scenarios

The selection of credible spill scenarios was influenced by:

 The effects of different hydrocarbons being spilt (crude oil, MGO and IFO)
 Merchant Shipping Notice 1829, which gives guidance on compliance with the Merchant Shipping
(Ship-to-Ship Transfer) Regulations 2010, and requires an estimated worst-case scenario of 300
tonnes of heavy fuel oil to be considered for spill response;
 The results of the QRA oil spill size distribution (Figure 4.3), which point to distinct groupings of spills
up to 300 tonnes and then up to 3,000 tonnes.

6.1.1 Scenario 1: 300 Tonne Crude Oil Spill

The results of the QRA indicate that the vast majority of all the spill scenarios (85 %) are <300 tonnes, with
over 93 % occurring at the mooring buoy location. These could result from releases during oil transfer with
equipment faults and operational Table 4.1s being the most common causes. Hose failure / detachment,
overfilling and manifold failure are less common causes.

6.1.2 Scenario 2: 3,000 Tonne Crude Oil Spill Event

A second grouping of spills around 3,000 tonnes was identified in the QRA, and this spill volume was
therefore, also selected to test Premier’s capability to effectively respond to a significant spill event using
Premier’s in country resources.
Premier are committed to providing additional Tier 2 support from available Premier resources in the Falkland
Islands in the unlikely event that a spill occurs that exceeds the capability of the response resources in
Berkeley Sound during the inshore transfer operations. The additional equipment commitment is defined as
Tier 2 support due to the estimated 24 hour delay in arrival from the Sea Lion Filed. International resources
will be mobilised to the Falklands within 96 hours to assist in any significant spill event.
Scenario 2 was separated into two phases (a) and (b) as spills at that magnitude would, as a minimum require
the rupture of two cargo tanks, due to hydrostatic balance within a double hulled tank. Therefore a ‘realistic’
escalating event was modelled to assess Premier’s response effectiveness in terms of ALARP over a period
of 96 hours.

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6.1.2.1 Scenario 2a: Initial Release (1,000 Tonne Crude Oil Spill)

An initial release of 1,000 tonnes of Sea Lion crude oil due to a drift grounding of the CTT causing a
penetration into a cargo tank on the southern shoreline of Berkeley Sound.
The locations identified as most likely for a grounding to occur are at the north and south entrance to Berkeley
Sound, near Eagle Point and near Cochon Island (Premier 2016c).Scenario 2b: Further Release (2,000
Tonne Crude Oil Spill)
A further release of 2,000 tonnes of crude oil occurs due to an unsuccessful attempt at towing the CTT which
results in a rupture and release from a second cargo tank and a further release from the previously ruptured
tank.

6.1.3 Scenario 3: 50,000 Tonne Crude Oil Spill

Given worldwide performance of STS operations and the base-case preventative measures proposed, spills
of 50,000 tonnes are not considered as a credible scenario in terms of likelihood, but are described and risk-
assessed at a high level to take a precautionary approach and to assist in the assessment of overall
contingent liabilities.
Such spills would only occur in the event of structural failure or fire / explosion on board the OLST or CTT.
The Scenario developed to assess the severity of a large 50,000 tonne internationally significant spill event
was a fire and explosion on the CTT at the mooring buoy which is followed by sinking and an ongoing
conservative release rate of crude oil of 125 tonnes per day for 20 days. It is expected that oil would solidify
and stop releasing into Berkeley Sound well within this time frame.

6.1.4 Scenarios 4 and 5: 300 tonne fuel (MGO and IFO) spill

Intermediate Fuel Oil (IFO) and Marine Gas Oil (MGO), sometimes referred to as marine diesel may both be
present and have different properties.
Whilst unlikely, fuel oil spills could occur during a fuel bunkering operation or could be caused by penetration
of a fuel tank by collision or grounding. MGO and IFO spills are less likely than crude oil given that the
volumes involved, the frequencies of transfer and the tank sizes / area available for impact are all much less.
MARPOL Annex 1 Regulation 12A requires tankers launched in 2010 and afterwards to have double-hulled
fuel tanks reducing the risk of fuel tank penetration.

6.2 Oil Spill Fate Modelling

6.2.1 Model Used

To assess the potential impacts of inshore oil spills on environmental receptors, the release scenarios were
modelled by Premier using the Oil Spill Contingency and Response (OSCAR) model. OSCAR is a
sophisticated 3-dimensional dispersion and fate model developed by Norwegian scientists at the Trondheim
oil weathering laboratories over 30 years and validated with laboratory and full scale tests involving crude oil
such as the DeepSpill JIP tests in 2000 (Johansen et al., 2001).
It utilises detailed information on the environment including metocean, wind, temperature, bathymetry,
coastline and seabed type to predict the transport of oil and the changes in its properties over time and
through energetic weathering processes. It allows response vehicles to be entered into the simulations to
recover oil using real-world properties of vessel speeds, boom types, wave limitations, etc. so that different
response strategies can be compared.

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6.2.2 Modelling Results

Details of the modelling inputs, method and outputs are documented in the Inshore Environmental Modelling
Report, (Premier, 2017d). .
Modelling results can be found in Section 12 of this document, summarising Scenarios 1,2 and 3.
For a detailed narrative of the model plots for all the scenarios refer to the, Premier, 2017d.

6.2.2.1 Scenario 1: 300 Tonne Transfer Oil Spill at the Buoy

This scenario was elected as the dimensioning case for a Tier 1 response for which Premier aimed to ensure
there was adequate response capability within Berkeley Sound.
To commensurate the risk, a significant understanding of the probable movement of the spilt oil,
environmental and socioeconomic receptors at risk of impact and characteristics of the oil had to be
understood. This information was obtained from OSCAR modelling with the model outputs allowing for
counter measures to be evaluated and developed.
Broadly for this dimensioning case, the modelling demonstrates that oil that moves past the mouth of Berkeley
Sound rarely returns westwards towards land but at first moves north and south with the tides before rapidly
moving further out to sea in an aggregate northeast direction, model outputs can be found in Section 12.
By running over 200 analyses and averaging the results, the overall mass balance of a 300 tonne spill at the
mooring buoy in Berkeley Sound is illustrated in Figure 6.11. The results show:
 An oil spill would take at least 3 hours to reach shore, and on average 10 hours;
 6-11% is lost to evaporation, mainly in the first 24 hours;
 The oil has a strong tendency to remain buoyant on the surface, and does not emulsify;
 After 5 days, 50% of the oil is dispersed at sea;
 After 5 days, 30% of oil is on a shoreline;
 Volumes of oil biodegraded, in sediments and dispersed in the water column are very small.
300
6-11% lost to evaporation

250

Surface oil
200 moves out
Oil on surface in to sea After 5 days,
Berkeley Sound c.50% of oil is Evaporated
Mass (tonnes)

and approaches dispersed at sea Outside Grid

150 Surface
Biodegraded
Dissolved
Small amount of
biodegradation Dispersed
100
Small amounts Stranded
of oil dispersed
and dissolved
50
Oil on shoreline

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.5 0.75 1 1.5 2 3 4 5
Time (days)

Figure 6.1 Overall average fate of a 300 tonne crude oil spill at the mooring buoy in Berkeley Sound

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7 ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITIES

Environmental sensitivities around Berkeley Sound and the wider Falkland Islands are documented in detail in
the Environmental Impact Statement (Premier 2017c), Chapter 7. Specific extracts are given below.
Specific studies have been undertaken into:
 Coastal habitats around Berkeley Sound;
 The sensitivity of coastal habitats with respect to oil spills;
 The presence of mammals and birds in Berkeley Sound;
 Benthic (seabed) flora and fauna;
 Sediment types, seabed features and composition including existing oil contamination.
Fish and fisheries are also an important consideration including the population of commercial squid in
Falkland Islands waters.
Related physical studies have also been undertaken to determine bathymetry, metocean data, the presence
of wrecks and the patterns of existing vessel traffic and anchorage.

7.1 Prevailing Metocean Conditions

7.1.1 Currents

Berkeley Sound is an area of relatively weak currents that is affected by dominant westerly winds, i.e. the
water surface is often moving to the east and out to sea. Once beyond the headlands, the currents and wave
motion are much stronger north/south and tend to take the oil quickly further out to sea and to the northeast in
a dispersive environment.

7.1.2 Wind Data

Wind strength is an operational parameter for transferring oil, and wind strength and direction influence the
trajectory of the migrating oil and its dispersion once spilt.
For oil spill modelling purposes, a two-dimensional grid of wind data has been developed by BMT Argos that
reflects this summarised data in the wind rose Figure 7.1, which uses a topographic wind flow model to take
into account detailed local topography including the ‘lee’ effect of the surrounding hills. Further data is being
gathered via a meteorological station located in Berkeley Sound.
The data identifies the strong predominance of westerly and north-westerly winds in this area.

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Figure 7.1 Wind Rose for Berkeley Sound (hindcast predictions using detailed topographical model)

7.2 Coastal Environmental Sensitivity

Coastal habitat and sensitivity studies have been combined to generate maps of Environmental Sensitivity
Index (ESI) following the NOAA (2002) Guidelines. Sensitivity maps are a tool to help develop an oil spill
strategy synthesizing information and prioritise habitats in a response that are generally more sensitive using
a widely accepted Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) ranging from 1 (low sensitivity) to 10 (high sensitivity).
This is used as a guide alongside more specific ecological sensitivity data.
Risk analysis combined with oil spill trajectory modelling identifies the location of high risk areas combining
higher probability of being impacted by oil stranding and potential major consequences. Figure 7.2 maps the
coastline of Berkeley Sound to show the distribution of ESI category habitats. Within Berkeley Sound, the
most sensitive coastlines are gravel beaches with granules and pebbles (6A) limited to the upper reaches of
the Sound to the west of the proposed transfer site and would be less at risk of oil contamination given the
prevailing westerly winds.
The coastlines of the outer Sound where transfer operations are most likely to occur are largely characteried
by exposed rocky shore (1A), exposed wave cut platforms (2A).
To the north of Berkeley Sound, the adjacent Volunteer Lagoon represents an area of higher sensitivity being
sheltered scarps in bedrock, mud, or clay (8A).
Berkeley Sound, and associated coastline, has a total length of 295 km. Of this, 34 % (101 km) was classed
as high sensitivity, 10 km (3 %) is moderate sensitivity and 184 km (62 %) is classed as low sensitivity.

7.3 Seabirds

The Islands themselves hold internationally important breeding populations of several seabird species, and
coastal and offshore waters support numerous species of non-breeding visitors. Of the 82 seabird species

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recorded in the Falkland Islands, 22 / 23 breed in the archipelago, 24 are annual non-breeding visitors and the
remainder rare visitors or vagrants. Over 70 % of the global population of the near threatened black-browed
albatross breed on the Islands. After New Zealand, the Falkland Islands support more penguin species than
any other region in the world and for most of these species; the populations breeding in the Falkland Islands
represent a significant proportion of the global total.
Seabird surveys commissioned by Premier in 2016 and 2017 have identified shoreline bird populations
around Berkeley Sound in summer and winter conditions (for Volunteer Lagoon and Volunteer Bay, winter
only). Figure 7.2 and Figure 7.3 illustrate the environmental sensitivities by taking into account the density of
bird sightings, known colony locations of birds and pinnipeds, and the known behaviour of birds and the
coastal Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) score.

7.4 Marine Mammals

Marine mammals are abundant in Falkland Islands waters, including cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and
pinnipeds (sea lions and fur seals). Systematic data on inshore marine mammals is limited, but several
species have been observed. All cetaceans are listed as species of conservation priority and are the subject
of a Falkland Islands Cetacean Management Plan (FIG, 2008c). Details of the marine mammals observed
are given in Table 7.1.

7.5 Fish and Fisheries

Commercial fishing is not permitted within coastal waters around the Falkland Islands. Nonetheless,
commercial species may utilise inshore waters for feeding or spawning. Additionally, there are around 20
inshore species of fish and invertebrates, mostly crustaceans and molluscs.
Loligo is an important domestic commercial species that spends its whole life cycle in Falkland Islands waters
staying offshore to feed and coming inshore to spawn and die. The loligo population comprises two different
spawning cohorts, the first spawning during spring and the second spawning during the autumn, while the
maturing juveniles from the alternate spawning group replace them on the feeding grounds.
Despite being of great commercial significance, little is known about the breeding behaviour of Falklands’
loligo. However, it is known that they do not lay their eggs directly on the substrate, instead the eggs are
attached to kelp stipes and likely on rocky out crops.
Toothfish is an important commercial species and is caught to the north of the Falklands but is not believed to
be connected to inshore or near-coastal habitats.

7.6 Seabed Types

Benthic Solutions undertook a detailed survey of Berkeley Sound identifying the seabed types and gathering
physical, chemical and biological data. The sediments within Berkeley Sound are very variable, but three
general seabed types were identified: sand with gravel ribbons, mud with fine sands, and bedrock exposures
as shown in Figure 7.4. At the eastern, oceanic end of the Sound the seabed generally comprised sands
interspersed with gravel ribbons and varying proportions of fragmented shell material. At the western end of
Berkeley Sound and within the shallow bays, sediments were generally finer with muds and fine sands
recorded. Bedrock exposures in the form of rocky escarpments were identified in the centre of the survey
area, close to the proposed inshore transfer location, and along the north and south coasts of the Sound. A
significant amount of anchor scarring was also observed.

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Figure 7.2 Coastal sensitivity categorised by Environmental Sensitivity Index and coastal bird
vulnerability (summer)

Figure 7.3 Coastal sensitivity categorised by Environmental Sensitivity Index and coastal bird
vulnerability (winter)

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Table 7.1: Summary of marine mammals in Berkeley Sound

Species Spatial preferences Temporal preferences Notes

Sei whale Sei whale was the second Abundance is far higher ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN
most numerous species during the summer and Red List
recorded in open water autumn (November to April),
peaking in March

Fin whale More common offshore, Definite peak in numbers in ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN
although BS is one of two March Red List
inshore hotspots

Antarctic minke whale Frequently sighted off the Most animals recorded
eastern coast of Kidney between September and
Island April

Southern right whale Rarely sighted in BS, more Very seasonal (late summer
common in west of islands / early autumn)

Killer whale No known records from

Berkeley Sound. Transit
past the east of the
Falklands

Long-finned pilot whale Not widely recorded inshore Summer/autumn Probably sizeable
concentration of strandings population offshore in deep
water

Peale’s dolphin By far the most abundant Thought to be largely Very enthusiastic bow-riders
species of cetacean in BS resident and to calve
between October and April

Commerson’s dolphin Preference for coastal Recorded in every month

waters, close to shore except May

Humpback whales Not widely recorded inshore -

Volunteer Rocks are the Adults thought to disperse Breeds in BS. Year-round
only known breeding site off away from breeding suckling with increasingly
the east coast of the colonies in winter but long nocturnal foraging trips.
South American fur Islands. considered to be non-
seal migratory. Breeding
commences in early
November with pups born
December.

68 breeding sites spread Recorded in all months. Breeds in BS. The

throughout the Falklands. population has suffered a
South American sea Observed on Cochon and drastic long-term decline.
lion
Kidney Islands. Will return Some individuals specialise
to favoured haulout sites in inshore foraging.

7.7 Benthos

Studies by SAERI/EnvSys in 2014, Benthic Solutions in 2015 and SMSG in 2016 show that the main benthic
habitats present are Macrocystis pyrifera (kelp) forest and sand, both being present at the same number of
stations. Other habitats present include: Mixed Macrocystis and Lessonia forest, Mud, Rock barren, Silty
Lessonia forest, Fine sand, Austromegabalanus psittacus reef, Rock barren and gravel, and Drift algae and
Algal litter.

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Berkeley Sound supports a wide range of benthic habitats (including biogenic and geogenic reefs), each
supporting a characteristic range of species. However, none of the species found are rare or protected under
any Falkland Islands legislation.
A total of 139 species were observed and recorded in inter-tidal and shallow water including Echinodermata:
sea star (starfish), Chordata: ascidians, Arthropoda: crab, Porifera: sponges and Echinodermata: sea urchins.
Arthropoda: amphipoda and Mollusca: cephalopods were the least abundant. The Chilean red sea urchin
(Loxechinus albus) had the highest overall relative abundance, followed by the blue-spotted rockcod
(Patagonotothen cornucola), and giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera).
In deeper waters, 281 were infaunal species were identified with the main grouping consisting of Annelids
(segmented worms), Crustaceans (barnacles, shrimps, crabs etc.), Molluscs (snails, bivalves and sea slugs)
and Echinoderms (sea urchins, starfish, brittle stars etc.).
All of the subtidal habitats recorded are common within the Falkland Islands, and each has varying degrees of
associated biodiversity. Berkeley Sound, itself, has different amounts of exposure and openness, going from
less exposed / more enclosed at the western end of the Sound, to more exposed / less enclosed towards the
eastern end. This will have an impact on the habitat types and species present across the area.

