Oil Spill Response 2015 A technology development programme for oil spill response with a focus on the far north

Transcription

1 A technology development programme for oil spill response with a focus on the far north Call for proposals 9.September 2014 Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies PO Box 8077 NO-4068 Stavanger Visiting address.: Vassbotnen 1 (Trallfa Building), NO-4313 Sandnes, Norway Tel: Fax: post@nofo.no - Org no Internet: Date printed Page 1

2 NOFO Purposes and tasks The purpose of the Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies (NOFO) is to manage and maintain an oil spill preparedness which includes personnel, equipment and vessels. NOFO has significant response resources to reduce environmental damage resulting from possible acute oil spills in the petroleum industry. NOFO s main tasks: Meet member needs for an effective and robust oil spill preparedness Continuously improve oil spill preparedness, in part through technology development Raise the level of knowledge and expertise on coastal and shoreline preparedness Strengthen local environmental efforts and oil spill response through collaboration with the intermunicipal oil spill response organisations (IUAs). Continue to develop good relations with central government, local government and private oil spill preparedness organisations. NORWEGIAN COASTAL ADMINISTRATION (NCA) The NCA has a duty on behalf of the government to maintain preparedness and respond to major cases of acute pollution not covered by private or local authority contingency plans. That primarily comprises responding to oil spills from ships, shipwrecks or unknown sources. Should the responsible polluter be unable to act, the NCA can take over responsibility for the operation. Date printed Page 2

3 Contents 1 - Introduction Timeline Topics and categories in the call for proposals The need for technology development Contact information APPENDIX - THE INDIVIDUAL CALLS FOR PROPOSAL "NOFO and the Norwegian Coastal Administration seek ideas for projects which may contribute to new developments and improvements in equipment, systems and methods for the management of acute oil spills " Mr. Leif J Kvamme Chief executive officer, NOFO Mr. Johan Marius Ly Director, Department for Emergency Responser, Norwegian Coastal Administration Date printed Page 3

4 1 - Introduction NOFO and the Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) have decided to launch a new technology development programme under the name. This will challenge the industry in Norway and internationally to present new ideas and proposals for developing commercially available products which can improve and enhance the efficiency of oil spill response operations in Norwegian waters including the far north, along the coast and in the beach area. NOFO will be responsible for implementing the programme in close cooperation with the NCA. The Oil Spill Response 2010 development programme, carried out in , resulted in a number of new products and services. In response to the call for proposals in January 2009, some 170 project ideas were received in the form of brief outlines dubbed White Papers. Through a phase of developing project specifications and financing plans, 20 of these were finally selected and initiated. A number of the projects have resulted in commercially available products. Owners of ideas and industrial enterprises developing new products through the NOFO/NCA technology development programme retain full control of all commercial and intellectual property rights, including for technology/solutions developed through the project. The programme is being established to encourage industry to come up with commercially available products to meet the future operational needs of NOFO and the NCA. This can be done by developing new technology or by combining innovative solutions with existing methods/proven technology for use in new applications or operations. As a new focus area added to the programme special attention will be given to the challenges which could face the oil and gas industry on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) as activities move ever further north. This is an invitation to develop technologically and commercially feasible solutions to challenges for oil spill response in a cold climate and ice-affected waters generally, including winter conditions in some Norwegian fjords. Improved oil spill recovery equipment and systems developed through the programme will help to strengthen capacity in oil spill preparedness. This will form an important part of the baseline for the companies when developing plans for petroleum exploration and development in the new areas, and for the NCA when planning its future operational requirements. Actual sea states in the far north are not unlike the conditions found across large parts of the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) where exploration for and production of oil and gas are currently pursued. However, certain factors present challenges. These include big distances and consequent thinly-spread infrastructure workshops and servicing, airports and harbours, and restrictions on telecommunication and data traffic and natural conditions during parts of the year limited natural light, low temperature (icing) and sea ice. Transport methods and logistical solutions established to support oil spill response are therefore important subjects which can be pursued further. Safeguarding personnel must always be the first priority when new technology is to be operationalised. Solutions should accordingly be as far as possible unstaffed, remotely controlled or automated, and thereby protect personnel from undue risk. Date printed Page 4

