MINISTRY OF EDUCAITON

AND TRAINING

VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SCIENCE

AND TECHNOLOGY

GRANDUATE UNIVERSITYOF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

-----------------------------

Tran Anh Tuan

HAZARDS OF CAUSING ENVIRONMENTAL

DEGRADATION DURING LOADING/UNLOADING AND

STORING HAZARDOUS AND NOXIOUS SUBSTANCES AT

GROUP OF SEAPORTS NORTH VIETNAM

Specialty: Natural Resources and Environmental Management Code: 9850101

SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS

NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGMENT

HA NOI – 2022

- 2 -

Thesis was completed at: Granduate University of science and techonology - Vietnam

academy of science and technology

Scientific instructor 1: PGS.TS. Ngo Kim Dinh

Scientific instructor 2: PGS.TS. Tran Dinh Lan

Counterargument 1:

Counterargument 2:

Counterargument 3:

The thesis will be reported to the Academy level doctoral thesis evaluation committee,

meeting at the Academy of Science and Technology - Vietnam Academy of Science and

Technology at 00', on 2022.

The thesis can be found at:

- Library of Academy of Science and Technology

- National Library of Vietnam

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INTRODUCTION

1. The necessity of the thesis

Seaports group I, also known as group of North seaport (Hai Phong, Quang Ninh,

Thai Binh, Nam Dinh) is one of the two largest seaports group in Vietnam,in which

concentrated mainly in Hai Phong 49/67 wharves, Quang Ninh 13/67 wharves.In herethe

number of ships and cargo throughput in therecent years has always achieved a growth

rate of 9-12%/year,in which dangerous goods are hazardous and noxioussubstances

accounting for a significant proportion.The Northeastern coastal area is also an area with

high ecological value and valuable marine environmental such as Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba

Biosphere reserve, ...and always affected from maritime activities in the region.

In Vietnam, there are not many assessments and solutions to prevent pollution

from the operation of seaports (loading and storing goods), especially the operation of

seaports with loading and unloading and storing chemicals toxic.In fact, in recent years,

there have been a number of environmental incidents related to chemical storage, loading

and unloading activities in the group of seaports north vietnam and revealed many

limitations in prevention and control activities respond to this incident.

Therefore, the study of assessment on the current state, hazards identification of

causing environmental degradation and environmental risks from the loading and

unloading, storage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances at seaports North Vietnam,

then setting solution to control the process of loading, unloading and storing to prevent

and respond to related environmental incidents. It is essential to meet the actual

requirements and sustainable marine economic development strategy. Research subjects

is “Hazards of causing environment degradation during loading/unloading and storing

hazardous and noxious substances at group of seaports North Vietnam”, which is very

necessary and has new significance both in terms of science and reality.

2. Objective

To identify scientific arguments and establish a set of criteria for assessing the

hazards of causing degradation and decentralizing the hazards of causing environmental

degradation from loading/unloading and storing Hazardous and Noxious Substances at

group of seaports North Vietnam.

3. Content and tasks

To achieve the research objective, the following main contents have been

implemented:

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Content 1: Overview analysis of studies on assessing the hazards of causing

environmental degradation during loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious

substances at seaports in the world and in Vietnam.

Content 2: Assessing on the current state and environmental impacts of from

loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious substances at seaports North

Vietnam.

Content 3: Analysis, identification and assessment of the hazards of causing

environmental degradation. Establishing select and test operation of a set of criteria to

assess the hazards of causing environmental degradation during loading/unloading and

storing HNS at seaports North Vietnam.

Content 4: Proposing solutions to reduce hazards of causing of environmental

degradation of during loading/unloading and storing HNS at seaports North Vietnam.

CHAPTER 1. OVERVIEW AND RESEARCH AREAS

1.1. Research on assessing the hazards of causing environmental degradationduring

loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious substances at group of

seaports

1.1.1. Hazardous and noxious substances and dangerous goods

- Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS): oil; other liquids determined to be

toxic or hazardous; liquefied petroleum gas; liquid with a flash point not exceeding 60°C;

dangerous, toxic and harmful materials and substances transported in packages or in

containers; and solid bulk materials identified as having chemical hazards.

