HIDROMOD has extensive experience in the usage of modelling tools, regarding prevention and risk management associated with spillage of hydrocarbon or other pollutants into the sea. Some reference work, such as the contingency plans for revision of all the TRANSPETRO terminals (PETROBRAS), the National Help Plan for Ships in Distress (PNAND – Portugal) or the hydrocarbon spillage forecast system of the Malacca and Singapore straits, demonstrate HIDROMOD’s high level of competence in this field.

Specific studies of platform blowouts or hydrocarbon loading and unloading operation spillages are also part of HIDROMOD’ s work curriculum.

The use of models in sea pollution risk prevention plans allows a quick response to oil spills or other dangerous materials. In practical terms, modelling can give support to several activities:

Providing effective monitoring and notification services, able to support appropriate responses in the event of a pollution incident;

  • Establishing and maintaining contingency and response plans;
  • Preventing occurrences of pollution incidents by accurately identifying risks and planning means of intervention;
  • Deciding if a fighting operation should be initiated, based on accident information involving pollution or pollution risks, and the means to be deployed in that case;
  • Maintaining a decision-making support system based on model simulations to predict higher risk locations and prioritise the deployment of response means.

Operational services

The concepts previously referred are materialised in the following operational systems, in which technology developed by HIDROMOD has a central role:

  • Real-time management of measured data and numerical forecasts, supporting the Galicia Accidental Sea Contamination Territorial Plan (CAMGAL Plan) (client: INTECMAR);
  • Hydrocarbon spill forecast system for the Port Authority of A Coruña (APC) (Client: APC);
  • Hydrocarbon spill forecast system for the Malacca and Singapore straits (client: IMO);