Author(s)

S.J. Rowe, A.H. Gilmore & E. Martin

Abstract

As a result of a study of safety in their North Sea fields, Shell U.K. Exploration and Production (Shell Expro) found that poor cargo stowage on offshore platform supply vessels was a significant factor in accidents. It was clear that better planning of the deck cargo layout on these vessels could significantly reduce the risks associated with unloading them in the field, and so Shell Expro set about improving the situation. Shell carried out a safety study in consultation with vessel owners, operators and masters, and the ultimate result of this was a new piece of computer software known as DECKPLAN which is now installed at Shell Expro's Torry and Lerwick Marine Bases. It enables the Marine and Transport Department staff to rehearse the loading of the vessel, and obtain the master's approval for the intended cargo layout a few hours before t

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