5 Project execution itself must also give emphasis to safeguarding health, safety and the environment (HSE) including the working environment for employees. Maritime traffic in the waters between the coast of Finnmark and the Svalbard archipelago is expected to continue increasing in scope. This reflects both changes to ice conditions and a higher level of commercial activity in the region. The NCA s experience from certain oil spill responses following accidents to ships along the Norwegian coast under winter conditions has also demonstrated the need to achieve a steady improvement in current methods and to encourage the development of new technology for oil spill response in cold conditions. From idea to project in the the process in brief The call for proposals will be presented at a meeting on 9 September 2014 and simultaneously posted to the NOFO website. The deadline for submitting project ideas is 12.00h on 7 October Project ideas should be presented in the form of a White Paper. This document may be in any format, but must comprise no more than five A4 pages including attachments. Longer proposals will not be evaluated. Evaluations will be conducted by a group comprising personnel from NOFO, the NCA, oil companies and independent experts/consultants. Evaluation will result in either rejection or acceptance of the proposal. The outcome cannot be challenged, and no reasons will be given. The owners of accepted proposals will then have the opportunity to develop a detailed project proposal, including a budget and funding/financing plan. Project proposals must be developed in a specified template and submitted to NOFO for a new evaluation. Those whose projects are approved will then receive an offer of financial and specialist support for project execution. This is conditional on entering into a contract for the financing plan. NOFO s financial support will complement the company s own funding and possible third-party financing. Sharing project risk in this way is mandatory in order to ensure that the project owner gives the work a high priority and sets an ambitious target. Government funding may be available for Norwegian oil spill response projects through Innovation Norway and the Skattefunn tax incentive scheme for R&D, as well as through some of the Research Council of Norway's programmes. A number of other countries have similar schemes directed at encouraging technological innovation by exportoriented industries. Financing from NOFO and the NCA will be provided without conditions concerning the future ownership of the product and commercial exploitation of patent rights and other intellectual property rights. The owner of the patent rights, including any trademark, will have full rights after the termination of the development programme. The vendor is accordingly advised to ensure that such rights are sufficiently protected when the White Paper is submitted. NOFO cannot enter into confidentiality agreements with idea owners, but the personnel involved in evaluation and project follow-up will be bound by NOFO s regulations for handling confidential information. Date printed Page 5

6 NOFO and the NCA can mobilise considerable resources in the form of access to vessels, aircraft, workshops and test basins for testing equipment and systems during their development in the programme. Trials can take place, for example, in connection with the regular programme of exercises conducted by NOFO and the NCA. NOFO also conducts oil-on-water (OOW) activities, normally on the Frigg field in the North Sea. Oil is released to the sea in order to verify the properties and capacity of newly developed oil spill response equipment under realistic conditions. Verification from an OOW activity represents a valuable reference both nationally and internationally. The NCA is due to open the upgraded national test facility for oil spill response equipment in Horten at the beginning of This comprises a salt water test basin where waves and currents can be generated, and where oil can be used. Direct costs for using such resources will be met by the NCA and NOFO. 2 Timeline will be implemented in accordance with the following schedule. STEP ONE A. Submission of a project idea (White Paper) maximum of five (5) A4 pages, including attachments, clearly labelled with topic and call category In addition, the following documentation must be attached: o overall description of the company/applicant's competence and possible references which establish a demonstrated ability to execute the project. o company name/contact person, address, telephone number and address This information must be sent electronically to post@nofo.no by 12:00h on Tuesday 7 October B. Evaluation teams will be established to review the project ideas. The aim is to be able to communicate acceptance/rejection within four-six weeks from the deadline for filing the White Paper, depending on the number of project ideas received. Date printed Page 6

7 STEP TWO (provisional schedule) NOFO will invite the owners of accepted project ideas (White Papers) to develop a complete project proposal, which must be compiled in a standard template. A. The project proposal with financing plan must be submitted to NOFO, provisionally by 20 December B. Acceptance or rejection of the project proposal will be communicated to the applicant, provisionally during January STEP THREE Accepted project proposals will receive a conditional promise of support from NOFO which the vendor can use in dealings with potential funding sources. Once the vendor can confirm that the project is fully funded, and other possible clarifications have been put in place, negotiation of the contract can be completed and the project can begin. Projects are expected to start during the first quarter of Topics and categories in the call for proposals aims to increase operational capacity for oil spill response by supporting the development of new technology, which is verified through the programme and thereafter becomes available on the market as a commercial product. Support for basic research does not form part of this programme. A survey of requirements for new technologies, products and methods has been conducted in close cooperation with the operator companies on the NCS (NOFO s members) and the NCA. On this basis, an overall matrix has been established to show which combinations of relevant topics and technology areas are covered by the call for proposals. Oil spill response requires the creation of logistics chains which ensure that an operation can be implemented and can last as long as necessary. Dealing with recovered oil which must be treated as hazardous waste is an important element. Developing intelligent technological solutions which can be introduced in the logistics chain to help enhance the capacity of new or existing systems within each of the relevant topics is also important. A separate category for logistics has accordingly been incorporated in the matrix. Date printed Page 7