7.8 Hydrocarbon Contamination

Berkeley Sound is not considered a pristine environment with regards to hydrocarbons, with three significant
oil spill events documented in the 20 years, along with constant use of the area as an anchorage for large
ships and fishing vessels.
The lowest values for total hydrocarbons concentration (THC) were recorded at the mouth of the Sound in the
east, and around Kidney Island in the sandier sediments. Monitoring stations located inshore to the west of
the Sound showed a general increase in THC with a high level near the inshore transfer site as shown in
Figure 7.5. This may be related to the wreck of the Ocean 8 fishing vessel to the northwest in 2008, which
leaked over 100 tonnes of fuel oil. THC levels generally correlate with the proportions of fines and organic
content of the sediment, although a general exception to this trend were the stations located to the east and
north of Cochon Island, which while showing low concentrations, were above those expected for this sediment
type. This may be related to the grounding of a reefer there in 2005 with an associated release of over 100
tonnes of fuel oil.

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Figure 7.4: Summary of different seabed habitats

Figure 7.5: Sediment hydrocarbon concentrations

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7.9 The Environmental Impacts of Oil Spills

A summary of environmental impacts relevant to Falkland Islands inshore sensitivities is given in Table 7.2
(after IPIECA, 2000).
Table 7.2: Environmental impacts of oil spills

Class Summary of impact

Mammals It has been rare for whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions to be affected following a spill. Fur seals
and seal pups may be more vulnerable due to their fur structure.

Birds Birds using the water-air interface are at risk, including divers and penguins, and penguins are at
risk in their use of contaminated shorelines. Badly oiled birds usually die, and many cleaned birds
also die within one season. The thermal and waterproofing properties of feathers are lost in
contact with oil, and oil is preened off and digested, with toxic effects. Recovery of populations
depends either on the existence of a reservoir of young non-breeding adults from which breeding
colonies can be replenished or a high reproductive rate. There is little evidence that an oil spill can
permanently damage overall seabird populations, but species with very local distributions could be
at risk.

Fish Eggs and larvae in shallow bays may suffer heavy mortalities under slicks, particularly if
dispersants are used. Oil is unlikely to significantly affect adult fish populations in the open sea.
Even when many larvae have been killed, this has not been subsequently detected in adult
populations, possibly because the survivors had a competitive advantage. Wild adult fish may be
made unmarketable because of tainting.

Invertebrates Invertebrates include shellfish (both molluscs and crustaceans), worms of various kinds, sea
urchins and corals. All these groups may suffer heavy casualties if coated with fresh crude oil. In
contrast, it is quite common to see barnacles, winkles and limpets living on rocks in the presence
of residual weathered oil.

Planktonic Serious effects on plankton have not been observed in the open organism’s sea. This is probably
because high reproductive rates and immigration from outside the affected area counteract short-
term reductions in numbers caused by the oil.

Larger algae Oil does not always stick to the larger algae because of their mucilaginous coating. When oil does
(e.g. seaweed) stick to dry fronds on the shore, they can become overweight and subject to breakage by the
waves. Intertidal areas denuded of algae are usually readily re-populated once the oil has been
substantially removed.

Marsh plants Perennials with robust underground stems and rootstocks tend to be more resistant than annuals
and shallow rooted plants. Recolonisation of a damaged area is more likely to be via annuals due
to their methods of seed dispersal, changing the ecosystem.

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8 RESPONSE MEASURES

8.1 Overview

As shown in the bow tie analysis (Section 4.2), there are number of response measures available to assist in
mitigating impacts to environmental and socioeconomic receptors.
A fundamental response measure is to have an Oil Spill Contingency Plan which captures what adequate
competence, systems, equipment and logistics are in place.
There will be a stakeholder approved Oil Spill Contingency Plan in place before inshore operations commence
and the proposed training and exercise schedule identified in Section 10.2 will be undertaken throughout the
lifespan of the Sea Lion Project.
This section of the document provides a high-level overview of the response strategies which are undertaken
throughout the oil spill response industry and identified as available to Premier in the unlikely event that a spill
occurs with the response assets outlined in Section 10.
Oiled wildlife response strategies and tactics are addressed in detail in Section 11 and so are not covered
below.

8.2 Net Environmental Benefit Analysis

The primary objective of an oil spill response is to safely undertake actions to reduce the risk to environmental
and socioeconomic receptors. When determining the most environmental beneficial response option the
advantages and disadvantages of differing response strategies need to be compared with the potential for
natural recovery. The process of choosing the optimum response strategy to reduce the overall consequences
of an accidental spill is called Net Environmental Benefit Analysis (NEBA).
NEBA is a fundamental principle in planning for and responding to oil spills taking into account the
circumstances of a spill, the practicality of response options, receptors at risk and the relative impact of the oil
spill and clean-up options.
The aspects for NEBA in preparedness and response are described in IPIECA/IOGP (2015) and in summary
the following four stages apply:
1. Compile and evaluate data to identify an exposure scenario and potential response options, and to
understand the potential impacts of that spill scenario.
2. Predict the outcomes for the given scenario, to determine which techniques are effective and
feasible.
3. Balance trade-offs by weighing a range of ecological benefits and drawbacks resulting from each
feasible response option.
4. Select the best response options for the given scenario, based on which combination of tools and
techniques will minimize impacts.
These principles combined with the analysis and assessments conducted over the development of the Project
have resulted in determining the available response options, resources and strategies for responding to
accidental offshore oil spill by reviewing the two worst case scenarios.

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8.3 Monitor and Evaluate

Monitor and evaluate is the primary response strategy to all oil spills of any size. It is fundamental in
determining the source of the spill, estimating the volume of oil spilled, the location of the spill, and the
environmental and socioeconomic receptors at risk.
The process of monitoring and evaluating should be undertaken throughout the duration of the oil spill
response with observers having available a range of resources and techniques to plot spill trajectories and
estimate the volume of oil on the waters’ surface.
This response strategy can be carried out from the bridge of a vessel, from an aerial asset (overflight
helicopter or plane) and from the images captured from an aerostat (aerial surveillance tool) or by satellite.
The operational oil spill contingency plan will contain detailed instructions on how to effectively review aerial
photographs, tabulate information gained and calculate spill trajectories. This information will allow the
incident management team to, conduct a NEBA assessment, prioritise response strategies, effectively
command assets and prepare incident action plans. The OSOP Report (Premier 2017e) details the
importance of aerial surveillance throughout a response.
Access to satellite imagery, low flying aircraft, and skilled observers is instrumental in effectively monitoring
the movement of oil and commanding any at sea mechanical containment and recovery. Throughout the
drilling and production phases a minimum of two crew change helicopters will be available at Stanley to
undertake aerial surveillance in the unlikely event that an accidental oil spill occurs. During inshore transfer
operations response teams will have access to an aerostat balloon which can be deployed from a response
vessel providing continual surveillance of the incident. Satellite imagery will be available through Tier 3 service
providers.

8.4 Containment at Source

Containment at source is a strategy which is crucial in mitigating the overall impact of an oil spill as it reduces
the degree of oiling and contains the oil in one location close to source. Containment at source can include
such operational tactics/actions as containment booming, shutting down the safety shut offs, inserting a bung
in a crack or fissure, or relocating a ruptured pipe etc.
Containment at source may not be practicable in several scenarios especially where the safety of life is at risk.
In the event where containment at source is not practicable, containment and recovery (see Section 8.5)
would be a key tactic within the overall response strategy.
Premier have proposed three differing containment systems at the STS site during transfer operations to
contain the spilt product at source as shown in Figure 8.1.

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Primary: - Pre-deployed STS

spill containment boom.

Secondary: - Pre-deployed
Yokohama fenders Tertiary: - Fast deployment
boom deployed following a
release of oil

Figure 8.1 Containment systems readily available during transfer operations. The primary and
secondary containment systems will be pre-deployed before STS operations commence.

8.5 Containment and Recovery at Sea

Containment and recovery at sea can be considered one of the most ideal response strategies as it aims to
physically remove oil from the marine environment. The response tactics/actions require the deployment of
floating containment booms, specialised skimmers as recovery devices, and suitable waste storage as shown
in Figure 8.2.
Premier have committed to the resources/assets in Table 10.1 which allow for differing containment and
recovery techniques to be deployed throughout a response. The assets in Table 10.1 provide sufficient
resilience to allow for containment and recovery to form an integral element of the overarching inshore
response strategy. The deployment process to achieve a successful containment and recovery operation is
addressed in the (Premier 2017e).
Due to the characteristics of Sea Lion crude oil it is thought that oil recovered directly from the water would be
relatively uncontaminated and suitable for re-use in the export stream. The success of containment and
recovery strategy is dependent on the vessels ability to store waste, during the production phase vessels will
have heated storage and follow the steps below: Oil would be collected into heated storage on vessels
undertaking recovery (primary storage);
 Oil would be reheated to a liquid state and transferred into either:
• Secondary storage (one of the storage barges), or
• Direct to tertiary storage (one of the tankers involved in the operation, OLST or CTT); and
 Oil would be transported in tertiary storage for final treatment/use.
There are significant constraints and limitations of the effectiveness of this strategy in open waters outside of
Berkeley Sound due to the nature of spilled oil, encounter rate, and ability to operate safely and effectively in
rougher sea conditions. These parameters have been taken into consideration to ensure suitable response
equipment has been resourced to effectively deploy the strategy.

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Power pack

Boom Reel

Skimmer

Offshore Boom

J Shape Configuration U Shape Configuration Side Sweep System

Figure 8.2 Boom Formations

8.6 Use of Dispersants

The purpose of dispersants is to transfer oil from the water surface into the water column and to reduce
droplet size and promote dissolution and breakdown, often to minimise the potential impact to birds and to
minimise the presence of oil films at the shoreline that can coat organisms.
The dispersants themselves have an element of toxicity, although they may be restricted to approved lists
such as the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) approved list in the UK whereby marine and coastal
toxicity tests are undertaken. In the case of Sea Lion crude oil laboratory analysis of dispersant application
has demonstrated that it is not an effective response technique.
Dispersant use has therefore not been selected for spills of Sea Lion crude.
Dispersant use for MGO spills is typically not preferred as it will increase water column contamination of oil
and dispersant for a small decrease in surface risk, since diesel will tend to evaporate relatively quickly.
Dispersant use for IFO spills is not considered a viable response strategy for the Berkeley Sound due to the
potentially toxic nature of the dispersants.
Premier will have access to dispersants via Tier 3 providers; however, as discussed above, it is unlikely that
this technique will be used at Sea Lion.

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8.7 Shoreline Response

8.7.1 Overview

As discussed in Section 5, based on laboratory tests there is expected to be a low degree of adhesion of Sea
Lion crude oil to the high gradient rocky cliffs and headlands typically observed within Berkeley Sound.
However, the oil could adhere to the limited number of beaches in potential impact areas and as such Premier
has committed to pre-determined booming points to minimise the amount of oil which could impact those
areas (see below).

8.7.2 Shoreline Booming

Throughout the oil spill response industry emphasis has been placed on protecting shorelines from oil. This
reflects shorelines often being of higher sensitivity to oil pollution than offshore marine areas, since, in
general, shorelines are a dynamic environment where water is better supplied with light, oxygen, nutrients and
a variety of habitats and substrates that encourage a productive ecosystem.
A recognised method of minimising shoreline oiling is through protective and deflective booming tactics.
Premier has committed to seven notional coastal booming locations within Berkeley Sound to reduce volumes
of oil impacting the shoreline. The notional coastal booming locations are to be positioned in locations which
will assist in protecting environmental and socioeconomic receptors and deflect the oil to the recovery
devices.
The deployment procedures and resources for shoreline booming is addressed in Premier 2017e.
The locations identified in Figure 8.3 were chosen based on a preliminary assessment to take advantage of
natural features, coastal seabird observations and the most likely spill trajectories in order to maximise the
efficacy of the booms. The coloured cells shown on the underlay in Figure 8.3 are probabilities of shoreline
oiling from one of the 300t buoy scenarios which are intended to show the general pattern of spills within
Berkeley Sound.
Premier will further refine exact shoreline boom locations prior to operations following more detailed studies
including site based assessments.

8.7.3 Shoreline Clean-up

Any oil arriving on shore will be removed from shorelines as quickly as practicable. There are three stages of
shoreline clean-up:
Stage 1 - bulk oil is removed from the shore to prevent remobilisation;
Stage 2 - removal of stranded oil and oiled shoreline material - often the most protracted part of
shoreline clean-up; and
Stage 3 - final clean-up of light contamination and removal of stains, if required.
The methods that would be used for different shoreline types are shown in Table 8.1 (per ITOPF guidance).
Shoreline clean-up involves assessing the shoreline and appropriate techniques, followed by cleaning as
appropriate. Effective methods are described e.g. in
 IPIECA/IOGP A Guide to Oiled Shoreline Assessment (SCAT) Surveys (2014) and
 ITOPF Technical Information Paper 07 Clean-up of oil from shorelines (2011) and in section 8.7.4.

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Figure 8.3 Notional Booming Locations

Premier has committed to the release of 30 non-essential FPSO crew. 15 will be assigned to undertake
shoreline recovery, and other 15 will be assigned to oiled wildlife response following a significant spill event
and a range of manual recovery tools to allow for shoreline recovery to commence following the completion of
SCAT surveys.
The OSOP Report (Premier 2017e) addresses and considers some of the logistical issues involved with a
shoreline response to Berkeley Sound and adjacent coastlines. The overall shoreline response will be further
developed in an operational plan before first oil.

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Table 8.1: Shoreline clean-up methods

Accessible shoreline Inaccessible shoreline

Stage 1 Rock/boulders Skimmers/pumps; vacuum trucks; flushing Manual removal; manual

removal using sorbents

Cobbles Skimmers/pumps; vacuum trucks; flushing Manual removal; manual

removal using sorbents

Sand beaches Skimmers/pumps; vacuum trucks; Manual removal; manual

manual/mechanical removal; trenching; removal using sorbents
flushing

Stage 2 Rock/boulders Pressure washing; sorbent materials; Natural cleaning; hand wiping
natural cleaning

Cobbles Flushing; surf/cobble washing; mechanical; Natural cleaning; hand wiping

natural cleaning

Sand beaches Flushing; surf washing; manual/mechanical Natural cleaning; manual

Stage 3 Rock/boulders Natural cleaning; pressure washing Natural cleaning

Cobbles Natural cleaning; surf/cobble washing Natural cleaning

Sand beaches Natural cleaning; surf washing; ploughing Natural cleaning

and harrowing; beach cleaning machines;
sand sieving

8.7.4 SCAT Shoreline Response Technique

As part of oil spill response, Shoreline Clean-up Assessment Technique (SCAT) teams will systematically
survey the area affected by the spill to provide rapid accurate geo-referenced documentation of shoreline
oiling conditions.
The primary objectives of an oiled shoreline assessment programme are to:
 define the location, extent and character of the oiling;
 develop shoreline treatment recommendations;
 support operations during the treatment programme; and
 provide closure once the shoreline treatment objectives have been met.

This is achieved through:

 standardized procedures;
 good management practices;
 collection of data which are scientific, systematic, accurate, consistent, complete and defensible;
 provision of data, information and support to decision makers and operations personnel; and
 engagement of stakeholders.

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8.7.5 Shoreline Waste Management

The challenges that are faced by a clean–up operation along the Falkland Islands shoreline arise because of
the relative inaccessibility of the foreshore and the nature of the rocky shoreline.
Oil recovered from accessible shorelines would be contaminated with a highly variable amount of rock, sand,
silt, kelp, vegetation and other organic material. Some may be recovered relatively cleanly, e.g. using spades,
whilst other material may only be oil in a small fraction. The following process would be followed:
• Waste holding areas will be identified local to the spill. For wastes liable to leach oil or other
contaminants, depressions will be used or dug and impermeable membrane will be installed.
• Waste will be recovered into waste sacks then into one-tonne flexible IBCs for onward transport by
boat or helicopter (underslung);
• Returned to a dedicated waste site that is properly established in line with MCA StOp notice guidance
(Waste Management Guidance Following a Maritime Pollution Incident in the UK, October 2016);
• Final disposal will be evaluated once volumes and streams are identified, but will be separated into
• material that is recognisably oil;
• heavily oil-contaminated inert material (rock or sand);
• lightly oil-contaminated inert material (rock or sand);
• oil-contaminated organic material;
• oil-contaminated PPE, sorbents, sacks, rope, etc.
• Maximum effort will be given to managing waste streams to segregate and minimise waste
generation.

8.7.6 Shoreline Remediation

Inaccessible shorelines will be left to remediate via natural weathering processes of mechanical abrasion,
hydraulic action, evaporation, oxidation, photo-oxidation, and biodegradation. Cleaned shorelines that have a
residual oil film will also undergo natural weathering. It is not considered that enhanced remediation such as
using chemicals or bio-enhancement techniques would be beneficial, as the disadvantages would outweigh
the advantages in the behaviour of this oil type in this environment.
Long term recovery of shorelines and sediments will be monitored via the Environmental Management and
Monitoring Programme. The existing survey information provides a baseline with points of reference to
distinguish any added oil pollution from pre-existing contamination and also natural levels of organic
hydrocarbons.

