Risk Reduction for Floating Offshore Installations Through Barrier Management

Marine system accidents have a relatively high frequency worldwide. In Norwegian waters loss of installations has been avoided the last 20 years, but several near-misses and severe incidents confirm that the risk level is not insignificant. Barriers should prevent undesired events or reduce consequences should such events occur. The main purpose of barrier management is to establish and maintain the necessary barriers. It includes the processes, systems, solutions and measures needed to ensure implementation and follow-up of barriers. Petroleum Safety Authority has emphasized the need to develop barrier strategies during the last few years, and this has been particularly emphasized for topside systems and barrier functions to prevent and/or mitigate the consequences of hydrocarbon (HC) leaks. Insofar, the same focus on barrier management has not been put on marine systems and structural hazards. Risk associated with ballast systems, anchoring systems and dynamic positioning is at a level where further improvements should be made. Independent barrier elements and/or functions are required in order to provide substantial risk reduction. Some suggestions for independent barriers are discussed in this paper.