8 An open-class category has been included for special ideas which do not fit into the other categories. Proposals in the open class must precisely identify and describe a challenge for oil spill response which the applicant believes is important to overcome. On that basis, the applicant must describe and explain how their proposal can solve the challenge. CATEGORY A MECHANICAL B DISPERSANT C REMOTE D IN SITU E LOGISTICS F OPEN TOPIC RECOVERY APPLICATION SENSING BURNING CLASS 1 - ICE-INFESTED x x x x x x WATERS 2 - OPEN WATERS x x x x x x 3 - SHELTERED x x x x x WATERS 4 - SHORELINE AREAS x x x x x 5 - THIN OIL FILMS x x x x One or more White Paper can be submitted for each call for proposals. The various call outlines are appended to this document. They can also be found at Submitters of White Papers are advised to familiarise themselves with the details of current operational concepts at NOFO and the NCA, and with the vessels which provide the operating platform for existing equipment. See the following presentations (in Norwegian only): Fact sheets which present the completed projects in the Oil Spill Response 2010 programme can be found here (in Norwegian only): The need for technology development Oil Spill Response 2010 follow up activities The completed Oil Spill Response 2010 technology programme gave the highest priority to projects which aimed to improve mechanical recovery on the open sea. Detailed operational trials are now under way with concepts developed in this category within the programme in order to phase them into the permanent oil spill preparedness. This work will need to continue for a time, which imposes some practical and financial constraints on the capacity of NOFO and the NCA to follow up new projects. If new proposals have the potential to yield significant improvements, such as extending the operational window or making the response more robust, however, the necessary changes will be made to priorities in order to ensure that such projects are implemented. Date printed Page 8

9 Measures and products which could lead to a significant improvement in the efficiency of oil spill response in the coastal and beach areas will receive the same high priority as in the previous programme. NOFO welcomes new project ideas in all the categories included in. Traditional oil spill response technology faces various operational and technical constraints in iceaffected waters. will therefore seek technologies and solutions able to function in the conditions which the petroleum industry can expect to face in its gradual move northwards, and which the NCA could occasionally experience along parts of the Norwegian coastline in winter. It will be crucial for all planning of petroleum activities in the far north that operational and emergency preparedness solutions are well tailored to the natural conditions and the available logistics/infrastructure. These natural conditions include problems of light and visibility, sea states with ice, wind, low temperature and icing. Weather conditions in the far north can be more dynamic at times, with swift changes in visibility and ice conditions. The logistics solutions selected must take account of the limitations in available and accessible infrastructure. Two scenarios have been developed for ice-affected waters in order to illustrate the challenges which oil spill recovery equipment and systems might face in a response operation. Scenario 1: Oil spills in ice-affected waters with "from ice" wind conditions, which break up the leading edge of the ice field The wind blows away from the area containing a lot of ice, so that the floes mover further apart and become distributed over a wider area. The sea contains ice slush and thin ice floes up to 10 metres in diameter, thicknesses up to 50 centimetres and covering only a very small part of the area. In such circumstances, ice conditions pose no hazard to shipping, and even small vessels can move virtually unhindered. Sufficient ice is also present for its volume to exceed the amount of oil by far. Conventional booms will quickly become filled with ice, which means in practice that the oil will be locked in the ice. Scenario 2: Oil spills in open water during "towards ice" wind conditions, which gradually build up a distinct ice edge The wind is blowing towards an area with a lot of ice, causing it to pile up and stopping its movement Oil spill recovery in open water before the oil is driven against the ice edge Oil which is not recovered quickly enough can be driven against the ice edge, which then functions effectively as a barrier (like a boom). The oil can either lie in a position which permits recovery or become mixed with the ice. Date printed Page 9

10 Such operational challenges were demonstrated when bunker oil was spilt to the sea in the presence of ice after container carried Godafoss went aground in the Oslo Fjord during February When oil spill recovery is attempted in waters where ice is present, the volume recovered will normally comprise a mixture of oil, free water and polluted ice. Free water and ice recovered with the oil must be treated by a separation process. This is a challenge which calls for the development of more effective methods, particularly in areas where available logistics and infrastructure impose constraints on opportunities for relevant improvisation. A well thought-out project idea which outlines a new and efficient technology or method for processing/separating oil from water and polluted ice will receive high priority in the evaluation process. Access to efficient logistics will be a major challenge for all types of operations in the far north. People and supplies must be transported in and out and, in an oil spill response, recovered oil must be shipped out of the area unless it is burned on site or dispersed. The operating platforms for the equipment used (ships, planes, drones, aerostat and so forth) must be well suited for the job, and personnel must not least be available with adequate and relevant experience, expertise and training to do the work. The technological challenges for each category are listed in the actual call for each topic in the matrix. Research and studies related to operational challenges for oil spill response in the Arctic have been under way for many years. In recent years, several oil companies have joined forces in an extensive joint industry project (JIP) on Arctic response technology. See This programme started up in 2012 and will continue until the end of Much basic work is being carried out here in the form of studies, and the results are constantly being published in open reports which could be of great value when practical solutions are to be developed. Those who wish to submit White Papers on relevant topics are strongly advised to familiarise themselves with the background material available from the Arctic response technology programme. Go to Date printed Page 10