8.8 General Waste Management

Premier will manage waste generated from an oil spill in a safe and environmentally responsible way in
accordance with Premier’s corporate environmental standards which is to follow the waste hierarchy and 5R
principle outlined in the Sea Lion Phase 1 Waste Management Strategy, (Premier 2017f).
An initial detailed account of how Premier Oil intends to manage waste arising from an oil spill can be found in
Appendix 3 of Sea Lion Phase 1 Waste Management Strategy, (Premier 2017f) which is briefly described
throughout this section of the response strategy.
Case studies from ITOPF have shown that the ratio of oil clean-up materials and other debris is typically ten
times the volume of oil that spilled. Due to the remote location of the island and limited final disposal options

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the ability for Premier to effectively manage the waste forms an integrate part of the inshore response
strategy.
Premier's approach is to collect and contain all residues and debris from a spill (at sea recovery, shoreline and
washed down/treatment facilities) so they can be placed into interim storage then sent for final disposal. The
at sea recovery will utilise the vessels’ tanks (primary), the storage barges (secondary) or the OLST/CTT
tanks (tertiary) for storage whereas for the shoreline SCAT surveys will be undertaken but it is envisaged that
free product will be recovered into impermeable storage pits, IBC’s or 205 litre drums.
Segregation is a key aspect to minimise waste for disposal. Lightly oiled substrate that does not pose an
urgent pollution risk and which might be treatable in close to source, e.g. stabilised oil in sand, can be
removed and stockpiled for processing such as sieving to reduce volume. Other oily waste will initially be
recovered into flexible IBCs with segregation occurring as early as possible into fractions that are almost
entirely oil; that are heavily oiled substrate; that are lightly oiled substrate; biological material (e.g. kelp,
carcasses) and contaminated equipment.
Waste will be transported by sea into Stanley Harbour in the support vessels and/or oil storage barges from
where it can be conveyed by road to a treatment and disposal centre, for example potentially at a future
municipal landfill site.
The treatment and disposal options chosen will depend upon the amount and types of oil and contaminated
debris (Ref: IPIECA, 2014). The preferred option for final disposal of the collected residues is secure burial in
a specially prepared landfill cell and such a final spill waste storage facility will need the following
considerations:

 The identification of locations for potential landfill sites, the environmental and legal considerations,
the available infrastructure and the likely costs involved.
 A surface area and volume to take the worst case volume of material identified
The potential to have a partially developed site identified, ready for mobilisation in the event of the
activation of an oil spill contingency pollution response plan.
 How the three main categories of waste handling may be defined, i.e. pre-treatment, treatment and
final use/disposal.
 The site management, its reinstatement and long term monitoring programme.

Approaches to spill waste management will be consistent with the Falkland Islands National Oil Spill
Response Plan and associated arrangements, together with Premier's Waste Management Standard and the
Sea Lion Oil Spill Contingency Plan (OSCP).

Recovered fuels and contaminated materials (e.g. rags, absorbents and, where necessary, clothing) should
be disposed of in an incinerator if possible. Wastes not suitable for incineration include: petrol or petrol soaked
materials; inflammable materials and liquids or soaked materials where the liquid is more water than fuel or
oil. Guidance will always be sought on the use of incinerators for oil spill waste disposal to make sure it is a
compatible feedstock.
The following routes in

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Table 8.2 would therefore be considered for waste treatment and disposal.

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Table 8.2: Waste disposal treatment and disposal methods

Material Treatment Endpoint

Relatively uncontaminated oil Not required Recycle into oil export via shuttle
tanker
Heavily oil-contaminated rock or Further mechanical or thermal Recycle oil via shuttle tanker
sand treatment at a central site to
Dispose of solids to landfill
remove oil
Lightly contaminated rock or sand No treatment Dispose to landfill
Oil-contaminated organic material Keep dry Consider incineration e.g.
carcasses
Dispose of ash and non-
incinerable waste to landfill
Oil-contaminated PPE, sorbents, Sort into incinerable material Dispose of ash and non-
sacks, etc. incinerable waste to landfill
Keep dry

Waste generation from a spill of this size can be estimated using a tool called the ‘Waste Management
Calculator’ developed by the Arctic Council within a project entitled ‘Guidelines and Strategies for Oily Waste
Management in the Arctic Region’ undertaken in 2009.
3
As a highly pessimistic case, it is possible that up to 12,000 m of material could be generated from a 300
tonne spill with no response (this is at the top end of observed waste arisings and would reflect a high level of
recovery) as shown in Table 8.3. 90% of the waste is oiled rock, shingle and sand. Based on laboratory
tests, Sea Lion crude oil may in fact adhere less to shorelines than is reflected in these estimates.
Waste will need to be transported to a local facility for intermediate storage where it can be sorted into the four
categories above. Cover will be needed for materials that are potentially incinerable to prevent excess rain-
wetting.
After sorting the waste, it will either go to incineration, or to landfill. Providing two landfill cells would be
prudent:
1. One cell to act as intermediate storage, from which material can be processed depending on the nature of
the material and which would ultimately contain the more hazardous material, and would be covered
quickly to control unwanted odour, vermin and minimise leachate. Depending on the leachate potential,
oily waste may first be stabilised using cement, which produces a relatively stable solid that resists water
penetration.
2. A second cell for lightly contaminated material. This could be coupled with other landfill e.g. if it is part of
a municipal landfill site.
Drainage from these cells would be coupled to the oily water treatment system to control leachate.
As an example of size, assuming 30 degree angle of repose of dumped material, a pile 4m high would require
3
2 cells each 35m x 35m area giving 6,000 m capacity. Ideally these would be pre-prepared but drained to
remove rainwater.
Examples of methods and plans for managing oil spill waste are given, for example, in Maritime and
Coastguard Agency (2010) Guidance and STOp Notice 3-16.

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Table 8.3: Estimated waste arisings from a 300 tonne oil spill that causes the maximum oil on shore

Waste arising: Waste arising: Waste arising:

3 3 3
Shoreline Degree of oiling Oiled substrate m Operational waste m Oily water m
Rocky Heavy 1026 769
Moderate 733 183
Cobble/gravel Moderate 2198 147
Sandy beach Moderate 879 147
Light 1026 293
3
TOTAL (m ) 5861 586 952
TOTAL (tonnes)* 11,722 293 952
3 3 3
* Assuming densities of 2.0 t/m for oiled substrate, 0.5 t/m for operational waste and 1.0 t/m for oily water.

8.9 Command structure

Premier will respond to all spills within the Falkland Islands which occur as a result of the Sea Lion project. To
effectively respond and manage a prolonged oil spill response, Premier will ensure an effective emergency
response command and control structure is in place.
A detailed management structure with roles and responsibilities will be defined in an Oil Spill Contingency
Plan to be prepared closer to operations, as had been done for previous Premier exploration drilling
campaigns. These will be prepared in line with our corporate requirements detailed in
 Crisis and Emergency Planning Standard (Premier 2017a) and

 Crisis Management Procedure (Premier 2017b).

The principal actions of the command team are:
• To ensure primacy for the overall incident response will be taken by Premier’s Emergency Response
Team
• Work within the framework of the Falkland Islands NOSCP; the FI authorities (via the Harbour Master)
will be party to the oil spill response management and have the right to step in;
• Work in close liaison with the Harbour Master throughout any response;
• Vessel Masters retain primacy for the safety of their vessels;
• Vessels that are not under Premier control (e.g. the CTT) are legally responsible for pollution from
their vessels; and
• Apply its spill response resources to spills from a third-party vessel (e.g. the CTT).

A member of the Premier Incident Management Team in the Falklands will be trained and exercised as the Oil
Wildlife Specialist. This person will have the responsibility of activating the oiled wildlife plan, notifying the
local oiled wildlife response team, guiding the incident management team in terms of wildlife receptors, and
overseeing the construction of the rehabilitation centre (see Section 11).
A typical command structure is shown in Figure 8.4.

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Figure 8.4: Premier management structure for incident response

8.10 Response Flow Diagram for Inshore Transfer Spill

Figure 8.5 summarises the response strategies, tactics and options during the initial 96 hours of a response to
any spill incident within Berkeley Sound as the measures intended to reduce the consequence of a small spill
would continue to apply to larger spills, albeit with less effect.

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Figure 8.5 Oil Spill Response Strategy

Mobilise
International
Oil Resources
No
Spill
Yes
No Yes
Are Tier 3 Notify and
Deploy Aerial Activate blow Asses info and Is response
Activate IMT Activate OWLP resources update Conduct NEBA Activate IAP Demob IMT
Surveillance down shut down develop IAP Complete
required Stakeholders

Yes
Activate DOSRV Conduct
Is Oil Contained Recover Oil and Recover Oil and Transfer to FPSO Recommence
and OLST Incident
at STS Site Transfer to OLST Transfer to OLST for reprocessing Production Ops
Skimmer Investigation

NO

Yes
Will deploying Deploy Tertiary
Tertiary Boom Containment
work with WB

NO Activate MRsV, MRSV & ISV No Yes Offload Storage Continue

Relocate Is Tertiary
ISV and DOSRV deploy Side Is second MRSV tanks and Recovery
Storage Barge Storage
active within 15 sweep (30 Required barges into Operations until
to DOSRV Required
min mins) OLST complete
Yes No
Continue
Assess Situation Deploy boom
Recovery
and determine and recover
Operations until
booming config product (24 hr)
complete

Yes Deploy Manual

Determine
Review spill RIB and WB Deploy Manual Recovery and Demob
Is shoreline appropriate Is shoreline Is shoreline safe Is response
trajectory deploy coastal Undertake SCAT Recovery (FPSO waster shoreline
oiling likely? booming Oiled to access Complete
model boom crew) collection (FPSO Response
locations
crew/VOO)

Notify
Monitor and Stakeholders
Evaluate

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9 IDENTIFICATION AND COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF OSR ASSETS

In order to determine the appropriate number of response assets that would need to be deployed to effectively
respond to credible spills associated with the inshore transfer operation, in order to demonstrate an ALARP
response, Premier have undertaken an iterative process of:
 seeking expert input;
 iterative modelling of response effectiveness using OSCAR;
 review of the model outputs through internal workshops to understand the key learnings; and

 revision of the input parameters to optimise the response.

Many different response options have been examined in respect of a 300 tonne and 3,000 tonne oil spill to
evaluate the Tier 1 and Tier 2 capabilities of Premier’s assets.
The process of utilising OSCAR allowed an assessment of the effectiveness of differing response options.
The process also allowed a determination of the availability and readiness of resources, and clearly
demonstrates the changes in oil impact because of the response measures in place.
The model predicted potential impacts to susceptible bird colonies within Berkeley Sound allowing the project
team to determine appropriate oiled wildlife response strategies, tactics and resources.
The variables inputted into the OSCAR model were as follows, with vessel performance data taken from
industry benchmarks and typical vessels:
 Number of recovery vessels;
 Time to deploy recovery booms;
 Swath width/encounter rate of recovery booms;
 Wind speed tolerance of recovery vessels/booms;
 Wave height tolerance of recovery booms;
 Speed of recovery vessels while in transit and while undertaking recovery;
 Recovery rate of oil skimmers;
 Volume of on-board storage;
 Availability of secondary storage in the form of barges;
 Turn-around time to unload storage to a barge once the recovery vessel was full;
 Environmental receptors.

9.1 Oil Spill Response Analysis

The following aspects of oil spill response were used to determine the appropriate response and its
effectiveness:
1. Response time
 How long it takes to start recovery
 Time before oil recovery starts and expected rate this gives
 Time taken for additional units to commence recovery
2. Recovery rate once started

 How many units and potential recovery rate of each

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 How much is put into primary storage on each recovery vessel per hour

 Is encounter rate/sweep width constraining recovery (i.e. operating below belt skimmer capacity)
 Impact of suspending operation if necessary to enable discharging – how much benefit is there of
having ‘online’ secondary and third storage?
3. Maintaining rate – keeping recovery units working
 Handling recovered oil
 Time taken for each unit to fill its primary storage
 Means of maintaining/re-establishing storage ullage (discharge recovered oil; provision of secondary
storage)
 Managing crew changes
4. Handling recovered oil

 Capture
o Inboard capture, fender capture, STS containment systems between tankers, in-water
capture
 Recovery
o Principally belt skimmers to recover oil from water. Speed and swath of booms to enhance
encounter rate.
 Storage
o Primary: That immediately available to the recovery unit whilst operating - on board tankage
/ containers. Able to be discharged to provide for continued use of capacity - pumpable
condition; temp / viscosity / pump type / pump rate
o Secondary: Intermediate storage used to receive recovered oil discharged from Primary
storage prior to onward transfer to Tertiary
o Tertiary: That used to receive recovered oil (from either Primary or Secondary) and for its
transport to site of disposal
5. Environmental Impact
o Degree of shoreline oiling and environmental sensitivity of oiled shoreline
o The impact to birds shown by oil surface coverage on known forging/rafting grounds and
coastal habitat.
o The duration at which oil remains within Berkeley Sound.

Premier held oil spill on paper workshops to analyse the different response options using the model outputs
and it was determined that the primary response strategy in responding to an oil spill event in the Berkeley
Sound would be:
 containment at source followed by;
 at sea containment and recovery of oil.
This response strategy reduces the risk of oil encountering wildlife populations and/or the shoreline therefore
greatly mitigating the overall consequences of a spill.

9.1.1 Containment at Source

As a transfer spill has the highest likelihood of occurring, Premier has committed to deploying an additional
containment system into the STS procedure and making available a fast deployment boom.

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The systems were discussed at the OSOP workshop held in the Falkland Islands with FIG, and comprise
 H shaped STS containment boom which is predeployed between fender 2 and 3 before the STS
operation commences, and
 Fast deployment boom which is stored on the aft of the OLST and deployed by the work boat within 2
minutes of connecting to the boom after notification of a spill event (Figure 8.1).

9.1.2 At Sea Containment and Recovery

The iterative analysis undertaken determined that the speed of initial recovery was the most important single
factor, followed by the number of vessels, their speed and swath width to ensure an effective at sea
containment and recovery response strategy is implemented for any oil that may evade the containment at
source measures.
300 Tonne Spill Assessment

Figure 9.1 shows the relative percentages of oil reaching shore using varying combinations of response
options for a 300 tonne oil spill using the OSCAR model. The graph is shown as an example of how different
response options, e.g. boom deployment configurations and vessel availability, have been compared in the
analysis.
The grey line on the graph indicates the amount of oil that would reach the shore under the range of modelled
metocean conditions with no response and the others all indicate the decreasing quantities of oil that would
reach the shore with differing combinations of response options deployed. These analyses allowed many
combinations of response options and adjustments to their operating parameters to be experimented in order
to arrive at conclusions on the key factors contributing to effective performance.
Number of Vessels
The comparative assessment showed that three response vessels - i.e. a DOSRV, MRSV and ISV (after
releasing the CTT static towline) can lessen the amount of oil reaching the shore substantially more oil than
two response vessels (Option 8).
Hereafter the extent of the gain from different combinations of response options lessens. However, the model
does also indicate that, in addition to vessels and booms, incremental improvements could be achieved by
using storage facilities to carry the waste oil collected during the clean-up process.
Provision of Storage
To fully examine the impact of providing storage, a penalty of two hours was applied to response vessels that
had to make an offload due to their own storage tanks being full. The assessment assumes that the vessels
have heated storage so that recovered oil can be pumped out of their tanks to one of the tankers (or from the
DOSRV into a support vessel as a further option). This two hour period was based tests carried out in Norway
on the offloading of Norne oil (a very waxy oil) from storage tanks on NOFO spill response vessels
(Johannessen and Holmemo, 2001) which corresponds with the Norwegian requirements for oil spill response
vessels to be capable of a 2-hour offloading turnaround (NOFO, 2009).
The assessment concluded that providing storage is necessary to support rapid recovery when oil is
approaching shore in the order of three hours. When oil takes longer to reach shore (e.g. around the average
of ten hours) then there is more time to manage recovered oil into secondary or tertiary storage facilities.
Conclusions
Out of the response options assessed, it was identified that a high level of performance for the initial 24 hour
response could be achieved with

 a DOSRV active within 15 minutes, plus

 two support vessels with double side sweep booms active in 30 minutes.

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 two heated storage barges to ensure that the DOSRV can empty its tanks quickly at least once during
the incident.
These resources gave a recovery performance very similar to combinations involving more vessels or
more/different boom types. Using the proposed equipment, typically, around 64 % of oil is recovered. Having
a rapid response, having dedicated response vessels and equipment, and avoiding dispersant use, as here,
all act in favour of higher recovery rates, and this is reflected in real examples where similar recovery
efficiency is achieved in practice (Reed et al., 1996 and Engen, 2005), and in sea trials where even higher
recovery efficiency can be achieved at sea where the response is rapid and specific equipment is used
(NOFO, 2015).
3,000 Tonne Spill Assessment
To effectively respond to an escalating event and to ensure prudent over reaction to all spill events, a 3,000
tonne spill was also assessed to ensure Premier had sufficient resource available in country to demonstrate
an ALARP response.
The review of available options, due to the remote location, lead to developing the potential to recall the
second MRSV from the field within 24 hours. As the second MRSV acts as the infield Emergency Response
and Rescue Vessel (ERRV), recalling this vessel to support oil spill response operations inshore will be
confirmed through the Safety Case process. The analysis of this option, as shown in the OSOP workshop,
displayed that this would be effective in reducing the risk to ALARP.
Due to the high sensitivity of the area in terms of environmental and socioeconomic receptors, Premier are
committed to prudent reaction to all spills and will mobilise international support upon notification of a
significant spill even within the capability of in-country response resources.
Reviewing the characteristics of the crude oil and allowing for the vessels to increase the encounter rate in the
unlikely event a significant oil spill occurs, it was determined to equip the support vessels (MRSVs and ISV)
with 300m offshore containment boom. The boom will be capable of being deployed in either a J or U
configuration.
Further practical considerations are that there is a benefit if the ISV and the MRSVs can be equipped similarly
and therefore exchange roles if required, rather than having different booming or storage capabilities.