1.1.2. Assessment of the hazards of causing environmental degradation during

loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) at seaports

The determination of the hazards of causing environmental degradation, related to

loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious substances at seaports or terminals

should include detailed assessments as follows:

- Hazard sources identification associated with HNS on site.

- For each hazard, determine the probability of causing an incident for otherHNS.

- The main damage to human and the environment due to incident occurs;

- For each hazard, define control measures;

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1.1.3. Assessment process of hazard of causing environment degradation during

loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious substances at seaports

The port environment degradation risk assessment is followed by the basic steps

involved in industrial risk assessment process, as shown in Figure 1. 1

Figure 1. 1. Process of environmental risk assessment at seaports

1.1.4. Overview of risk assessment, hazards by criteria

1/Establishment of evaluation criteria

Evaluation criteria are factors used to determine the satisfaction of assessed object

requirements according to a certain standard. In order to establish effective evaluation

criteria, it is necessary to clearly define the factors related assessed objects and prioritize

or their importance to meet the equirements and standard.Along with that, the

identification and reasonable consideration of evaluation criteria with consensus on

evaluation indicators will form an assessment plan to provide users with a common

standard to evaluate and level of the selected subjects to be evaluated. This allows

ratings of the objects to be evaluated while also providing a fair basis for comparison.

2/Criterion score evaluation

Risk criteria include: criteria of risk classification and assessment. In which:

Likelihooddetermination

Determine the risk rating

Riskclassification

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- Risk classification criteria are understood as criteria for accepting or not

accepting risks.

- Risk assessment criteria are understood as criteria to measure and assess the level

of risk, which is divided into the following 3 types:

+ Criteria for selection: risk criterions are established according to an index or

complex of risk indicators creating a tool to identify and evaluate the risk level;

+ Scoring Criteria: risk criterions are evaluated and expressed by score;

+ Random criteria: Criteriasare selected according to statistical, probability

methods to measure the compliance with each determinedobject and field .

1.2. Overview of research works

1.2.1. Studies in the world

There are many studies on the environmental impact from the process of

transporting dangerous goods by sea in the world. The studies focus on the following

issues: (1) Risk assessment of the process of transporting dangerous goods by statistics of

related accidents; (2) using modeling methods to evaluate physical-chemical properties

and simulate chemical metabolism as well as potential hazards to the ecological

environment;(3) Develop an analytical framework for risk assessment and guidelines for

risk management in the transportation of hazardous goodsby sea; (4) Establishment a

plan to prevent and respond to environmental incidents related to transportation of

hazardous goodsby sea.

Studies in the world are a very useful scientific basis and experience for Vietnam

in the process of researching and assessing the risks of environmental degradation

during transportation, loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious substances

at seaports.

1.2.2. Domestic studies

In Vietnam, the issue of environmental impact caused by maritime activities is

also concerned by scientists and management agencies. However, the research is mainly

assessing current environmental status and completing the legal system on environmental

management. Research directions related to this field include: (1) Identify sources of

emissions from maritime activities (ships, seaport operations) and assessment. (2)

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Studying to assess the hazards of causing oil spill from maritime activities and to develop

prevention and response plans;(3) Research on environmental risk zoning in coastal

areas.

Studies on environmental impact assessment from shipping activities have mainly

focused on oil spills, while very few studies have assessed the hazards of causing

environmental degradation related to transportation of hazardous goods by sea. Some of

the relevant original research performed by postgraduate.

1.3. Oveview group of seaports North Vietnam and loading/unloading and storing

hazardous and noxious substances acitivies at the seaport

1.3.1. Characteristics of seaports group in the North of Vietnam

1.3.1.1. Characteristics of natural, socio-economic conditions in seaports group in

the North of Vietnam

The group of Northern seaports is located in the northern coastal provinces of

Vietnam, including Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Thai Binh and Nam Dinh which are along

the coastal route from Mong Cai (Quang Ninh) to Hai Hau (Nam Dinh),in which

concentrated with a high density of ports andtraffic is Hai Phong - Ha Long area. This is

an area with of high value of natural environmental conditions, ecology, economy -

society, science and education.

Figure 1. 2. Map of seaports group in the North of Vietnam

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1.3.1.2. Current status of berths in the group of seaports in the Northern

According to Decision No. 761/QD-BGTVT dated April 24, 2020, group of

seaports north vietnam have 67 berths, in which, there are 16 ones at Quang Ninh

province; 49 ones at Hai phong city; 3 ones at Nam Dinh province and 2 ones in Thai

Bình.