11 5 - Contact information Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies (NOFO) technology development programme P O Box NO-4068 Stavanger, Norway Tel: Fax: post@nofo.no Internet: Org no Contacts: Leif J Kvamme Chief executive officer Tel: ljk@nofo.no Hans V Jensen Lead R&D/technology development Tel: hans.v.jensen@nofo.no Date printed Page 11

12 APPENDIX - THE INDIVIDUAL CALLS FOR PROPOSAL TOPIC 1- ICE-AFFECTED WATERS ( link to the Web page will be posted) 1A - MECHANICAL RECOVERY 1B - DISPERSANTS 1C - REMOTE SENSING 1D - BURNING 1E - LOGISTICS 1F - OPEN CLASS TOPIC 2 - OPEN WATERS ( link to the Web page will be posted) 2A - MECHANICAL RECOVERY 2B - DISPERSANTS 2C - REMOTE SENSING 2D - BURNING 2E - LOGISTICS 2F - OPEN CLASS TOPIC 3 - SHELTERED WATERS ( link to the Web page will be posted) 3A - MECHANICAL RECOVERY 3B - DISPERSANTS 3C - REMOTE SENSING 3E - LOGISTICS 3F - OPEN CLASS TOPIC 4 - BEACH AREA ( link to the Web page will be posted) 4A - MECHANICAL RECOVERY 4B - DISPERSANTS 4C - REMOTE SENSING 4E - LOGISTICS 4F - OPEN CLASS TOPIC 5 - THIN OIL FILMS ( link to the Web page will be posted) 5A - MECHANICAL RECOVERY 5B - DISPERSANTS 5E - LOGISTICS 5F - OPEN CLASS Date printed Page 12

13 Invitation to develop project outlines for Topic 1 ice-affected waters The current position Petroleum operations on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) are moving north. This shift comes in addition to the regular shipping traffic in the far north as a result of extensive fisheries, growing cruise traffic, mining-related transport and other commercial activities. The growth in maritime activity has been reinforced in recent years by the retreat in ice cover, which means that large sea areas have become available for ever longer periods of the year. In addition, newbuilt ships are becoming increasingly suitable for operations in ice-affected waters. SCENARIOS Oil spill responses will basically be conducted from the types of ships available to NOFO and the Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA). Oil spill response in ice-affected waters faces special operating parameters. New types of vessels may need to used, which not only have a design which allows them to work safely but are also operated by personnel who possess the necessary expertise with and experience from such waters. The logistics challenges in such areas are also substantial in terms of establishing secure lines of supply and communication for both equipment and personnel. Operations in darkness and poor visibility are particularly challenging in a cold climate, and all equipment placed in the sea must be able to cope with rapid variations in the extent of ice cover within the specified range (0-30 per cent). Two typical scenarios which provide an illustration of this call topic can be described as follows: 1

14 Scenario 1: Oil spills in ice-affected waters with "from ice" wind conditions, which break up the leading edge of the ice field The wind blows away from the area containing a lot of ice, so that the floes mover further apart and become distributed over a wider area. The sea contains ice slush and thin ice floes up to 10 metres in diameter, thicknesses up to 50 centimetres and covering only a very small part of the area. In such circumstances, ice conditions pose no hazard to shipping, and even small vessels can manoeuvre virtually unhindered. Sufficient ice is also present for its volume to exceed the amount of oil by far. Conventional booms will quickly become filled with ice, which means in practice that the oil will be locked in the ice. Scenario 2: Oil spills in open water during "towards ice" wind conditions, which gradually build up a distinct ice edge The wind is blowing towards an area with a lot of ice, causing it to pile up and stopping its movement Oil spill recovery in open water before the oil is driven against the ice edge Oil which is not recovered quickly enough can be driven against the ice edge, which then functions effectively as a barrier (like a boom). The oil can either lie in a position which permits recovery or become mixed with the ice. Those intending to submit proposals under this topic are advised to familiarise themselves with the results of international and national research and technology studies related to oil spill response in ice, such as the current joint industry project (JIP) on Arctic response technology. See: Applicants are invited to submit individual project outlines (White Papers) under topics 1A to 1F. Limited to a maximum of five pages including possible appendices, these must describe solutions to one or more of the issues outlined below. The applicant must describe in a precise manner which challenges the project outline submitted is intended to overcome. It would be an advantage, but not a requirement, were this description to be based on or make reference to previous research and product development on this topic. Project outlines which involve the further development of existing products/technology, and which would provide a significant improvement to the oil spill recovery capabilities of the product, can also be submitted for evaluation. 2