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These scenarios are

out with the
operating limits for
wind and transfer
would not have taken
place

Figure 9.1: Comparison of different response options over a range of metocean conditions (ranked by
mass of oil on shore)

9.1.3 Shoreline

Coastal booming was explored as a potential response tactic. The assessment entailed determining potential
coastal booming locations that would protect environmental receptors and can be safely installed. This was
achieved by reviewing stochastic spill model results for differing scenarios and reviewing information obtained
from the SAERI Environmental Survey (SAERI, 2015).
The model was used to determine how effective shoreline booms would prevent the migration of oil along the
coastline to increase the overall effectiveness of the inshore response strategy. It was shown in the model
outputs that shoreline booms prevent oil moving along a shoreline and can redirect the oil to a position which
can be readally accessed by the recovery vessels.
It was determined through iterative modelling and expertise discussion that the optimal coastal booming tactic
would be to deploy 300m of shoreline boom at each location on a pulley system.
The impact of the coastal booms is illustrated in the modelling outputs shown in Sections 12 and in the OSOP
Report (Premier 2017e).
A total of 1,500m of inshore solid flotation boom will be sufficient to effectively activate the shoreline booming
tactic. This involves the deployment of 300 m of boom at a maximum of 5 locations. Although 7 potential
booming locations are identified in total, not all of these would be required in any given spill due to the limited
number of trajectories. Booms would be deployed at optimum locations taking into account currents, weather
and trajectory predictions.
Stochastic modelling shown in Figure 9.2 of the dimensioning (300 te) case predicts shoreline oiling within 2 –
4 hours of initial release. For the shoreline booming strategy to be effective, response teams in the workboat
and the RIB/FRCs will need to be able to deploy, at minimum, one coastal boom within 2 hours. Considering
the constraints of operating in Berkeley Sound, it was determined to store the required inshore boom in 300 m
lengths on hydraulic reels on the storage barges in the Sound during transfer operations. It is proposed that
practical shoreline boom deployment will be a monthly preparedness exercise.

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The practicality of deployment was addressed throughout the OSOP workshop; however, the exact locations
for booming are to be refined following a detailed coastal booming survey prior to first oil.

Boom 2
Boom 3

Swept path for surface oil - no response Swept path for surface oil - with response

Boom 2

Boom 3
Shoreline and sediment concentrations - no response Shoreline and sediment concentrations - with
response

Figure 9.2 Shoreline Booming Trajectory Modelling Comparison

9.2 Assessment of Fuel spills within Berkeley Sound

While the analysis has used Sea Lion crude to rank the effectiveness of response options, fuel spills must
also be considered, i.e. MGO (marine diesel) and IFO (intermediate fuel oil, a viscous tarry oil) due to the
associated spill risk.
To examine the differences between a crude oil spill and potential spills of IFO and MGO, 300 tonnes spills
were simulated also at the mooring buoy location (Premier, 2017d). There are some clear comparison points
to be made:
 Relatively little Sea Lion crude is predicted to deposit in sediments (0.5%);
 IFO gives rise to three times as much oil deposited in sediments (1.5%);

 Marine diesel (MGO) produces less shoreline oiling and the most evaporation, but also produces by

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far the most oil in sediments (>5% in 5 days) and in the water column.
Given the properties of these oils, containment and recovery of IFO would be possible with the side sweep
systems and by using weir skimmers instead of belt skimmers. Recovery rates may be slightly lower since
the oil will spread and form a sheen, but the rapid response built into the strategy will allow oil to be recovered
early in the process. It will also mean that emulsions will have little chance to form.
MGO spreads rapidly and also evaporates and dissolves or mixes with water and containment and recovery is
rarely very successful making enhanced dispersion the optimum response strategy. Longer term sediment
toxicity is more likely.
Shoreline clean-up becomes more important because the oil remains fluid and adhesive and causes impacts
to coastal flora and fauna for a considerable time.

9.3 Key Conclusions

The key points that emerged from the iterative process of OSCAR modelling review and internal Premier
workshops of comparative assessment were:
 Premier will activate a blowdown shutdown upon notification of an oil spill event which will release a
MRSV from offshore and 30 FPSO personnel to assist in the response.
 Speed of response is the most important parameter in containing and recovering oil;
 Rapid initial response is vital for a high recovery rate and for wildlife and shoreline protection. For
larger spills, shoreline booming is essential to manage risks and mitigate the impacts of the oil, which
is true for the dimensioning case and larger spills;
 A Dedicated Oil Spill Recovery Vessel (DOSRV) enables a fast response, which is key to high
recovery rate and mitigating the consequences of the oil spill;
 Additional recovery units should be deployed as soon as practicable. (e.g. ISV after releasing CTT
static towline, MRSV from the Sea Lion Field acting in the role of an ERRV);
 Initial recovery using side-sweep booms are preferred as they can be deployed more quickly. Speed
of deployment is more important than swath width in the initial phases of the response;
 Recovered oil storage capacity is necessary to enable the DOSRV to continue removing oil when the
time available is limited;
 Heated tanks are necessary on the vessels and for the storage barges in enabling recovery systems
to offload and return to the response as soon as possible;
 Spill response for different wind directions appears similar in performance;
 The use of dispersants is ineffective on crude oil and MGO spills and is not considered to be of net
benefit for IFO spills.
 During a prolonged response, or significant release of oil it is advantageous to have available a range
of response options provided by having available an array of response assets on-board the response
vessels, large offshore booms allowing for a larger swath width and potential to boom vessels.
 The CTT or OLST are to be used as tertiary waste containment area for oil recovered on the sea.
Which can be added as an additional clause in the standard charter party agreement.
 Compatibility of response equipment between response vessels will increase the resilience of
response.
 The oiled wildlife resources must be able to survey, collect and treat 200 oiled birds with the options of
hazing and deploying preventative measures.
 It is important for the oiled wildlife treatment capability to be able to readily expand upon the arrival of
international support.
 To have available adequate resources to deploy an effective beach clean-up operations which will
reduce remobilisation of stranded oil and reduce the risk of oiling other coastal areas and wildlife.

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Applying the response option of a DOSRV responding in 15 minutes, a ISV and MRSV deploying two side
arm sweep systems within 30 minutes, two heated storage barges, and shoreline booming, for over 200
model runs in different metocean conditions (enough to cover 3 years of metocean data) was found the most
efficient and realistic equipment set in responding to a 300 tonne spill event. Shoreline booming is not an
essential feature of a response to a 300 tonne spill but may enhance recovery and reduce impact in some
situations.
It was further determined that an additional MRSV equipped with spill response resources, plus the installation
and use of strategic shoreline booming points, was commensurate with the environmental and socioeconomic
risk of a Tier 2 oil spill.
Very large releases are extremely remote possibilities, where Tier 1 and Tier 2 resources could be focussed
to protect key areas until the arrival of international resources.
This was demonstrated in the OSOP workshop held with FIG and in the OSOP Report, Premier OSOP Report
(Premier 2017e) and discussed further in Section 12 of this document.

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10 SELECTED SPILL RESPONSE RESOURCES AND ACTIONS

Based on the process discussed throughout Section 9, this section addresses the equipment Premier will
have available in the Falkland Islands and also outlines the proposed personnel training and exercising
schedule that will be followed as a minimum to ensure that an effective response can be initiated in the
unlikely event that an oil spill occurs as a result of the inshore transfer operation.

10.1 Spill Response Vessels and Equipment

A list of the Oil Spill Response (OSR) resources that have been selected to ensure sufficient Premier
response capability, and based on the assessment work outlined in Section 9, are shown in
Table 10.1 and Figure 10.1.
The Table provides a brief description of the equipment and the reasons for selecting the equipment over
potential alternatives. As can be seen, the equipment in
Table 10.1 and Figure 10.1 has been specified to the associated spill risks, weather and oil properties.

Due to Premier procurement procedures, exact names of the equipment could not be displayed, but it is fully
expected that Premier will consult with the supplier to ensure optimum operational potential of response
equipment for responding to Sea Lion crude oil and operating in the Falkland Islands.
Table 10.1: OSR resources available in support of inshore transfer operations

Number of
OSR resource Description
items
Surveillance equipment
Helicopter Crew change helicopters will be utilised to conduct aerial surveillance. For this
2
surveillance to be effective several Premier personnel will be trained in aerial surveillance.
A tracking buoy will be stored in the warehouse and transported to the field
Tracking Bouy 1 when required. The tracking buoy will accurately track a surface oil spill
dependant on prevailing Metocean conditions.
Satellite 1 Premier have access to satellite surveillance through membership with OSRL.
Helium aerostat (balloon) fitted with optical and infrared sensors to monitor oil
trajectory and location day and night. Data link back to command centre. This
Aerostat
1 system was chosen over a remote controlled aerial droid surveillance due to the
surveillance system
reduced training requirement and robustness of the system being able to
withstand 50 knot winds.
Vessels
300 m (1,500 mm overall height) of heavy duty oil containment boom,
constructed of robust material for example moulded rubber, neoprene or similar
material, and formed of individual floatation chambers to provide additional
1 resilience. The size of 1,500 mm was chosen due to the ease of handling and to
ensure the FRCs can tow the boom within the sound using the guiding principles
nd
in the IMO, Section IV, Combating Oil Spills 2 edition, 2005. Can operate in
conditions up to Beaufort scale force 4.
Multi-Role Support Large belt skimming system: was selected due to the ability to recover the
Vessel (MRSV) highly viscous crude oil. The belt will have two options being the spiked belt or
oleophilic brush. Belt systems when operated correctly are proven to reduce
water intake. The skimmer will have the ability provide steam and water injection
2 to aid pumping.
The skimming system will be accompanied with a heavy duty multipurpose
3
archimedes screw pump with a minimum proven transfer rate of 30 m per hour
for highly viscous oils and with water injection to aid oil transfer.
Both the skimmer and pump will be powered by a compatible, diesel driven,

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Number of
OSR resource Description
items
intrinsically safe, hydraulic power pack. Can operate in conditions up to Beaufort
scale force 4.

The large diameter free floating weir skimming device has been chosen to
respond to IFO and MGO spills within the sound. The weir skimming device is to
be self-levelling with the ability to recover oil from the surface of the water. The
pump attached to system will be an Archimedes screw pump with a minimum
3
proven transfer rate of 30 m per hour with water injection to aid pumping. This
1
allows the pumps to be interchangeable between skimmers to increase the
resilience of equipment during a response.
Both the skimmer and pump will be powered by a compatible, diesel driven,
intrinsically safe, hydraulic power pack which can also power mechanical belt
skimmers. Can operate in conditions up to Beaufort scale force 4.
2 Fast response craft (FRC) to tow/work the boom
Side sweep boom around 8m width have been selected for rapid deployment
the side sweep systems are to be on a robust marine grade aluminium outrigger
with a maximum length of 8m. The boom is to be constructed from moulded
2 rubber, neoprene or similar material, and formed of individual floatation
chambers to provide additional resilience and not exceed 1,500mm. The
previously mentioned skimmers will be deployed into the arching containment
areas. Can operate in conditions up to Beaufort scale force 4.
3
Dedicated heated recovered oil capacity of 200 m with option to free up
3
additional 500 m of non-heated storage on demand. This is to prevent further
solidification of recovered oil and allow for free movement of the oil into the
barge or OLST.
1 300m (1,500 mm overall height) of heavy duty oil containment boom,
Large belt skimming system, with Archimedes screw pump, and compatible
2
powerpack system.
Inshore Support Large belt skimming system: was selected due to the ability to recover the
2
Vessel (ISV) highly viscous crude oil.
1 Fast response craft (FRC) to tow/work the boom
2 Side sweep boom system with 8m swath width
3
Dedicated heated recovered oil capacity of 150 m
19 – 24m long vessel with the ability to securely tie the storage barges
1
alongside.
The vessel is to be permanently fitted with either a typical paddle,
1 oleophilic brush, or spiked belt skimmer. This system is best to recover
Dedicated Oil Spill highly vicious oils similar to the characteristics of Sea Lion Crude Oil.
Response Vessel The vessel will be equipment with solid floatation boom and marine grade
(DOSRV) 2 aluminium outriggers which can be deployed at the front of the vessel to
increase the recovery rate.
3
Dedicated heated recovered oil capacity of 50 m to assist in the transfer of
1
oil from the DOSRV to the storage barges
1 Archimedes screw pump with water injection to aid pumping.
Workboat with primary duty of handling mooring lines during berthing operations.
Workboat 1 Secondary duty is to act as tow vessel during spill response operations, for
storage barges, and shoreline response boom.
3
Oil storage barges Floating oil storage barges with a capacity of 250 m each. Fitted with
2
(2) heating coils to heat recovered oil to enable transfer to tertiary storage.

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Number of
OSR resource Description
items
Shoreline response boom. The Premier workshop for the deployment of
coastal booms suggests the boom should be solid floatation boom due to the
following properties, high durability, rapid deployment, ability to store on boom
reel, and low maintenance requirement. The boom width should not exceed
6 1100mm and be 300m in length made up of 10 x 30m interconnected sections
constructed of either PVC or Polyurethane.
The containment booms will be stored on the hydraulic boom reels which should
make for easy deployment and recovery onto the barge. Can operate in
conditions up to Beaufort scale force 4.
Barges to have anchors and winch system installed so can be stored at differing
2
suitable locations in the sound during a response.
Large belt skimming system, with Archimedes screw pump, and compatible
1
powerpack system.
1 Fast response craft (FRC) to support oiled wildlife response and logistics
Ship to Ship self-regulating air inflated containment boom system for
deployment in-between fender 2 and 3. Constructed of double faced neoprene
1
or similar abrasion resistant material with a freeboard of 715mm and a draft of
90mm.
Offshore Loading
Shuttle Tanker 150 of fast deployment boom which can be deployed within 2 – 5 minutes
once deployment vessels are in place. To be stored in a fast deployment bag.
1
Requirement for fast deployment once notified of a spill during a transfer
operation.
Yokohama fenders with the primary function to protect the vessels and the
4 secondary function of containing spilt oil between the vessels. The fenders will
be 3.3m x 5.5m
3
Heated recovered oil capacity of 150,000m
100 flexible IBCs, 500 hazardous waste sacks, a pressure washing system, oil
snares, oil snares on rope, steam generator, range of hand tools for shoreline
Warehouse
recovery (rakes, shovels, spades). Sufficient PPE for 5 days of offshore and
shoreline response, signage to prevent unauthorised access.
3
TDF Response Oil Skimmer, 150m Inshore inflatable boom, 10 m waste storage tank, 7 oil spill
Equipment response fish totes, chemical response totes, 2 trailers, and hand tools.
 Warehouse ready to stabilise, clean and recondition 200 birds;
o Unlimited quantities of soft, warm water (39–41 °C/102–110 °F) of good
pressure (60–80 psi)
o Good ventilation to prevent excessive oil fumes and humidity, and to
Oiled Wildlife help prevent diseases
Response Facility o Temperature control to maintain a draught free, warm environment (24–
1
(see also Section 29 °C)
11) o Electrical capability, min. 200 amps, 120/240 volts
o Adjacent outdoor area for pools, physical reconditioning and response
expansion
o Means to dispose solid and liquid contaminated waste

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Figure 10.1 Picture Poster of Premier Proposed Oil Spill Response Assets

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10.2 Personnel and Training

Premier will ensure that the personnel assigned to responding to a spill event will have the required levels
of competence, achieved through training and exercising of the personnel outlined in Table 10.2.
The resilience of the response teams is critical throughout a response as it can be a demanding
environment with additional pressures. Premier has committed to the following procedures to ensure
resilience of personnel throughout a response.
 Upon notification of a significant incident, Premier will start arranging for an adequately trained
and exercised relief incident management team to relieve the team in the Falklands.
 The contractors will be required to demonstrate how they will manage the manning and crew
change aspects of a prolonged offshore incident. It is anticipated that this will involve dual
qualifications of key personnel such that they can act as a deputy for senior crew members on the
vessels.

