Modified Assessment Methodology for Mechanical Recovery Capacity for Oil Spill Response at Sea

Mechanical recovery for oil spill at sea is an integral part of overall oil spill response. Few countries have developed quantitative methodologies to assess mechanical recovery capacity. As a country which is facing high risk of oil spill at sea, China has adopted a quantitative methodology by which to require legally oil facilities and vessels to maintain a certain level of preparedness and response capability. Firstly, the background of existing methodologies and its calculation formula is introduced. After exploring its shortcomings, a modified formula is proposed based on actual situation of skimmer operation at sea. Then, by choosing two typical skimmers in China as samples to validate the new methodology, experimental results have shown big difference between the existing formula and new formula. Accordingly, suggestions on fully maximizing the effectiveness of skimmer are made for on-scene commanders based on the findings of the new formula.