15 1A Mechanical recovery Existing oil recovery technology faces constraints on its deployment in ice-affected waters, and solutions are sought to the challenges described below. How can oil in ice-affected waters be dealt with in new or more effective ways? How can oil/ice/water mixtures be separated after recovery from the sea to a vessel, including the use of heat energy in the process? How can ice be processed so that traditional oil spill response equipment can be used? How can existing oil spill response equipment be developed or modified to handle oil/ice mixtures? How can icing (loss of functionality) of equipment be prevented? How can the safety of personnel be assured in operations under icy conditions? 1B Dispersants Oil spill preparedness based on the use of existing dispersant technology in ice-affected waters is not commercially available. Dispersants must be applied in a safe and precise manner, and the equipment must be protected against icing (loss of functionality). How can dispersants be applied in waters with low ice cover? How can ship-based application systems be made robust against low temperatures? How can the correct dosage of dispersants be assured with oil/ice/water mixtures? How can sufficient mechanical energy be provided to ensure that the dispersant has the desired effect? 1C Remote sensing Today s remote sensing technology for detecting recoverable oil on, between and beneath ice has clear limitations. How to detect and classify (determine the volume) of oil camouflaged on, between or beneath ice? How to detect and classify oil spread over large areas under light and visibility conditions where piloted flying is unacceptable for practical or safety reasons? How to enhance oil detection near one s own vessel under all light and visibility conditions? How to expand the operational window of existing remote sensing products? How to build up a continuous situation overview which includes both oil and ice distribution? 3

16 1D Burning Experience from the Macondo accident in the Gulf of Mexico during 2010, where burning was used on a large scale, and follow-up work by the oil companies to evaluate its effects and consequences have increased knowledge about burning as a method. Equipment and methodologies for implementing this type of response in an effective manner have also been further developed on the basis of this experience. See How to ignite decomposed oil emulsions with a high water content and ensure that burning can be maintained? How can ignition be confined to a limited and prepared area? What special operational considerations must be taken into account in ice-affected waters? How can the burning process be monitored? 1E Logistics In order to conduct an oil spill response in ice-affected waters, supply and communication lines need to be established which ensure that the operation can be implemented and continue over the necessary period. Dealing with recovered oil which must be treated as hazardous waste is an important element. Technological logistics solutions which can be introduced to help increase the capacity of existing or newly developed oil spill response systems will be of interest. How can operations be supported when operational areas in ice-affected waters are a long distance (more than 300 kilometres) from land? o o o o o o Need for an advanced floating depot and logistics hub? Alternatives? Use of smaller vessels for oil spill response in ice supported from a floating depot or existing oil recovery vessels? Safe transport of personnel and equipment? Possible transport solutions to/from the mainland for polluted materials recovered? Design of container-based solutions for consumables and oil spill response equipment? Communication solutions? 1F Open class A project idea in the open class oil in ice-affected waters must first identify and describe a challenge in oil spill response which the applicant believes is important to overcome, and then explain why this is the case. On that basis, the project idea will describe how this challenge can be overcome. Within this category, consideration will be given to evaluating conceptual proposals based on modes of operation which differ from those currently used by NOFO and the NCA. Issues which may become relevant at some time in the future can then be included and raised such as oil spill responses in areas with high levels of ice cover (the Deep Arctic). 4

17 Invitation to develop project outlines for Topic 2 - open waters The current position The call for proposals in the now-completed Oil Spill Response 2010 programme gave top priority to project outlines which aimed to improve mechanical recovery technology. The following guidelines were provided at that time. Increased mechanical strength: recovery systems must be so physically robust that, once deployed, they can remain in the sea for a long time (days) in virtually all weather conditions. Enhanced efficiency: the ability to recover and remove oil more effectively. Greater speed through the water (more than 0.75 knots), operations in waters with strong currents Wider operating window: the ability to operate effectively under weather and climatic conditions which exceed the limits of the possible with existing technology. A number of good ideas were received, and some projects were implemented. Follow-up of these, with gradual phasing into the oil spill preparedness, will continue in coming years. This follow-up of existing projects will therefore impose capacity constraints on NOFO in supporting the development of additional new concepts for mechanical recovery in open waters. While it will nevertheless be possible to initiate new projects in this area, the threshold will be high. Those wishing to submit proposals under this call topic are advised to familiarise themselves with available information about and experience from the completed Oil Spill Recovery 2010 programme. See (in Norwegian only): Applicants are invited to submit individual project outlines (White Papers) limited to a maximum of five pages including possible appendices) which describe solutions to one or more of the issues outlined below. The applicant must describe in a precise manner which challenges the project outline submitted is intended to overcome. It would be an advantage were this description based on or made reference to previous research and product development on this topic. 1