Table 10.2 Training and Exercising Commitments

Personnel Description Training Exercising

Incident Manages the tactical issues - All Team - Incident - Monthly notification
Management (e.g. operational, HSES, Management exercises
Team supply/logistics, regulatory Training - 6 monthly table top
notification and other technical - All Team - MCA exercise
expertise). Provides support to 4P/IMO level 2 Oil - Yearly table top
the Emergency Response Spill Response exercise with full
Team(s). training practical deployment.
- 4 (personnel) Aerial
Surveillance
- 4 (personnel) SCAT
training
- 4 (personnel) Oiled
Wildlife
POAC The Person in Overall Advisory - Incident - Monthly notification
Control (POAC) is the person Management exercises
agreed to be in overall advisory Training
- 6 monthly table top
control of an STS operation. In
- All Team - MCA exercise
the event of an incident the
4P/IMO level 2 Oil
POAC will assume the role of - Yearly table top
Spill Response
OSC and co-ordinate the exercise with full
training
activities of the ERT associated practical deployment.
with the marine casualty and
pollution event.
Masters of Master of the vessel has overall - All Team - MCA - Quarterly practical
Response control of the vessel and crew. 4P/IMO level 2 Oil deployment
Vessels In the event of an incident Spill Response exercises
where the POAC is prioritising training
- Yearly table top
a marine casualty or
exercise with full
unavailable the Master may be

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Personnel Description Training Exercising

requested to undertake the role practical deployment.

of OSC for pollution.
Crew of The crews of the vessels will be - MCA 2P training - Quarterly practical
Response responsible for the safe course deployment
Vessels deployment and monitoring of exercises
- 4 (ISV crew) x
response equipment.
Deployment of - Yearly table top
Aerostat exercise with full
practical deployment

FPSO Crew FPSO crew will be activated - Introductory oil spill - Notified only during
and mobilised from the FPSO response training table top exercise
video accompanied
by a Premier oil spill
response brief
document.
- Incident - Monthly notification
Oiled Wildlife Will be responsible for
Management exercises
Specialist managing the response to oiled
Training
wildlife on behalf of Premier. - Yearly table top
- Oiled Wildlife exercise with full
Response practical deployment
Management
- Oiled Wildlife First - Monthly notification
Oiled Wildlife Responsible for safely
Responder Training exercises
Responders surveying, hazing/ deterring,
capturing and rehabilitating - Oiled Wildlife - Yearly table top
oiled wildlife. Rehabilitation exercise with full
Training practical deployment
- Hazing and Capture
of Oiled Wildlife

10.3 Oil Spill Response Actions

The selected response resources and plan across the three Tier levels is summarised in Table 10.3,
identifying what actions would be taken at what time, and over what timescale, for each Tier level.
This strategic choice of resources and Tiered deployment has been tested in the Oil Spill on Paper
Workshop (Premier 2017e).

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Table 10.3 Tiered Response Action List

Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3

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11 OILED WILDLIFE RESPONSE STRATEGY

11.1 Background

Premier Oil has previously developed an approved Wildlife Response Procedure to be followed in the
event of oiled wildlife in relation to the 2015 Exploration Wells campaign, (Premier 2014). This covers the
practical procedures to be followed in the event of oiled wildlife. A similar plan would be developed prior
to the Sea Lion operational phase. The strategy on which this plan will be based is outlined here and has
been developed by involving oiled wildlife experts including Aiuká and International Bird Rescue, both of
whom are skilled in working with South Atlantic wildlife, as well as building on the previous in-Island work
that involved local expertise and dialogue.
Several factors influence the response, including:
 Type of spill (waxy crude, IFO, MGO) - IFO presents the most risk of fouling animals, followed by
diesel;

 Location of spill and trajectory;

 Time of spill - concentration of wildlife at the location at the time of year and also the time of day;

 The behaviour of the wildlife; and

 The likelihood of oiled wildlife being found, safely recovered and rehabilitated.
All oil spill response activities will be coordinated in a manner compatible with Premier’s emergency
response procedures and integrated with other response activities.

11.2 General Approach to Oiled Wildlife Response

11.2.1 Introduction

The inshore environment is particularly sensitive with several vulnerable, threatened or endangered
species of birds and mammals. Birds are particularly vulnerable given the risks to plumage and potential
ingestion. Some birds such as sooty shearwater will be less vulnerable on land, but more vulnerable at
sea when rafting during the summer; conversely penguins may be more vulnerable at the coast where it
is possible they could have a greater physical contact oil with any adhered oil.
The main objectives of the primary response are to contain the spill at the source(s), prevent its spread
into the environment, and the offshore recovery of the oil that has been spilled. These activities are not
part of the OWR itself, but bear significant positive consequences for the environment and wildlife.
Wildlife protection strategies during an Oiled Wildlife Response (OWR) may be divided into:

 Wildlife reconnaissance, i.e. evaluating the wildlife that has become involved in the incident or is
at risk of becoming involved, this should be undertaken throughout the response.
 Primary response, i.e. maintaining the oil away from the wildlife,
 Secondary response, i.e. maintaining the wildlife away from the oil,
 Tertiary response, i.e. rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife exposed to oil, and
 Documentation, i.e. maintaining detailed records and transparency in all information, decisions
and activities involved in the OWR.
Figure 11.1 shows the planned oiled wildlife response process for the Berkeley Sound.

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Figure 11.1 Oiled Wildlife Response Process

11.2.2 Objectives

The aim of a wildlife response is to provide effective protection and care of wildlife threatened or affected
by a release of oil into their environment (habitat) to the maximum extent practicable. As such, the
response will aim at minimising the impact on wildlife populations and individual animals via the following
priorities:
 Making sure that human health and safety is never compromised by any oiled wildlife response
activities.
 Minimising damage to marine wildlife and other resources by combating oil at sea and attempting
to avoid impact to habitats and areas where animals are known to congregate.
 Giving proper consideration to wildlife issues in Net Environmental Benefit Analysis for oil spill
response operations.

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 Preventing, where possible, the oiling of wildlife using appropriate pre-emptive capture or
hazing/deterrence techniques.
 Minimising the disturbance of wildlife via proper planning of clean-up activities.
 The collection of live oiled animals from the shoreline or marine environment with a view to
attempting rehabilitation where possible.
 The collection of dead animals from the shoreline in order to
o Carry out a scientific population impact assessment;
o Dispose of polluted carcasses in a safe and environmentally friendly way; and
o Reduce the effects of secondary oil pollution via scavenging.

Response activities may include the assessment of wildlife risks, real-time monitoring of the whereabouts
of wildlife in relation to the oil, protection of nesting/haul-out sites, hazing and deterrence (scaring animals
away from oil), pre-emptive capture of un-oiled animals - if feasible and for species of high conservation
value, collection and analysis of corpses, euthanasia and/or rehabilitation of live oiled animals.
Wildlife response may have both offshore and onshore components, and is best initiated at an early stage
after oil has spilled. Early notification and mobilisation will allow real-time wildlife threats to be assessed
so that possibilities for prevention of wildlife oiling can be maximised as part of offshore oil recovery
activities. Early activation is also crucial for timely preparation of the near and on-shore activities and to
maximise the time to:
 mobilise hands-on and trained wildlife expertise;
 plan for, and operate hazing and deterrence and/or recovery (search and collection) activities;
and
 Identify potential field stabilisation areas and logistic challenges

Successful rehabilitation of oiled animals is dependent on available expertise, using the network of known
oiled wildlife responders, applying pre-defined and well proven protocols and principles in the handling
and care, and most importantly ensuring that the response is well resourced and managed both in the
field at emergency mobile stabilisation stations and at the treatment and rehabilitation facilities.

11.2.3 Tiered Wildlife Response

A Tier 1 wildlife response will utilise locally trained resources, although the responders will be trained by
an internationally recognised wildlife response organisation, and will be using a wildlife rehabilitation
facility in Stanley. These resources will be put on standby until the full details of an incident are known.
A Tier 2 wildlife response will utilise locally trained resources (as Tier 1 above) that are available in
country via the pool of Premier wildlife responders and additionally to those known resources able to
respond within the South American region. These resources may be put on standby including possible
access to more equipment and facilities until the full details of an incident are known. This represents an
escalation of response from local responders. Although it may take several days for additional
responders to arrive, this is in line with timescales of typical observations of when casualties become
apparent and are caught for rehabilitation.
A Tier 3 wildlife response will involve the mobilisation of additional international wildlife response
resources (mobilisation time >96 hours) to arrive on site and provide both skilled and unskilled support
with a more prolonged period of recovery and rehabilitation.

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11.2.4 General Response to Differing Species

11.2.4.1 Seabirds

Seabirds can be rehabilitated in dedicated facilities or ‘buildings of opportunity’, but the expectation of a
high release rate (meaning that most animals can be released in a healthy condition close to their pre-
oiling condition) is highly dependent on the level at which the rehabilitation can be carried out
professionally (overseen by an appropriate team of subject matter experts, supported by sufficient
resources and specialised facilities). Amongst seabirds there is a high variability to the extent to which
captured animals will react positively to the rehabilitation treatments offered.
Penguins are known to respond well to treatment and are relatively easy to keep as they can be kept in
groups. Other seabirds will require more specialised housing and specific treatments to be rehabilitated
successfully. Species that cannot be kept in groups will require a much higher proportion of the available
resources for the total population in a facility.
Generally, with professional oiled wildlife response managers in the key positions, as well as adequate
staffing and resources, oiled wildlife responses can be highly successful, even when there are high
percentages of species other than penguins. Internationally recognized oiled wildlife response managers
have the expertise to rehabilitate a wide range of species successfully.

11.2.4.2 Cetaceans

The rehabilitation of oiled whales is impossible. The rehabilitation of live stranded oiled dolphins normally
is not undertaken as meeting the requirements for transport, captivity treatments and facility needs for
any single animal is not feasible in relation to the resources available to the whole of the wildlife
response.

11.2.4.3 Seals

Oiled seals would come ashore and can be rescued and rehabilitated in specialised facilities. Seal
casualties are normally outnumbered by seabird casualties, but each single seal will need individual
attention whereas seabirds will benefit from herd management.

11.2.5 Oiled Wildlife Response Actions

11.2.5.1 Survey

Surveys are extremely important to calibrate the wildlife response. Using the data collected from the field
team reports, it is possible to confirm and verify baseline information, determine the number of wildlife
affected or potentially affected, identify priority species and habitats, monitor the impacts of the oil spill on
wildlife over time. Field assessments and surveys can be undertaken on foot, by vehicle, by boat or by
aircraft. They should be conducted across the oiled areas, through areas at risk of becoming oiled or
where affected wildlife is likely to arrive onshore. It is crucial to account for live and dead animals. Survey
and monitoring activities should continue for the duration of active wildlife response operations and post-
release of rehabilitated animals. It is essential to document every field survey using GPS, binoculars,
standard spreadsheets and notebooks. Record keeping and documentation is an important routine and
serves as the basis for reports and analyses of the spill impacts.
Field surveys also assist in the conduction of concurrent activities developed during an oiled wildlife
response like hazing, deterrence and collection of affected wildlife.

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11.2.5.2 Carcass retention and drift experiments

The collection and scientific processing of carcasses found during an oil spill is an important element in
making a more accurate estimation of the impact on wildlife (numbers and species affected) following an
oil spill.
Pro-active and systematic collection of carcasses is recommended to avoid scavenging and the
secondary pollution of un-oiled animals that are attracted to the carcasses. To make a scientifically
reliable estimate of animals impacted by the spill, collected carcasses should be labelled with references
to location (GPS coordinates if possible), date and time.
Ideally, drift experiments should be conducted at the same time to account for carcasses that remain at
sea.

11.2.5.3 Hazing and deterrence

Hazing is the act of disturbing animals in a non-harmful way to make them leave the area predicted or
observed to be impacted. High-use areas threatened or impacted by the oil are priority targets for hazing.
The knowledge of the species is important since some methods are species-specific, like effigies, distress
and alarm calls. The techniques have to be undertaken by trained personnel, as the effects of a poorly
performed hazing program could be ineffective and cause additional damage. The most common
methods include:
 Human disturbance;
 Vehicle disturbance;

 Visual disturbance (lights, reflector, flags, effigies, balloons, etc.);

 Auditory disturbance (noise generators, propane cannons);

 Pyrotechnics;
 Physical structures (fences, barriers).
In some circumstances, to protect flightless species, fencing off the oiled area may be considered.
Hazing and deterrence techniques have variable efficacy. Animals easily become habituated to the
disturbing effect that is used; therefore techniques need to be changed frequently, sometimes every hour
to be effective. It is important to ensure that hazing and deterrence does not result in animals escaping
towards or into the oil.
Before any hazing is attempted, a hazing plan should be developed. This should include the locations to
which animals will be hazed – these must consider the needs of individual species and their current
lifecycle stage.
Specifically, if the animals are being hazed from their feeding grounds, the identified location must
provide an equivalent food source.
If the animals are on their nesting grounds, it is highly unlikely that hazing will be effective as birds have
an extremely high nest site tenacity and fidelity. Life cycle, seasonality, status and weather conditions
may impact with planning and chosen methodology.

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11.2.5.4 Capture of oiled animals

When animals become oiled, they need to be captured. It is a rare instance that an oiled animal will live if
it is left in the field untreated. The collection of affected wildlife will occur during the shoreline and beach
surveys or using Rapid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) at specific areas determined by the Incident Management
Team. Animals can be captured using nets according to their size and species then placed in pet carriers
or cardboard boxes. It is essential to minimise chasing time and to free the animals quickly from the net.
The transport container must provide enough room to fit the animal comfortably. Compatible species can
be housed together. Affected penguins on sandy beaches can be fenced in for manual capture.
Professional wildlife responders should evaluate each situation, since their expert advice will allow them
to assess risks and make recommendations regarding the collection of animals.
Once oiled animals are collected, they will be stabilised as close to the capture site as possible and when
stable enough to travel they will be transported to the wildlife rehabilitation facility for full examination and
rehabilitation. No triage decisions are made in the field but only once a full examination and blood work
has been done will those decisions be taken.
Pre-emptive capture, to prevent contamination, may also be an option.
Safe capture techniques for birds and pinnipeds have been in use in the Falklands for some years and
these will be used as a basis for oil spill response.

11.2.5.5 Field Stabilisation

Once animals are captured, it is crucial that they are provided with medical stabilisation as soon as
practicable. Depending on where the wildlife rehabilitation facility is located relative to the field, it may be
necessary to have stabilisation units set up near the wildlife collection activities to provide immediate care
for the captured oiled wildlife. Field stabilization units must provide shelter (out of the elements), can be
temperature controlled and provide space to store oiled wildlife until they are stable for transport.
Basic supplies to support gavage feeding for fluids and PPE will be stockpiled at the stabilization unit.
Field stabilization units are often used to co-locate field operations and provide a place where field teams
replenish capture supplies such as nets, animal carriers, PPE. Pre-identified potential field stabilisation
locations will be addressed in the operational oiled wildlife plan.

11.2.5.6 Transportation

Once animals are medically stable enough to travel, regular transport will be set up to move animals from
the field to the wildlife rehabilitation facility. Depending on the distance from the field stabilisation unit to
the wildlife rehabilitation facility and the number of animals coming in to the stabilisation unit, transport
may be set up for once per day or several times per day with the goal of moving oiled wildlife back to
Stanley at the earliest possible time. Transport options include boats and 4 x 4 vehicles.

11.2.5.7 Rehabilitation

Oiled wildlife response and rehabilitation is a complex endeavour and will be undertaken by qualified and
experienced personnel.
Once animals are thermo-stable and hydrated, they can be transported from the field or field stabilisation
site to the wildlife rehabilitation facility. An illustration of a mobilised oiled wildlife facility is shown in
Figure 11.3. Upon arrival, veterinary staff or qualified wildlife rehabilitation staff will conduct full
examination and documentation. Animals will be logged onto a Live Admission Log to record a

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consecutive numerical listing of all animals received at the wildlife rehabilitation facility. Once the intake
exam is finalised, animals will be provided with fluids and housed in the pre-wash care area, where they
are held for a minimum of 24-48 hours before being evaluated for cleaning. While in the pre-wash area,
wildlife will be provided fluids and nutrition on alternating schedules throughout the day. Internationally
agreed protocols for the care of oiled wildlife will be applied to ensure animals are receiving the best
achievable care.
During the rehabilitation process, husbandry of animals is very important and different substrates will be
utilised, depending on the species of wildlife in care. It is important to ensure that wildlife moves through
the rehabilitation process as quickly as they are medically ready to do so. Once animals are cleaned of
both the oil product and the detergent, reconditioning fur and feathers begin. Conditioning for release may
require days or weeks in appropriate enclosures before they are ready to be evaluated for release.
The first goal of this phase is to get the animals back to their natural state as quickly as possible. For
oiled seabirds, that means getting them clinically stable to enable them to be washed and then back on
water, in conditioning pools, as soon as possible.
During oiled wildlife rehabilitation, utilising “herd health” protocols is imperative to provide the best
possible care for the most number of animals. Utilising an incident management system will provide
forward planning, meaning the next phase of the rehabilitation process for the animals will already be in
motion and ready when the animals upgrade through the process.

11.2.5.8 Release

Once animals have regained their waterproofing they will be evaluated for release. Clinical evaluation
includes behaviour, body weight, body condition, blood parameters, absence of respiratory problems,
waterproofing or natural conditioning of pelage or feathers.
Once animals have been deemed clinically approved and ready for release, the appropriate release
location will be established in consultation with local wildlife stakeholders. . Generally, animals are
marked before release to assist in determining post-release survivability. The animals are generally
released in the morning to enable them to become oriented to their surroundings and assist them in
finding food.

11.2.5.9 Euthanasia as a response option

While the intention in wildlife response is to successfully rescue and rehabilitate animals affected by oil,
those animals that will not benefit from any further rescue or rehabilitation should be euthanised to
prevent further suffering. At the beginning of an oiled wildlife event, agreement with the Falkland Islands
local veterinary service and response veterinarians will be sought to agree on euthanasia protocols in
conjunction with the Falkland Islands local veterinary service and the agreed protocols.

