Benchmarking of Petroleum Tanker Discharge Operations at a Nigerian Coastal Terminal and Jetty Facilitates Optimization of the SHIP - SHORE Interface

摘要

Benchmarking has progressively become entrenched as a requisite activity for process improvement and enhancing service delivery at petroleum jetties and terminals, most especially during tanker discharge operations at the ship - shore interface, as avoidable delays result in extra operating costs, lost manhours, high demurrage payments and ultimate product scarcity. The jetty and terminal in focus had been operational for 3 and 8 years respectively, with proper operational and logistic records maintained to evaluate their progress over time in order to plan and implement modifications and review of procedures for greater technical and economic efficiency. Regular and emergency staff meetings were held on a team, departmental and company-wide basis to progressively address major challenges that were encountered during each operation. The process and outcome of the resultant collectively planned changes carried out within the past two years forms the basis of this paper, which mirrors such initiatives as the conversion to two cargo receipt lines for Premium Motor Spirit; fast tracking of pre-arrival, arrival, discharge and post-discharge procedures; revamping of existing booster pump and purchasing of a more modern one as reserve capacity; state-of-the-art firefighting facilities and equipment; remediation of the shoreline, platform, dolphins and existing barge; construction of two new barges; revival of terminal - jetty back loading operations and third party product receipt/throughput; incorporation of logistics firm and shipping agency; optimisation of vessel selection for marine cargo transportation; installation of CCTV, wireless internet, UHF radios and other security enhancements; product loss control measures at jetty and shore ends; enhanced line flushing, shore tank dehydration and product recovery; corrosion control in all process facilities; modern spill containment equipment for environmental protection; seawater intake line construction as backup for borehole at the terminal; improved housekeeping and accident prevention practices; extension of Phase 1 of the jetty to accommodate two vessels and construction of Phase 2 for two more vessels; regular inspection, draining, drying and replacement of cargo hoses; an improved, properly planned and documented maintenance culture; among others. The end result has been observed to include improved tanker turnaround time, higher turnover on product sales, consistent product availability, greater indigenous human capacity utilisation by way of direct hires and contracts, as well as customer loyalty. The lessons learnt from this exercise would therefore serve as a model to be adapted by other operators of similar facilities, contractors, academics and consultants in a bid to deliver greater sustaina-bility and profitability of operations at the ship - shore interface to this strategic industry.