18 2A Mechanical recovery Recovering oil with mechanical methods can lead to large quantities of water being retrieved together with the recovered oil/oil emulsion, particularly in rough seas. Under such conditions, it can be a challenge to separate free water from oil, transfer the recovered volume to a vessel through long hoses, and monitoring skimmer performance. How can free water in the recovered volume be separated effectively, preferably before being transferred to the cargo tank? How can new separation methods or systems be adapted to existing mechanical recovery systems? How can high-capacity transfer of oil/water be achieved between skimmer and vessel over distances substantially greater than 100 metres? How can the functionality of the skimmer be monitored at a great distance from the vessel? 2B Dispersants Ships and aircraft from international players are currently used to apply dispersants in open waters. Where ships are used, the dispersant is applied either with sprayers on booms/arms extended from each side of the vessel, or with a hose carrying sprayers and supported between a paravane and the ship doing the towing. How to control dispersant dosages section-by-section or individually in a system with many sprayers with the aid, for example, of automated interpretation of data from remote sensing sensors (optical or radar)? How can viscosity changes be handled for dispersants as a result of temperature variations which arise when hoses or pipes leading to the sprayers experience sharp cooling? How can existing application systems be improved (made more efficient and robust, simpler to operate)? Can oil spills be dispersed with the aid of mechanical methods? 2C Remote sensing Remote sensing from aircraft or satellites are used today for monitoring large areas of open water off Norway. The sensors utilised are mainly radar (X band) for detection, and infrared (IR) cameras to classify oil quantity. IR and radar are usually used in the immediate vicinity of the vessel, together with daylight video and IR in helium-filled aerostats. Helicopters are deployed as a supplement. Drones fitted with IR sensors and daylight video have also been demonstrated and are commercially available. Remote sensing is essential for directing mechanical recovery or dispersant systems to recoverable parts of an oil spill. That calls for real-time data acquisition and communication. Remote sensing information provides input to the common operating picture (COP) used by the operational management, together with forecasts and a wide range of other geographical information. 2

19 Note that this call for proposals relates to remote sensing aimed at identifying recoverable parts of an oil spill, not continuous (automated) remote sensing to detect leaks from installations. How can other types of sensors such as multispectral cameras, coherent FMCW radar, Lidar and methane detectors be used for remote sensing of oil? How can new platforms for remote sensing be operationalised for the open-water environment in a robust and cost-optimum manner such as drones, aerostats or autonomous vessels? How can automated image processing be used to support the interpretation of remote sensing data, such as variations in oil thickness, formation of boom systems and location of objects? How to collect and integrate remote sensing data for COP, and then distribute this information between various vessels at sea as well as from ship to shore via narrowband VSAT (typically 256 kb/s)? How to develop a standardised set-up for COP on ships, with the operational leadership on land, and with the strategic management on land (operating company or government agency)? How to improve the performance of remote sensing even further in poor visibility (particularly fog)? 2D Burning Burning has been demonstrated in a number of trials in the Arctic, both in Canada and Norway. The method has been utilised in actual incidents, and was demonstrated very effectively during the Macondo accident in Gulf of Mexico in This solution can remove a very high proportion of oil pollution from the sea surface. However, it is uncertain whether burning is operationally suitable on the open sea in Norwegian waters because of the prevailing weather and wave conditions. Systematic trials to demonstrate the potential of burning in Norwegian waters could accordingly be relevant, both in a test basin and in the field. That would require further development of existing operational tools. How to describe and through trials demonstrate the operational window for burning different oil types on the open sea in Norwegian waters, where a high water content in the oil emulsion could prevent ignition or make it difficult? o o o Ignition in combination with emulsion breaking? How can a sufficiently high temperature be achieved so that the emulsion is broken and the oil can burn? Ignition sources and technology for maintaining combustion? How can the efficiency of the combustion process be enhanced (hardening agents, smokecontrolling additives, etc.)? How can ordinary booms be combined with burning booms (to create a burning pocket)? 2E Logistics In order to conduct an oil spill response, effective supply and communication lines need to be established which ensure that the operation can be implemented and continue over the necessary period. Dealing with recovered oil which must be treated as hazardous waste is an important element. Technological logistics solutions which can be introduced to help increase the capacity of existing or newly developed oil spill response systems will be of interest. 3