11.2.6 Legal, safety and security requirements

In the view of the above, it should be assumed that any mobilised national or international wildlife
response personnel will need the authorisation (licences) for their work before they interact with any
wildlife as part of the response. This is not only crucial for hazing activities, capture, handling and
transport of wildlife, but also when euthanasia must be applied, even more so if protected species are
involved.
Safety is Premier’s priority for any incident. All Premier activities, including any response to an incident
would be carried out in line with Premier’s HSES Management System, which includes performing

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appropriate risk assessments for all work. Wildlife responders must observe all hygiene safety
precautions agreed during risk assessments. In addition, health and safety issues related to working with
(oiled) animals need to be considered:

 Working in facilities: a site safety plan will be developed before any facility is used; all who work
there must receive instructions as to how to keep safe (slips, trips and falls; water and electricity,
etc.)
 Working with animals includes danger from bites, pecks, etc. This will be mitigated via additional
PPE (e.g. safety glasses, gloves), and expert instruction on potential aggressive behaviour of all
species in care and related handling techniques

Animals may have infectious diseases that could be transmitted to humans, known as “zoonosis”.
Veterinarians are best placed to assess disease risks and to advise on protective measures. If the risks
are potentially high (e.g. an outbreak of transmittable bird flu is known or suspected in the response area)
it should be considered carefully whether animals suspected to be infected should be admitted into the
facilities or should be removed from care by euthanising them.

11.3 Specific Sea Lion Oiled Wildlife Strategy

11.3.1 Summary of main oil spill risks and response

The modelling outputs identify the distribution and density of oil over time resulting from various spill sizes
in Berkeley Sound (e.g. Figure 7.2). The laboratory work by CEDRE gives information on the weathering
of the oil as well as its interaction of oil with feathers, kelp, shorelines and its general toxicity. The
analysis suggests that the solidified Sea Lion crude oil will not readily adhere to bird feathers but the
impacts could still be detrimental to birds if ingested or due to prolonged contact while resting onshore.
The sensitivities are understood and mapped e.g. Figure 7.2 and Figure 7.3 for bird distribution so that
overall potential impacts can be estimated, response measures refined and specific response measures
during an incident can be deployed.
Taking into account local logistical constraints, Premier will have in place adequate resources and
expertise to effectively respond to and manage an oiled wildlife response with minimum assistance from
international specialists for up to 96 hours.

11.3.2 Overall Strategy

A summary of Premier’s proposed oiled wildlife strategy for the Sea Lion Project is shown in Figure 11.2
which will be extrapolated in the operational oiled wildlife plan. Premier’s primary response strategy to
mitigate the risks to wildlife following a spill event is to prevent interaction and contact between the wildlife
and oil through effective at sea containment and recovery and costal booming.
The process in Figure 11.1 will reduce the consequence of a small spill and would continue to apply to
larger spills taking into account the increasing set of response measures and resources that would be
applied at Tiers 2 and 3. This covers the aspects of:
 Incident activation and set up of incident management team
 Mobilisation of oiled wildlife responders and support equipment
 Survey
 Hazing
 Capture

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 Rehabilitation
There will be up to a 24 hour period before oiled wildlife resources are deployed to the field to allow for
sufficient information to be gained from surveys, development of a comprehensive incident action plan,
and prepare resources. The long-term response is likely to consist of a continuous process with the
actions repeating until the end of the response with the main difference being the quantity of people
involved in the OWL response fluctuating.
The key to a successful oiled wildlife response is pre-planning. As presented in the OSOP workshop,
equipment storage, availability of trained personnel and a dedicated wildlife response facility will be
available to respond to 200 birds with the ability to expand in case it is necessary. This is the guidance
provided by the Falklands Islands Oiled Wildlife Plan.

Figure 11.2 Oiled Wildlife Strategy Summary

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11.3.3 Key resources

11.3.3.1 Incident Management Team

The Incident Management Team assembled in Stanley will provide overall communication, situation
updates, IT support, logistics coordination and direction to the Wildlife Response Team and will actively
maintain two-way internal and external communications.
As an effective oiled wildlife response will be fundamental in reducing the overall severity of an oil spill
event, Premier will train a number of Premier project personnel in oiled wildlife response and ensure that
a minimum of one person is in country and able to join the incident management team as Premier’s Oiled
Wildlife Specialist. The role of Premier’s Oiled Wildlife Specialist will be to manage the oiled wildlife
response, as shown in the OSOP Report FK-SL-PMO-EV-REP-0012.
Throughout a spill event, Premier’s Oiled Wildlife Specialist will be supported as best as possible by
international oiled wildlife specialists who are both familiar with Premier’s operations in the Falklands and
the operational oiled wildlife response plan.

11.3.3.2 Oiled Wildlife Responders

Premier is committed to ensuring sufficient levels of competency in oiled wildlife are present in the
Falkland Islands through training and exercising a pool of residents. This capability will be further
enhanced by having sufficient resources to recover, stabilise and treat up to 200 birds. A number of
Falkland Islands residents (including Premier staff) will be trained in Oiled Wildlife Response with the aim
that 15 trained oiled wildlife responders will be available in the unlikely event that a spill occurs. The
details of the rota or notification procedure will be developed through stakeholder engagement when
developing the operational oiled wildlife response plan.
The wildlife response team will be mobilised through the Premier Oil Wildlife Specialist located in the
Premier Oil incident management team, Stanley.
In a Tier 2 or 3 incident, the FPSO will be shut down and up to 30 personnel will return to Stanley and be
available to assist with response. 15 of the 30 available FPSO personnel will be assigned to support oiled
wildlife response operations in setting up the rehabilitation centre and potentially at field operations being
paired with a trained member of the oiled wildlife response team and briefed by the Premier Oil Wildlife
Specialist.
Throughout the production phase, Premier will be a member of an organisation which provides
international oiled wildlife response support. The organisation will be activated by the Premier Oil
business support unit, based in Aberdeen, upon request from the Premier Oil Incident Commander in the
Stanley. The mobilisation times for international responders to arrive in the FI with additional oiled wildlife
response equipment is approximately 96 hours.

11.3.3.3 Oiled Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility

Within this period, if it is expected that the spill could result in significant oiled wildlife, an oiled wildlife
facility will be mobilised as illustrated in Figure 11.3 as a central base for wildlife response. This will be
set up in Stanley with electrical power, hot and cold water, drainage and waste storage along with
personnel welfare facilities nearby. The location of this facility will be finalised during the development of
the Oil Spill Contingency Plan.

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Figure 11.3 Illustration of a Mobilised Oiled Wildlife Facility, 24 hours after receiving notification

11.3.3.4 Wildlife Emergency Package Stockpile

The trained responders on the Falkland Islands will have access to the wildlife rehabilitation facility and
mobile wildlife emergency packages that will be permanently available and maintained in Stanley,
including initial resources for temporary shelter and personal safety, communications, initial stabilisation
and husbandry, medical equipment, cages and general support equipment. This stockpile will be
designed to support wildlife response in the first 96 hours and will be based in Stanley.
Premier Oil is committed to store sufficient oiled wildlife materials to sustain a response for the first 96
hours and will include packages for specific phases of the wildlife response ready to be deployed to the
field. The packages will include materials essential for hazing, capture, stabilisation, transport and
medical supplies for rehabilitation. Readily available personnel, a turn-key facility and equipment storage
will adequately reduce the risk to oiled wildlife as a response can be mounted within 24 hours of
notification.

11.3.3.5 Logistical Resources

Logistics for surveillance, search and rescue, hazing and deterrence personnel in and out of the field; and
to transport animals to clean-up facilities will be provided via 4x4 vehicles and the FRC/RIBs from the
response vessels. Available crew change helicopters will be used for surveillance.

11.3.4 Wildlife Response Actions

11.3.4.1 Tier 1 Response Actions

Following a spill of any magnitude the Premier Oil Oiled Wildlife Specialist will be mobilised to the Premier
Incident Management Team and notify locally trained resources.
Whilst in the incident management room the Premier Oil Wildlife Specialist will ensure the aerial
surveillance flights are acquiring information on the presence of wildlife. A note will be sent around all
vessel masters to document any wildlife sightings being, alive, oiled and deceased. The oiled wildlife

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specialist will liaise with international specialists and develop an oiled wildlife response action plan for the
Sound in cooperation with other members of the incident management team.
Throughout the initial response, the oiled wildlife specialist whilst in the incident management room will be
able to provide advice to recovery vessels on how to best undertake oil recovery operations to reduce the
consequences of the spill to wildlife. This can be undertaken by reviewing the live feed from the Aerostat.
Based on information obtained from the surveillance reports, a decision will be made to notify the trained
oiled wildlife responders and potential international resources. The oiled wildlife specialist will brief locally
trained wildlife responders at the nominated warehouse which will be mobilised to be a wildlife facility.
During the first day of response, the team will be mobilised the rehabilitation facility, whilst the Oiled
Wildlife Specialist and incident management team, with guidance from international specialists, formulate
a wildlife response strategy/action plan with regards to oiled wildlife, survey, hazing and recovery. The
action plan will be presented to FIG and Falklands Conservation for approval before being implemented
as discussed in the OSOP report (Premier 2017e).
The 15 trained oiled wildlife specialists will be split into teams consisting of, survey, hazing, capture and
rehabilitation. The teams will be assigned differing tasks to complete throughout the response according
to the daily survey reports.
The initial wildlife assessment is the first activity to be undertaken by the oiled wildlife response team in
the field, followed by continued daily surveys throughout the incident response. The main objectives are
to determine the species, numbers and distribution of affected animals and those potentially at risk of
oiling. The surveys can be developed utilising methods such as aerial through helicopter overflights, on-
water using RIBs, and shoreline surveys can be developed by foot, 4x4wd or ATVs, depending on the
location. At minimum, two people will compose each of the field teams.
The capture and recovery teams will determine and employ appropriate methods to capture affected
individuals. The capture of oiled animals can be performed using different approaches like nets, fencing
or even traps, depending on the species. Animals can be captured on land or on water using RIBs. Safety
guidelines and procedures will be used to determine which methods will be applied depending on the
location and species to be captured. Once captured, the individuals will be placed in safe and comfortable
transport boxes, according to their needs. During the development of all activities it is imperative to
minimise stress for the captured animals and other wildlife in the area, and to ensure human and animal
safety and welfare.
Once animals have been captured, it is crucial that they are provided with medical attention as soon as
possible. Depending on where the wildlife rehabilitation facility is located relative to the field, it may be
necessary to provide stabilisation units set up near the wildlife collection activities to provide immediate
attention in preparation for transport of the captured oiled wildlife. Field stabilisation units can be set up
using tents or other mobile containers, providing captured animals with a quiet and comfortable
environment in which they can rest. The main goal during this phase is to provide basic clinical care to
address thermoregulatory distress (hypothermia or hyperthermia), dehydration, hypoglycaemia, and
remove excesses of oil from external mucosae (eyes, nostrils, mouth and vent), preparing the animals for
transport to the rehabilitation facility.
As soon as the animals are stable enough to travel, regular transport will be set up to move them from the
field to the wildlife rehabilitation facility in Stanley. Transport options include boats and 4 x 4s, depending
on the location where the animals have been captured and stabilised. Logistics for transport may be set
up for once per day or several times per day with the goal of moving oiled wildlife back to Stanley at the
earliest possible time.

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Upon arrival at the rehabilitation facility, veterinarians and/or qualified wildlife rehabilitation staff will
conduct full physical examination documenting body condition, body mass, attitude and behaviour, any
injuries, cardiopulmonary auscultation and body temperature. Individuals will be identified with temporary
tags and a blood sample will be collected to determine basic haematological parameters and initiate
triage. The animals will be provided with basic clinical care to address the needs identified during the
examination at admission. All relevant information collected will be properly recorded and documented.
Proper housing, husbandry, hydration, nutrition and veterinary care appropriate for the species
characteristics and individual needs will be provided in a quiet and comfortable environment promoting
recovery. Appropriate substrates will be offered to prevent the development of pressure sores, secondary
to captivity. Regular physical examination will determine when the animals are fit for decontamination.
Those animals that have approved clinical criteria will be cleaned thoroughly during a single bath, with hot
fresh and soft water, and dish detergent to remove all traces of oil from the animal’s feathers/hair and
skin. The individual animals will be rinsed thoroughly to remove all traces of detergent. A quiet and
comfortable environment with access to pet dryers, heat lamps or sunshine will be provided for the
animals to rest and dry their pelage/ plumage.
Once animals are cleaned of both the oil product and the detergent, reconditioning fur and feathers
begins. Conditioning for release may require days or weeks in appropriate enclosures (pools) before they
are ready to be evaluated for release.
For the scenario in Tier 1, oil recovery will begin in 15 minutes and impacts to wildlife will depend on the
time of year and species’ concentrations in Berkeley Sound at the time of the spill.
In the event of an incident where a large impact to wildlife is a possibility but it cannot immediately be
determined, a response of prudent over-reaction will be taken and Tier 3 response organisations will be
notified and mobilized pending situation updates.

11.3.4.2 Tier 2 Response Actions

As for the Tier 1 response, all local response resources and assets will be available, notified and
activated within 1hr of the incident. In addition to the response actions above, the FPSO shut down
process will commence to begin making available more personnel via helicopter.
In the Tier 2 scenario, after 24 hours, 15 FPSO staff will join the oiled wildlife response and be briefed
about the action plan ready for the arrival of affected wildlife.
Prevention measures will be implemented as needed (booming sensitive areas, carcass collection
hazing, deterrence) and impacted animals will be recovered, rehabilitated and released. Remote
stabilisation for wildlife will be implemented in preparation for transport potentially at Johnson’s harbour,
Volunteer Point and Sparrow Cove. Shoreline monitoring for impacted wildlife will continue for as long as
reasonably practicable.
Unless the incident is clearly manageable with these resources, Tier 3 response resources and
international wildlife specialists will also be notified to ensure they are available, if required pending
situation updates, with expected arrival within 96 Hrs.

11.3.4.3 Tier 3 Response Actions

The initial response actions would be the same as the Tier 1 and 2 spills with the Premier Oil Wildlife
Specialist providing daily morning briefs for all wildlife responders and the 15 FPSO staff to disseminate
overall spill response information, as well as the action plan for the wildlife response team for the next

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operational plan. The briefing will include new operational goals and objectives for the team and may
include tactics as well.
After 96 hours, the response effort will be enhanced by the arrival of international expertise and
equipment. The response strategies will remain the same but intensified to reduce the risk to wildlife.
This will be a long-term response with probable effects to wildlife, as the oil may potentially reach
locations such as Kidney Island and Volunteer Point, which are well-known for their important wildlife
concentrations. Prevention measures will be implemented as needed (booming sensitive areas, carcass
collection, hazing, deterrence) and impacted animals will be recovered, rehabilitated and released.
In the case of penguins, it may be possible to pre-emptively capture and relocate animals before they
become oiled. If the spill trajectory indicates a direct hit, it will impact a large number of animals. This
tactic could be effective but must be well planned and include a collection, transport and release plan, as
well as a location for release that is pre-identified. If significant numbers of animals are being collected in
these areas, tents or other equipment will be utilized to provide temporary shelter to be used as field
stabilization centres for wildlife collected in that area. This will allow for animals to be medically stabilized
before being transported to the main rehabilitation centre in Stanley. Remote stabilisation for wildlife will
be implemented potentially at Johnson’s Harbour, Volunteer Point, Sparrow Cove and Kidney Cove.
During any emergency response, it is critical to regularly evaluate personnel levels needed for the
required activities to keep the wildlife response team at appropriate staffing levels. Generally, if source
control has been achieved and there are no longer significant amounts of oil floating on the water, search
and collection of oiled wildlife will begin to taper off as fewer and fewer live oiled animals will be found.
Criteria for ending the active search and collection and other field activities will be included in the daily
operational plan so personnel can be reallocated to other areas of the wildlife response, such as the
rehabilitation centre. As animals make their way through the rehabilitation process, less effort will be
needed to support the oiled wildlife phase of the centre and personnel can be utilized in the reconditioning
section of the centre. As more and more animals are nearing or at release criteria, personnel can begin
to demobilise. After 60 days, the oiled wildlife operations will be working on a smaller scale with local
resources if numbers of daily animals collected has decreased substantially. The rehabilitation centre will
be scaled down as appropriate, with personnel, equipment and facilities demobilised as numbers of
animals admitted daily, decreases. Shoreline monitoring for impacted wildlife will continue for as long as
reasonably practicable, including post-release monitoring of treated wildlife.Shoreline Response

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12 EFFECTIVENESS OF RESPONSE MEASURES

12.1 Effectiveness of Spill Response

This section of the document demonstrates the proposed response capability, its effectiveness, and resilience
for the range of spill sizes highlighted in Section 6. The response options, strategies and actions outlined in
Section 10 were input into the OSCAR model producing a range of stochastic and deterministic plots showing
predictions both with and without a spill response allowing the effectiveness of the response to be assessed.
The outputs used throughout this assessment process comprise:
 Stochastic oil fate simulations with and without a response,
 P50 (‘typical’ or median) deterministic outputs,

 P10, P50 and P90 cases for shoreline impacted,

 P10, P50 and P90 cases for at sea recovery,

Scenarios 1 – 3 were chosen to represent the differing response Tier levels (Scenario 1 for Tier 1, Scenario 2
for Tier 2, and Scenario 3 for Tier 3) and assess the response capability.
Premier’s tiered response is based on the capability of available resources and their effectiveness rather than
on assigned volumes of oil spilt or severity. Applying volume / severity thresholds creates unnecessary
boundaries which may prevent the mobilisation of additional resources until certain levels are achieved.
Upon notification of a spill within Berkeley Sound, Tier 2 resources will arrive from the Sea Lion field within 24
hrs and international Tier 3 resources will begin to arrive within 96 hrs.

