Ports
GOAL
All stakeholders in the port area work together to develop and implement an effective programme to minimise the likelihood of accidents and to minimise adverse effects in the event of an accident
Port areas include fixed installations and therefore the other elements of a chemical accident prevention, preparedness and response programme also apply to port areas.
However, port areas have additional characteristics, and involve additional stakeholders, that impact the nature and level of accident risk. Therefore, there is a need to address additional issues related to chemical safety in port areas. These characteristics include, for example:
- Ports are inherently international in nature
- Ports are large, complex entities, including sea-going and inland transportation as well as fixed installations, where hazardous substances are transferred, used, handled or stored
- Ports tend to be located near large, densely populated areas
- The ship-to-shore interface creates a potential for a conflict of interest between environmental protection and marine safety
- There are a wide range of stakeholders involved including port authorities, ship agents, flag-state administrations, berth operators and cargo agents
A key to effective accident prevention, preparedness and response in port areas is communication and co-ordination among the various stakeholder groups.
Suggested activities include:
- Define the boundaries of a port area, and identify all parties involved in the safe operation of a port, with a clear indication of their roles and responsibilities
- Develop and enforce locat port rules, consistent with relevant laws and policies and taking into account local characteristics
- Facilitate the co-ordination and consistency of safety policies, and sharing of information, among all these parties
- Establish a system to ensure that all parties in the transport chain has easy access to information to track the location and nature of cargo containing hazardous substances
- Develop systems for the safe operation of ships entering and manoeuvering in ports and for reporting of ship deficiencies that might affect accident potential
Relevant tools
- OECD: Guiding Principles for Chemical Accident Prevention Preparedness and Response (2nd ed, 2003)
- OECD & IMO: Guidance concerning Chemical Safety in Port Areas (1996)
- WHO - General Information on International Health Regulations [accessed 2022]
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IMO & UNEP: APELL for Port Areas: Preparedness and Response to Chemical Accidents in Ports