Theodosis Stamatellos
Supporting offshore safety in Greece
by Theodosis Stamatellos, Lloyd’s Register Marine & Offshore South Europe Regional Manager
Having completed the recent collaboration with the Hellenic Hydrocarbon Resources Management (HHRM) for the development of an Emergency Response Plan for offshore hydrocarbon installations in Greece, Theodosis Stamatellos, Lloyd’s Register Marine & Offshore South Europe Regional Manager, shares the story behind.
Lloyd’s Register worked together with HHRM, for more than three months, to develop the first draft of a comprehensive preparedness and crisis management external plan for offshore hydrocarbon installations, setting the full range of response actions from the initial incident notification until its final resolution. The first draft of the National Emergency Response Plan is currently under consultation by all involved bodies, such as the Hellenic Coast Guard, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, and the Hellenic Fire Service.
Lloyd’s Register experts shared guidance and knowledge gained from UK’s rich experience on implementing verification techniques and safety models in North Sea offshore projects. The EU Offshore Safety Directive (2013/30), which standardizes the framework for emergency response plans, is rooted in UK Safety Case Regulations, in which Lloyd’s Register was highly involved. Additionally, technical expertise in risk assessment methodologies and regulations development for safe LNG bunkering operations have been embraced by Lloyd’s Register Piraeus team.
Hazards identification, risk scenarios and impacts, technical and operational procedures, communication protocols, cooperation and interoperability schemes between competence authorities, as well as the global, European and national regulatory framework, have been put on the spotlight. Greater emphasis has been given by Lloyd’s Register on personnel training, crew competence and emergency exercises, demonstrating best practices from global experience.
Spurred on by Lloyd’s Register core values, the key drive, along with HHRM, was to safeguard human life and the environment, during the development of the first draft of the plan, with specific care of the local communities and the marine environment against pollution.
Closing, the perfect ingredient for an effective emergency response is being proactive. Setting on the top of the agenda crew training, preventive measures and monitoring mechanisms, will contribute to building the necessary safety culture, which could be a valuable defense in an emergency situation.