12.2 Response Measures and Strategies Overview

The response measures, strategies, and actions deployed to differing tiered spill events are similar especially
in the early stages.
Table 10.3 shows the escalation of a response to an oil spill in terms of deployment of resources, strategies
initiated, and envisaged duration of effectiveness per strategy. The Table summarises the response measures
which will be deployed in the unlikely event that a spill occurs.
For more detail on the response strategies refer to the OSOP report (Premier 2017e).

12.2.1 At Sea Containment and Recovery

12.2.1.1 Tier 1 Response Actions

The QRA results suggest that a Tier 1 oil spill (a spill within the capability of response resources in Berkeley
Sound), has a high probability of originating as a result of an STS operation at the mooring buoy. The first
action of the containment and recovery strategy, for any spill, as a result of a STS transfer is the deployment
of the fast deployment boom located on aft of the OLST.
The fast deployment boom would be deployed by the workboat, with support of the OLST crew, within 15
minutes of notification of an oil spill. This would add a tertiary level of containment to the pre-deployed barriers
of the H boom system and Yokohama fenders. It is conservatively calculated for modelling purposes that in
the worst case the three levels of containment would contain 75 tonnes of oil in close proximity to the source.
The mechanical belt skimmer located on the OLST would then be utilised to recover the spilt oil contained
within the STS containment system with support of the DOSRV, assuming there was no free-floating oil in the
greater Sound. The waste recovered from the belt skimmer would be transferred directly into the OLST.

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The actions for recovering oil out with the containment systems would be to activate the DOSRV within 15
minutes and then the ISV and MRSV within 30 minutes deploying the double side arm sweep systems. The
objective would be to concentrate response efforts on high volume strands of oil during available daylight
hours to reduce shoreline impact. Within an hour, it is expected that the ISV would deploy the aerostat to
provide continuous aerial observations.
The Workboat and a RIB, once the fast deployment boom is deployed, would relocate the Storage Barge to
alongside the DOSRV to increase the recovery capacity.
Pre-run oil spill trajectory models will be utilised to determine the most appropriate coastal booming location to
deploy the coastal boom. The deployment will then be undertaken by the workboat and a RIB following the
predetermined, and exercised, deployment procedures. The DOSRV will be utilised to recover all oil contained
at each deployed shoreline boom due to its lower draft.
At sea recovery operations would continue as long as there is visible oil in Berkeley Sound or until stood down
by the regulator.
It has been assumed for modelling purposes that no at sea recovery operations occur during hours of
darkness using the recovery vessels, due to concerns related to operating small vessels potentially close to
the shoreline; however, the a final decision for this, in an actual event, sits with the On-scene Commander.

12.2.1.2 Tier 2 Response Actions

The QRA results suggest that a Tier 2 spill could be due to a grounding and cargo tank rupture. The initial
response (24 hr) would be the deployment of the ISV, MRSV and DOSRV and shoreline booms as per a Tier
1 spill for oil not contained at source.
If possible, and safe to do so, the workboat and RIB may deploy boom around the source to try and mitigate
the migration of oil into the Sound. This has not been allowed for in the fate modelling, and would give
improved results.
After 24 hrs, the second MRSV will arrive at Berkeley Sound and deploy either a side sweep system or J
configuration with support of its RIB which will be dependent on the spread of the oil on the sea surface.
At sea recovery operations would continue as long as there is visible oil in Berkeley Sound or until agreement
is reached with the regulator. Tier 3 resources would be mobilised, and support from local vessels of
opportunity would be requested as a matter of prudent over reaction and to accelerate clean-up efforts.

12.2.1.3 Tier 3 Response Actions

The QRA results suggest that a spill determined as a Tier 3 would be the result of a catastrophic incident such
as a fire or explosion. The at-sea containment and recovery response within 96 hrs would be the same as that
discussed for the Tier 2 scenario but less effective as there will be a great quantity of oil to combat.
After 96 hrs, additional response resources would be made available from OSRL. Additional equipment may
have to be deployed from local vessels of opportunity and then international vessels of opportunity.
International vessels of opportunity would be sourced from Angola, South Africa, or Chile with mobilisation
and sailing times of 15 -20 days.
At-sea recovery operations would continue as long as there is visible oil in Berkeley Sound or until agreement
is reached with the regulator. When the response effort is downsizing, Premier would demobilise international
resources first with a view of utilising local resources in the final stages of clean-up.

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12.2.2 Shoreline Response

12.2.2.1 Tier 1 Response Actions

If shoreline oiling were to occur, Premier will dispatch a trained SCAT survey team to inspect the shoreline,
report on any visible oiling and determine an appropriated response strategy. In the case of rocky shorelines,
the response strategy maybe to monitor and evaluate, allowing for natural weathering processes to degrade
the oil.
The recovery of any stranded oil from low gradient accessible shoreline (via 4x4 or boat) will be most likely
manually recovered into to hazardous waste bags and transported to a bunded, impermeable storage area via
boat or 4x4.

12.2.2.2 Tier 2 Response Actions

Due the coastal geomorphology of the Berkeley Sound shoreline it is likely the oil will impact high energy, high
gradient, rocky cliffs that are relatively difficult to access.
It is expected that a high percentage of oil will remain rafting and not adhere to the cliff face and gradually
migrate to the coastal booming locations where they will be contained and recovered by the DOSRV.
If the shoreline booms are compromised or do not capture all the oil and shoreline oiling occurs, Premier will
dispatch a trained SCAT survey similar to the Tier 1 spill scenario.
The recovery of any stranded oil from low gradient accessible shorelines will be via 4x4s or boat and may be
manually recovered into to hazardous waste bags and transported to a bunded storage area. It is thought that
the two shorelines most susceptible to oil stranding are Kidney Cove and Volunteer Point.
The 15 FPSO crew, which are available after 24 hrs, will be utilised for shoreline recovery especially manual
recovery. Depending on the degree of shoreline oiling, temporary storage areas may be constructed above
the highest stranding line out of impermeable membrane, and erectable temporary waste storage tanks. The
waste will then be transported to an agreed treatment facility via landing craft, under slung helicopter lifts, or
via 4x4.
There is a high likelihood that national vessels of opportunity will be required to transport equipment to
intermediate temporary staging areas and other accessible areas of coastline before further transport to the
impacted coastline.

12.2.2.3 Tier 3 Response Actions

The Tier 3 response actions will be similar to the Tier 2 response actions but enhanced after 96 hrs with the
arrival of international experts. There may also be a number of volunteers to manage which will be undertaken
with support from international response organisations.
Any heavily contaminated shorelines with high granulometry may require low pressure high volume flushing.
o
Heavily contaminated rock surfaces may require high pressure medium heat (50 C) washing which will be
undertaken by specialist equipment provide by the international response organisation.
If possible, plant equipment maybe transported to heavily impacted areas via international coastal supply and
landing craft vessels of opportunity. The international coastal supply vessels may also be required to transport
large quantities of waste from the remote shorelines to the TDF for temporary waste storage.
Following a spill of this magnitude, the shoreline response will continue for 6 to 12 months passing through all
the differing stages of shoreline clean up then be followed by an extensive monitoring plan.

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12.2.2.4 Remediation

The remedial activities following a Tier 1 - 2 oil spill will entail continued environmental monitoring of Berkeley
Sound until a point where natural weathering processes have depleted hydrocarbon concentrations to levels
where further monitoring is deemed of no further value.
The shoreline response on low gradient easy access shorelines will entail all three phases of shoreline
response. It is envisaged that the areas would be left to remediate through natural processes, given the
relatively high-energy environment.
Due to the magnitude of a Tier 3 oil spill response, exact remedial measures would be determined following
an environmental survey to determine the extent of the impact for a range of environmental receptors
including marine mammals, birdlife and fish. Actions that minimise any ongoing impacts and which prevent the
further movement of oil to uncontaminated areas will be prioritised.
Remediation of temporary waste storage sites will be undertaken by ground preparation and replanting plans
should there be physical damage to the soil and vegetation.
Throughout the remedial process, Premier will work in consultation with FIG and seek guidance from
international experts in all remedial actions.

12.3 Strategy Effectiveness

This section of the document will assess the effectiveness of Premier’s proposed response strategy to Tier 1 -
3 oil spills in Berkeley Sound. The OSCAR model processed 224 runs each for Scenarios 1 to 3, with and
without spill response, providing data to compare the impacts of a spill with no response deployed against
with response deployed.
Deterministic P10, P50 and P90 cases for total oil recovered and oil remaining on shore after 5 days were
modelled for each scenario to further compare response against no response. The effectiveness of additional
response vessels was analysed using the P50 case for each scenario. The plots, tables and graphs used to
test effectiveness are:
- Stochastic plots of surface oiling probability, with response and no response. Shows the
difference in the probability of water surface oil cover. Reduced probability suggested the response
measures are proving effective especially in areas of high sensitivity.
- Stochastic plots of shoreline oiling probability, with response and no response. Shows the
difference in the probability of shoreline oiling. Reduced probability suggested the response measures
are proving effective in mitigating the risk of shoreline oiling.
- Shoreline oil and total recovered ranking. Shows the percentage of outcomes which achieved a
certain quantity of total oil recovered or prevented a mass of oil being deposited on the shoreline.
- P50 deterministic surface oil swept path response and no response. Shows the difference in the
predicted density of oil on the water surface and predicted mass of oil on the shoreline for response
and no response after 5 days.
- P10, P50, P90 mass of oil on shore and mass oil recovered response and no response. Shows
the difference of shoreline oiling and mass recovered between a range of cases.

12.3.1 Tier 1 Effectiveness Assessment

The Tier 1 effectiveness assessment is based on the modelling outputs for Scenario 1 and comparing
response against no response after 5 days. The response strategies deployed were as follows:
- Containment barriers at the STS were deployed and contained 75 tonnes of the 300 tonnes spilt;

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- The DOSRV recovering oil within 15 minutes;

- ISV and MSRV recovering oil within 30 minutes;
- All recovered oil was transferred into the temporary storage barges; and
- Continued for 5 days.

12.3.1.1 Stochastic Model Results

Figure 12.1 and Figure 12.2 show that there is a reduced probability of surface oiling when a response is
deployed, especially around Kidney Island, a known rafting area for birds and habitat for Rockhopper
penguins and South American sea lions.
Figure 12.3 and Figure 12.4 show that there is a noticeable decrease in the probability of shoreline oiling in
the highlight areas. The areas highlighted, Kidney Cove and Volunteer Point, are of significant environmental
and socioeconomic importance as wildlife habitats and tourist attractions. The identified shoreline, with a
reduced probability of oiling, is characterised by low gradient, low wave energy, sand substrate susceptible to
oil deposition.
Reviewing the data in Table 12.1, Figure 12.5 and Figure 12.6 shows the response strategy to be effective in
reducing the overall consequences of a 300 tonne oil spill at the mooring buoy with an average total recovery
of 192 tonnes of oil, including the 75 tonnes contained at the OLST and recovered. On average, this has
reduced the shoreline oiling by 25 tonnes with an additional 5% of outcomes resulting in no shoreline oiling.
Table 12.1 Scenario 1 Tier 1 Effectiveness - Stochastic model outputs summary

Scenario 1 Tier 1 Effectiveness - Stochastic Summary

No Response With Response

No Shoreline Oil – 6.2% of outcomes No Shoreline Oil – 11.2% of outcomes

Max oil on shore – 219 tonnes Max oil on shore – 186 tonnes (155 tonnes with
shoreline booms)
Average oil on shore – 71 tonnes Average oil on shore – 46 tonnes
Average ashore time – 2.4hrs Average ashore time – 13 hrs
Average Recovery 64% (192 tonnes)

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Volunteer Point

Kidney Cove

Figure 12.1 Scenario 1 Surface probability without a response

Volunteer Point

Kidney Cove

Figure 12.2 Scenario 1 Surface probability with a response

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Volunteer Point

Kidney Cove

Figure 12.3 Scenario 1 Shoreline oiling probability without a response

Area of reduced probability of oiling

Volunteer Point

Area of reduced probability of

Kidney Cove
oiling

Figure 12.4 Scenario 1 Shoreline oiling probability with a response

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300

250
P10 P50 P90
Mass on shore (tonnes)

200

150
No Response
With Response
100

50

0
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Ranked position

Figure 12.5 Scenario 1 mass on shoreline against ranked position

300
P10 P50 P90

250
Mass Recovered (tonnes)

200

150

100

75 Tonnes
Contained at OLST
50 (Three levels of
containment)

0
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Ranked outcome percentage achieved

Figure 12.6 Scenario 1 Shoreline and Recovery Ranking oil recovered

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12.3.1.2 Deterministic Model Results

The P50 deterministic results in Figure 12.7 and Figure 12.8 show lower densities of oil for a response. This is
further shown in Figure 12.9 and Figure 12.10 as the swept path for the response shows a decreased density
of oil on the water around Volunteer Point.
Table 12.2 shows that in all cases deploying a response will be effective in reducing the consequences of the
spill regarding reducing shoreline oiling, and removing oil from the marine environment. The P50 case
predicted that within the first 24 hours of the response 125 tonnes was recovered in the first 24 hours and 187
tonnes after 5 days.
Table 12.2 Scenario 1 P10, P50 and P90 Results

No response With Response

Mass oil
Mass oil on Mass oil on recovered
shore (tonnes) shore (tonnes) (tonnes)

P10 0.1 0 269

P50 57 36 187

P90 188 112 122

Figure 12.11 shows a predicted 27% increase in the mass of oil recovered between two and three response
vessels and only an increase of 4% between three and four vessels. This suggests that there is little
advantage in having four response vessels readily available during inshore transfer operations. This is further
confirmed in Figure 12.12 where it shows <1% decrease in shoreline oiling from one to four vessels.
Reviewing both Figure 12.11 and Figure 12.12 suggests that 3 vessels is the optimum amount for oil recovery
and minimising shoreline oiling.

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Oil has not

reached the
shoreline
Volunteer Point

Figure 12.7 Scenario 1 P50 deterministic snapshot as 24 hours no response

Volunteer Point

Reduction in oil
density

Figure 12.8 Scenario 1 P50 deterministic snapshot as 24 hours with response

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Volunteer Point

Kindey Cove

density
Figure 12.9 Scenario 1 P50 deterministic surface oil swept path no response

Volunteer Point

Reduction in oil
density

Kindey Cove

Figure 12.10 Scenario 1 P50 deterministic surface oil swept path with response

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Figure 12.11 Scenario 1 Effect of number of vessels on oil recovered percentage

Figure 12.12 Scenario 1 Effect of number of vessels on oil on shoreline percentage

12.3.1.3 Conclusion

The model outputs suggest that the three response vessels (DOSRV, MRSV, ISV) in the immediate vicinity of
the transfer operation with the ability to deploy response options within 15 and 30 minutes, provides a
meaningful level of response commensurate to the risk of an oil spill during transfer operations, and this
response is not significantly improved by adding another recovery unit. The response is already optimised by
including barge storage which is available to augment the DOSRV storage in the even that it reaches capacity
quickly.
The results suggest that the deployment of the inshore response strategy will be effective in reducing the
overall consequences of a 300 tonne oil spill by reducing the oil water surface cover, reduce overall area of

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shoreline oiled, and reduce the density of oil on the shoreline and the water surface. This will mitigate the risk
to rafting birds and sensitive coastal ecosystems.
It is envisaged that Premier would mobilise Tier 2 response resources as prudent over-reaction which would
again increase the efficiency of the response.

12.3.2 Tier 2 Effectiveness Assessment

The Tier 2 effectiveness assessment is based on the modelling outputs for Scenario 2 and comparing
response against no response after 5 days. The response strategies deployed were as follows;
- The DOSRV recovering oil within 15 minutes;
- Inshore MSRV recovering oil within 30 minutes;
- ISV assisting the CTT and not recovering oil;
- Coastal booms deployed at sites 3, 5 and 6;
- The second MSRV assisting with recovery operations after 24 hours;
- All recovered oil was transferred into the temporary storage barges and the OLST; and
- Response continued for 5 days.