20 2F Open class Good ideas which cover improvements to or further development of existing technology for recovery, dispersants, remote sensing or burning oil in open waters, or proposals on completely new technology for operations in open waters, will be evaluated in the open class. Project ideas in the open class for open waters must precisely identify and describe a challenge for oil spill response which the applicant believes is important to overcome. On that basis, the applicant must describe and explain how their project idea can solve the challenge. 4

21 Invitation to develop project outlines for Topic 3 - sheltered waters The current position Certain petroleum activities are conducted so close to shore that an acute spill could reach sheltered waters. (NCA) combats acute oil pollution from major accidents involving ships, and supports the intermunicipal oil spill contingency (IUAs) in responding to a number of spills every year. Oil spills in coastal waters are characterised by the rapid separation of the oil into small slicks through the effects of currents, wind and topography (rocks, islands large and small and the coastline itself). To combat oil pollution in the coastal area, the scattered individual slicks must accordingly be hunted. This favours equipment platforms for recovery and dispersant systems with good manoeuvrability and the ability to move fast. In recent years, technology has been developed which can operate at towing speeds of more than two knots using single-vessel systems. Such solutions have been utilised with very good results, as during the Deepwater Horizon (Macondo) accident in the USA. A small paravane-based dispersant system with high capacity for use in sheltered waters was also developed in the Oil Spill Response 2010 programme. An oil spill response in the coastal area also requires continuous remote sensing (infrared and daylight cameras) to track the location of recoverable oil. It must be possible to conduct local and large area remote sensing independently of light and visibility conditions. Such an overview can best be secured by observing the oil from a good height, preferably over 75 metres. Equipment used today is installed in both piloted and pilotless craft e.g. aircraft, helicopters and aerostats (balloons). Several types of ship-mounted sensor are also used. Oil recovered by a response operation in the coastal area must be held in intermediate storage before transport to land for further treatment (as hazardous waste). Such storage is provided on vessels or in floating containers, where capacity can be a challenge. NOFO and the NCA see a need to develop more effective and better adapted methods for handling various aspects of pollution incidents in sheltered waters. 1

22 Those submitting proposals in topic 3 are advised to familiarise themselves with available information about and experience from the completed Oil Spill Response 2010 technology development programme. See (in Norwegian only) Project ideas (White Papers limited to a maximum of five pages including possible appendices) are sought which describe solutions to one or more of the issues described below. The applicant must describe in a precise manner which challenges the project outline submitted is intended to overcome. It would be an advantage were this description based on or made reference to previous research and product development on this topic. 3A Mechanical recovery Mechanical recovery in narrow coastal waters must largely be conducted by small or medium-sized vessels. These will have no or, at best, very limited tank capacity on board for storing the recovered liquid. Ensuring that a recovery operation can be pursued continuously without being interrupted by capacity bottlenecks represents a substantial challenge. How to enhance the effectiveness of mechanical recovery in coastal waters through more efficient recovery and treatment (storage and transport) of waste? How to strengthen logistics related to mechanical recovery in coastal waters? How to secure the necessary capacity for intermediate storage of recovered oil (at sea, along the coast)? 3B Dispersants The NCA regards dispersants as a means of combating spills of bunker oil, and recently implemented a project on government dispersant preparedness. This calls for rapid mobilisation of application systems to deal with small spills. Dosages required for highly viscous oils such as bunkers may be higher than for crude oils. How to exploit commercially available helicopters for dispersant application along the coast? How to design equipment/systems for pursuing effective dispersant operations from vessels in coastal waters? How to coordinate operations by a number of units involved simultaneously in applying dispersants? 3C Remote sensing Remote sensing in coastal waters can be conducted from vessels or from piloted/pilotless aircraft, and in some cases also from land. How to operationalise new platforms for remote sensing in coastal waters in a robust and costoptimum manner, such as the use of drones and aerostats? How to ensure that all units involved in a coastal oil spill response receive sufficient and adequate remote sensing data, so that the oil spill can be combated effectively? 2

23 How can oil be identified in remote sensing images which also contain signatures from objects in the beach area (such as seaweed, refuse and solid rock surfaces), preferably through automated image processing? 3E Logistics In order to conduct an oil spill response in coastal areas, effective supply and communication lines need to be established which ensure that the operation can be implemented and continue for as long as necessary and on the required scale. Dealing with recovered oil which must be treated as hazardous waste is an important element. Technological logistics solutions which can be introduced to help increase the capacity of existing or newly developed oil spill response systems will be of interest. 3F Open class Project ideas which can strengthen coastal oil spill preparedness through either modification or further development of existing systems, or possibly through completely new solutions which promote the safety, efficiency or robustness of coastal oil spill response can be submitted in this category. Project ideas in the open class for sheltered waters must precisely identify and describe a challenge for oil spill response which the applicant believes is important to overcome. On that basis, the applicant must describe and explain how their project idea can solve the challenge. 3