12.3.2.1 Stochastic Model Results

Figure 12.13 and Figure 12.14 show that there is a reduced probability of surface oiling when a response is
deployed especially around Long Island and Duclos Point which have the highest environmental sensitivity
ranking of the Berkeley Sound as shown in the Environmental Sensitivity Index Map in Section 7
Figure 12.14 shows the effectiveness of the shoreline boom in deflecting oil away from Kidney Cove and
Kidney Island and into a location were oil more accessible to the recovery vessels.
Figure 12.15 and Figure 12.16 show that there is a noticeable decrease in the probability of shoreline oiling in
the highlighted areas. The areas highlighted, Kidney Cove and Volunteer Point, are of significant
environmental and socioeconomic importance as wildlife habitats and tourist attractions.
Reviewing the data in Table 12.3, Figure 12.17 and Figure 12.18 shows the response strategy to be effective
in reducing the overall consequences of a 3,000 tonne oil spill in the Berkeley Sound with an average total
recovered of 546 tonnes (18.2%) and reducing average shoreline oiling by 97 tonnes. There is an increase in
average ashore time due to the shoreline boom containing the oil at the shore and the 3.5% of outcomes
resulting in shoreline oiling are the same for both response and no response because of the close proximity of
the release of oil to the shoreline.
Table 12.3 Scenario 2 Tier 2 Effectiveness - Stochastic model outputs summary

Scenario 1 Tier 1 Effectiveness - Stochastic Summary

No Response With Response
No Shoreline Oil 3.5% of outcomes No Shoreline Oil – 3.5% of outcomes
Max oil on shore – 1,913 tonnes Max oil on shore – 979 tonnes
Average oil on shore – 213 tonnes Average oil on shore – 116 tonnes
Average ashore time – 11hrs Average ashore time – 12 hrs
Average Recovery 18.2% (546 tonnes)

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Figure 12.13 Scenario 2 Surface probability without a response

Area of reduced
Probability of Oiling

Oil deflected off the shoreline boom

Figure 12.14 Scenario 2 Surface probability with a response

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Figure 12.15 Scenario 2 Shoreline oiling probability without a response

Area of reduced Probability of Oiling

Area of reduced
Probability of
Oiling

Area of reduced Probability of Oiling

Figure 12.16 Scenario 2 Shoreline oiling probability with a response

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2000
P10 P50 P90
1800

1600
Mass on shore (tonnes)

1400

1200

1000
With Response
800 No Response

600

400

200

0
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Ranked position

Figure 12.17 Scenario 2 Shoreline and Recovery Ranking oil on shore

2000
P10 P50 P90
1800

1600
Mass of oil recovered (tonnes)

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Ranked position

Figure 12.18 Scenario 2 Shoreline and Recovery Ranking oil recovered

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12.3.2.2 Deterministic Model Results

Reviewing the P50 deterministic outputs at 36 hours, Figure 12.19 and Figure 12.20 show lower densities of
oil when a response is deployed. The response proved effective in minimising shoreline oiling and preventing
the migration of oil through Kidney Cove where there is a risk of shoreline oiling and impact to wildlife.
Figure 12.21 and Figure 12.22, it clearly shows a change in the oil trajectory due to the deployment of
response strategies, mainly coastal booming. There is also a reduction in oil densities. It is thought that when
2
oil densities are above 1000 g/m there is a high chance of oil adhesion to feathers. It could therefore be
assumed that the response strategies are effective in reducing the risk of oil adhesion to birds.
Table 12.4 shows that in all cases deploying a response will be effective in reducing the consequences of the
spill regarding reducing shoreline oiling and removing oil from the marine environment. The P50 case
predicted that within the first 24 hours of the response X amount was recovered in the first 24 hours and 511
tonnes after 5 days.
Table 12.4 Scenario 2 P10, P50 and P90 Results

No response With Response

Mass oil on Mass oil on Mass oil recovered

shore (tonnes) shore (tonnes) (tonnes)

P10 7.5 11 868

P50 149 84 511

P90 452 254 273

Figure 12.23 shows a predicted 2% increase in the mass of oil recovered between two and three response
vessels, a 3.2% increase between 2 and 3 vessels and a 4% increase between 3 and 4 vessels. In this
scenario, only 3 vessels are utilised due to the expected requirement of the ISV to support the grounded
vessel. However, in an incident where the Premier vessels weren’t required to support the causality vessel
there would be four vessels available to conduct a response which would be more effective in recovering oil.
Figure 12.24 shows < 1% decrease in shoreline oiling from one to four vessels, this could be due to the close
proximity the oil is released to the shoreline and the positive impact shoreline booming has on reducing the
overall oil on shoreline.

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nd
2 stage of oil
release

Figure 12.19 Scenario 2b P50 deterministic - surface oil and shoreline snapshot at 36 hours without
response

nd
2 stage of oil
release is trapped
by boom

Figure 12.20 Scenario 2b P50 deterministic - surface oil and shoreline snapshot at 36 hours with
response

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Figure 12.21 Scenario 2 P50 Determines surface oil swept path no response

Figure 12.22 Scenario 2 P50 Determines surface oil swept path with response

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Selected
response

Figure 12.23 Scenario 2 Effect of number of vessels on oil recovered percentage

Figure 12.24 Scenario 2 Effect of number of vessels on oil shoreline percentage

12.3.2.3 Conclusion

The model outputs suggest that the three response vessels (DOSRV, MSRV, ISV) in the immediate vicinity of
the incident are effective in being able to deploy a response within 30 minutes and provide support to a vessel
casualty. It is also shown that the shoreline booming is effective in protecting sensitive areas of Berkeley
Sound and deflecting rafting oil into a location which is more accessible to recovery vessels. The second
MRSV is also shown to be effective in increasing the mass of oil recovered.
The results suggests that Premier has sufficient response options within the Falklands to mount a credible
Tier 2 response that will be effective in reducing the overall consequences of a 3,000 tonne oil spill by

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reducing the oil water surface cover, overall area of shoreline oiled and prevent the migration of oil to
environmental and socioeconomic sensitive areas, such as Kidney Cove and Long Island.
Predetermined oiled wildlife procedures would further reduce the consequences to wildlife such as pre-
emptive fencing and hazing strategies.
It is envisaged that Premier would mobilise Tier 3 response resources as prudent over-reaction which would
again increase the efficiency of the response.

12.3.3 Tier 3 Effectiveness Assessment

The Tier 3 effectiveness assessment is based on the modelling outputs for Scenario 3 and comparing
response against no response over a 5-day period. The response strategies deployed were as follows:
- The DOSRV recovering oil within 15 minutes;
- ISV recovering oil after 4 hours of the incident occurring. Expected to be undertaking search and
rescue for the first 4 hours;
- Inshore MSRV undertaking firefighting operations, causality support and search and rescue for the
first 72 hours;
- Coastal booms deployed at sites 2,3, 5 and 6;
- Second MSRV recovering oil after 24 hours as it is expected to be involved in firefighting activities for
the first 24 hours;
- All recovered oil was transferred into the temporary storage barges and the OLST; and
- Response continued for 5 days

12.3.3.1 Stochastic Model Results

Figure 12.25 and Figure 12.26 show that there is a small reduction in the probability of surface oiling when a
response is deployed mostly within the centre of the sound and at shoreline booming sites 3, 4 and 5. This
reduced probability suggests the response measures are effective in recovering oil and minimising the impact
to shoreline; however, it is expected there would be significant impact to wildlife. The oiled wildlife response
would be prioritised to reduce the overall consequences of a spill of this magnitude.
Figure 12.27 and Figure 12.28 show that there is a noticeable localised decrease in the probability of
shoreline oiling in the highlighted areas, these decreases are caused by the shoreline booming. There is also
a slight decrease in the probability of oiling at Kidney Cove which is advantageous in reducing the overall
impact to wildlife and waste generation from oil stranding and following shoreline clean up processes.
Reviewing the data in Table 12.5, Figure 12.29 and Figure 12.30 the response strategy is effective in reducing
the overall consequences of the incident with an average total recovery of 401 tonnes of oil and on average
reducing shoreline oiling by 7,967 tonnes (mainly by the re-direction of oil using shoreline booms). It is
predicted that significant shoreline oiling will still occur due to the high volume of oil released.
Table 12.5 Scenario 3 Tier 3 Effectiveness - Stochastic model outputs summary

Scenario 3 Tier 3 Effectiveness - Stochastic Summary

No Response With Response
No Shoreline Oil – All runs encounter shore No Shoreline Oil – All runs encounter shore
Max oil on shore – 23,890 tonnes Max oil on shore – 15,923 tonnes
Average oil on shore – 864 tonnes Average oil on shore – 463 tonnes
Average ashore time – 13.3 hrs Average ashore time – 15 hrs
Average Recovery 0.8% (401 tonnes)

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Figure 12.25 Scenario 3 Surface probability without a response

Figure 12.26 Scenario 3 Surface probability with a response

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Figure 12.27 Scenario 3 Shoreline oiling probability without a response

Localised Lower probabilities

of shoreline oiling

Figure 12.28 Scenario 3 Shoreline oiling probability with a response

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25000

P10 P50 P90

20000
Mass on shore (tonnes)

15000

No Response
10000 With Response

5000

0
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Ranked position

Figure 12.29 Scenario 3 Shoreline and Recovery Ranking oil on shore

2000
P10 P50 P90
1800

1600
Mass of oil recovered (tonnes)

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Ranked position

Figure 12.30 Scenario 3 Shoreline and Recovery Ranking oil recovered

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12.3.3.2 Deterministic Model Results

Reviewing the P50 deterministic outputs at 36 hours Figure 12.31 and Figure 12.32, show the density of oil
migrating into the South Atlantic is less when a response is deployed. The Figures also show the impacts of
the continuous release of 125 tonne per day form the vessel this could be mitigated by booming at source, if
safe to do so, and therefore increase the overall effectiveness of the response. This is not reflected in the
outputs.
Figure 12.33 and Figure 12.34 show there is an area of less risk to receptors because of the response
measures which may reduce the overall severity of the impact to wildlife. The model predicted for the P50
deterministic a total mass of 289 tonnes of oil on shore in the no response and 254 tonnes oil on shore with a
response and a total recovered of 207 tonne (0.7%). These quantities are lower than expected due to the
trajectory of the oil in a west to east direction towards the south Atlantic where monitoring and evaluating is
the primary response strategy. Berkeley Sound was elected as the designated transfer operation due to
prevailing westerly wind moving any spilt oil into the Atlantic.

Ongoing release of 125 tonne

per day

Figure 12.31 Scenario 3 P50 deterministic - surface oil and shoreline snapshot at 36 hours without
response

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Ongoing release of 125 tonne

per day

Figure 12.32 Scenario 3 P50 deterministic - surface oil and shoreline snapshot at 36 hours with
response

Figure 12.33 Scenario 3 P50 Determines surface oil swept path no response

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Area of reduced risk

Figure 12.34 Scenario 3 P50 Determines surface oil swept path with response

12.3.3.3 Conclusion

The model outputs suggest that Premier have sufficient response options to undertake a modest response to
a large Tier 3 event in Berkeley Sound over a 5 day period, and make localised mitigations to the
environmental impact. The response would be enhanced after 20 days by additional oil spill response
resources from international response organisations including OSRL, which would begin mobilisation
immediately upon notification of the incident
In practice, additional response support could be mounted from utilising local vessels of opportunity which
would increase the effectiveness of the response.
Given that such a scenario is extremely remote possibility, the results do not indicate that any increase to
proposed Tier 1 and 2 responses is justified.

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13 CONCLUSION

The proposed response strategy and available response options discussed in this document are shown to be
effective in reducing the extent and density of surface oil and shoreline oiling, and their associated impacts, to
ALARP for spills of three orders of magnitude.
The inshore response strategy is centred on the availability, and efficient deployment, of oil spill response
assets within Berkeley Sound. The ability to readily deploy assets and contain oil as close to source as
practically possible significantly reduces the severity of an oil spill and mitigates the risks. The implementation
of a rapid response using specific vessels and equipment and avoiding the use of dispersants means that
meaningful oil recovery is possible. An optimum number of vessels, boom sizes and recovery systems have
been identified, along with storage barges to support recovery and shoreline booms to manage larger
volumes of oil.
Extensive analysis of OSCAR model outputs, use of industry experts in oil spill response, and Premier internal
workshops of differing oil spill scenarios, as mentioned previously, have contributed to the selection of
substantial response options and the ability to activate differing response strategies for an effective oiled
wildlife response.
Oiled wildlife response is an integral element of Premier’s inshore response strategy and critical in minimising
the overall consequences of an oil spill event to environmental and socioeconomic receptors. Effective oiled
wildlife response will be integrated into Premier’s incident management teams through training and exercising.
In general, a response strategy has many elements including spatial, temporal, sequential, scalar and
organisational elements, Figure 13.1 summarises several of these elements, and combines both oiled wildlife
response in an overall flowchart.
The overall objective of an oil spill response in Berkeley Sound is to reduce the risks and severity to a level
that is ALARP. To achieve this Premier’s primary response strategies are containment at source, followed by
containment and recovery at sea which will be achieved through the fast deployment of assets by a
competent and capable team.
The three Tiered levels of response are defined in Sections 13.1.1 – 13.1.3 which summarise the resources
and capabilities available to respond to an incident and not based on the scale of incident.

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Short Term Response Longer Term Response

Immediate Response At Sea Response Shoreline Waste Monitoring

Notify Int
l
EMT
Resources Survey Survey Treatment of
Rehab Oiled Wild
Detergent
Notify Centre and Oily
Activate local Haze Haze
Wildlife Water
wildlife team Coastal
Specialist Survey
Productivity
Collect Collect
Activate Tier 2
IMT
Surveillance Resources
Deploy Stabilise Determine
Oil Activate additional final
Assess Notify coastal boom
Spill Command treatment
OLST Rehabilitate location
Containment
Deploy Tier 1 Containment
OSC/POAC Containment Offshore
Assets & Recovery, Biodegradati
& Recovery MRSV, ISV MRSV on final
and DOSRV treatment
Determine Coastal
Deploy SCAT
Tier Level Boom
Monitor Determine
VOO
Waste
Barges Deploy FPSO
crew
Tier 1 Waste OLST Deploy
equipment

Tier 2 – Determine
waste route
Clean
shoreline

Survey

Figure 13.1 Overall Response Strategy

13.1 Spill Response

The Tiered Level Response capability will be as follows.

13.1.1 TIER 1 Operational and available in Berkeley Sound within 1 hour.

 Recovery 3 primary vessels – 7 recovery devices

 Storage Primary 400 the
Secondary 500 te barges
Tertiary at least 1 tanker available
 Support Boats 1 workboat and 4 RIBS
 Personnel Vessel crews, transfer operations and core emergency response teams
 Shoreline Booms and associated equipment available on vessels / barge
Boom mooring points pre-identified and installed onshore
Booms to be deployed if conditions indicate shoreline to be at risk
 Wildlife Rehab Centre, Oiled Wildlife Specialist, 15 Resident Responders

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13.1.2 TIER 2 Available in Falkland Islands / in field and within Premier Oil operational control.
Deployable within 24 hours.

 Recovery 4 Vessels - 10 recovery devices (recall and use of offshore MRSV).

 Storage Primary 650 te
Secondary 500 te (barges) and 1,000 te (unheated storage)
Tertiary Grounding 1 tanker available
Collision Possible that neither tanker available - charter in
vessel from region for recovered oil storage.
 Support Boats 1 workboat and 6 RIBS
 Personnel Premier Stanley personnel, FPSO Crew
Vessel crews, transfer operations and extended emergency response teams Recall of
part of offshore crew and FI based trained volunteer teams.
 Shoreline Up to 5 booms installed by heavy duty RIBs (6 on support vessels).
Mechanical shoreline clean-up.
Oil spill waste disposal plan implemented.
Remediation and recovery operations.
 Wildlife Rehab Centre, Oiled Wildlife Specialist, 15 Resident Responders, 15 FPSO crew
 Salvage Assistance and personnel from an international provider mobilised.

13.1.3 TIER 3 Additional support and equipment available from outside of Falkland Islands.

 Recovery 4 Vessels - 10 recovery devices (recall and use of offshore MRSV).

Additional vessels contracted from international and national market.
Additional spill response equipment including heavy oil recovery from worldwide
provider (e.g. OSRL with bases in Southampton, Bahrain, Singapore and Fort
Lauderdale).
 Storage Primary 650 te
Secondary 500 te (Barge) and 1,000 te (unheated storage)
Tertiary 1 tanker available
Additional tank vessels contracted from international market (as
required).
 Support Boats 1 workboat and 6 RIBS
 Personnel Premier Stanley, FPSO Crew and international personnel.
Vessel crews, transfer operations and extended emergency response teams
Recall of part of offshore crew and FI based trained volunteer teams
Specialist Team of 18 spill response management and advisors from international
provider (i.e. OSRL, Southampton).
Wildlife response specialists from international provider(s).
Further Subject Matter Experts sourced as required.
 Shoreline Up to 5 booms installed by heavy duty RIBs (5 on support vessels).
Mechanical shoreline clean-up.
Oil spill waste disposal plan implemented.
Remediation and recovery operations.
Additional resources from international response organisation
 Wildlife Rehab Centre, Oiled Wildlife Specialist, 15 Resident Responders, 15 FPSO crew
Additional resources (equipment and personnel) from international OWL organisation
 Salvage Assistance and personnel from an international provider.

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Premier (2017f) Sea Lion Phase 1 Waste Management Strategy FK-SL-PMO-EV-STY-0005.
NOAA (2002) Technical Memorandum NOS OR&R 11. Environmental Sensitivity Index Guidelines Version
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IPIECA (2000) Guidelines on Biological Impacts of Oil Pollution.
IPIECA (2004) A Guide to Oiled Wildlife Response Planning. IPIECA Report Series, Volume 13, 52 pp.
IPIECA/IOGP (2013) Oil spill risk assessment and response planning for offshore installations.
IPIECA/IOGP (2014) Oil spill waste minimization and management Good practice guidelines for incident
management and emergency response personnel.
IPIECA/IOGP (2014) Wildlife Response Preparedness: Good practice guidelines for incident management
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IPIECA/IOGP (2015) Response strategy development using net environmental benefit analysis (NEBA).
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