24 Invitation to develop project outlines for Topic 4 - beach area / shoreline The current position Certain petroleum activities (exploration/production) on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) are conducted close to shore, and possible acute pollution could thereby reach the coast and threaten the beach area / shoreline relatively quickly. NOFO is responsible for establishing an emergency preparedness which can also combat this type of accident. (NCA), for its part, is responsible for combating major incidents of acute oil pollution along the Norwegian coast e.g. when vessels go aground and leak bunker oil. In addition, the NCA supports the intermunicipal response organisation (IUAs) in responding to a number of spills every year. Cleaning up oil in the beach area involves the use of various techniques, depending on the type of beach which has been polluted. Norway has many types of beach area with different varieties of naked rock, pebbles, scree, gravel and sand. Wetlands with clay or silt beds are also found. The beach area contains fauna and flora which can be harmed, including in the actual substrate. A great many recreational areas and coastal industries also exist and must be protected. After an acute oil pollution incident, quays and other structures must be washed and cleaned as part of the clear-up operation. Certain areas can be difficult to access areas of shallow water, for example. A response in the beach area often involves mobilising substantial resources of equipment and personnel. So ensuring that the clean-up campaign as such does not cause additional damage to the environment is important. Methods for cleaning up oil pollution will vary according to the type of beach. One variant could involve washing/water jetting the oil back into the sea, where booms block further movement. The oil can then be recovered by skimmers. Remaining oil on the beach is usually covered with an absorbent material, such as bark or peat and then left for collection or to decompose naturally. Equipment exists which can apply absorbents and remove the mixture afterwards. Portable oil recovery systems for use in the beach area have been developed, too. Amphibious vessels for transport over inaccessible beach areas are also available. 1

25 Oil collected from beaches must be held in intermediate storage before being transported to land for further treatment as hazardous waste. Such storage usually takes place on vessels or in floating containers. Developing more effective and better adapted equipment and methods for beach cleaning is desirable. Those submitting proposals under this topic are advised to familiarise themselves with available information about and incorporated results from the completed Oil Spill Response 2010 technology development programme. See (in Norwegian only) Project ideas (White Papers limited to a maximum of five pages including possible appendices) are sought which describe solutions to one or more of the issues described below. The applicant must describe in a precise manner which challenges the project outline submitted is intended to overcome. It would be an advantage were this description based on or made reference to previous research and product development on this topic. 4A Mechanical recovery Oil collected on beaches must be held in intermediate storage before being transported to land for further treatment as hazardous waste. Such storage usually takes place on vessels or in floating containers. How can beach clearance and cleaning be made more efficient with the aid of new mechanical methods? How can overland transport be made more effective across uneven terrain to and from inaccessible beach areas, including extensive shallow-water areas? How can good working conditions be ensured for personnel engaged in beach cleaning over a long period? How can monitoring (tracking) be conducted geographically in order to maintain an overview of all resources (people, equipment, waste) mobilised for an oil spill response in the beach area and thereby ensure that the commitment and resources can be efficiently managed in real time? 4B Dispersants & beach cleaning agents A Norwegian regulation covers chemicals agents for beach treatment. Little operational use has been made of such substances in Norwegian oil spill response. Chapter 19 of the pollution regulations deal with these. See (in Norwegian only): How can the right type of beach cleaning agents be applied in the correct quantities to different type of beach areas with varying degrees of pollution? How can waste generated from the use of beach treatment materials be treated? 2

26 4C Remote sensing It should be possible to monitor beach areas (where an oil spill response is imminent or on-going) with stationary or mobile equipment in order to determine the quantity of pollution and follow the various activities. How can remote sensing be conducted for beach operations with the aid of small UAS/RPAS systems (drones)? How can the level of pollution on beach surfaces be estimated with the aid of remote sensing? How can an overall chart-based (GIS) presentation be established for pollution in a coastal area with many scattered localities? 4E Logistics In order to conduct an oil spill response in beach areas, logistics solutions need to be established which ensure that the operation can be implemented and continue for as long as necessary. Largescale operations will involve substantial quantities of personnel and equipment. Dealing with recovered oil which must be treated as hazardous waste is an important element. These represent logistical challenges. Technological logistics solutions which can be introduced to help enhance efficiency for such activities will be of interest. 4F - Open class Project ideas in the open class for beach areas must precisely identify and describe a challenge for oil spill response in the beach area which the applicant believes is important to overcome. On that basis, the applicant must describe and explain how their project idea can solve the challenge. 3