According to statistics of the Vietnam Maritime Administration: In recent years,

the growth rate of cargo volume and the number of ships throwing Quang Ninh - Hai

Phong seaport area has always reached a high level of 10-15%.

Planning characteristics of the seaport system and the current development status is

shown that: group of seaports in the Northern mainly concentrated in Quang Ninh and

Hai Phong is a national general seaport, regional focal point (types I and IA) and have

63/67 in this group. Statistics of goods transporting by seaports in the Northern. Shows

that volume of cargo is mainly focus at Hai Phong seaport (57.4%) and Quang Ninh

(42.3%) and small percentage at Thai Binh and Nam Dinh seaport accounts for (0.3%)

and mainly bulk.

1.3.2.Loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious substances at seaports

a) Methods of hazardous and noxious substances transportation by sea

HNS can be shipped by two ways: (1) bulk (liquid or solid in bulk) or (2) packaged

form.

b) Methods of HNS loading/unloadingat seaport

Classified into 4 types:

- Liquefied gas port

- Liquid cargo port in bulk

- Bulk cargo port

- Container port

c) Storing HNS at seaports

Cargo storage is the process of preserving goods, packing/unloading goods in

bags/bales/containers within the boundaries of the port.

- Methods of HNS storingat seaport:

- Stored directly outdoors

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- Stored in outdoor containers

- Keep in stock

- Stored in containers/or out containers

1.3.3. Dangerous properties during HNS transportation by sea

1.3.3.1. Types of HNS existence in the environment

SEBC classifies HNS into 12 groups basis ondomestic characteristic reactivity

Figure 1. 3.

Symbol Characteristic Properties

G Gas Instant evaporation

GD Gas/dissolve Instant evaporation,

solvable

E Evaporation Fast evaporating

ED Evaporation/

dissolve

Fast evaporating,

solvable

FE Floating/Evaporation Floating, evaporation

FED Floating/Evaporation

/dissolve

Floating,

evaporation/dissolve

F Floating Floating

FD Floating/dissolve Floating,dissolve

DE Dissolve/Evaporation Dissolve, fast

evaporating

D Dissolve Fast dissolve

SD Submerse/Dissolve Submerse, dissolve

S Submerse Submerse

Figure 1. 3. Schematic representation of the European Standard Property Classification.

1.3.3.2. Main hazards of causing HNS transportation by sea

- Flammability: An HNS fire can lead to the release of heat, dust and toxic gases.

- Explosiveness: Explosions can be accompanied by shock waves, fire and heat to

damage;

- Oxidative properties: their composition contains oxygen readily decomposes by

which they provide oxygen to burn other materials;

- Toxicity: Substances that cause death or injury to living organisms at low levels

if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin.

- Corrosion: Substances that can irreversibly destroy or damage surfaces or other

substances they come into contact with.

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- Irritant/harmful: Substances can be harmful to health while those with irritating

properties can cause reactions with skin (dermatitis) and mucous membranes in living

organisms.

- Reactivity: Chemicals can react with neighboring materials, fuel oil, water or air

in a variety of ways, including corrosive, decomposition, oxidation/reduction or

polymerization .

- Effects on marine resources: The impact of one or more chemicals on the marine

environment depends on several factors. The most significant is the toxicity of chemicals

or mixtures of substances in the environment.

CHAPTER 2. RESEARCH METHODS AND MATERIALS

2.1. Object and scope of the study

2.1.1. Object

This object includes: The hazards of adverse impacts on the environment during

loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious substances at group of seaports.

2.1.2. Research scope

* Spatial scope

The study was conducted within the group of seaports North Vietnam (group 1)

according to the decision No. 2376/QD-BGTVT dated July 29, 2016 of the Ministry of

Transport on the detailed planning of the Northern seaport group (group 1) for the period

to 2020, orientation to 2030. Including 4 Seaports: Quang Ninh Port, Hai Phong Port,

Thai Binh Port and Hai Thinh Port - Nam Dinh.

The scope of a seaport includes the land and the seaport water area as prescribed in

Article 4 of the Vietnam Maritime Code 2015.

* Time

Current status of cargo traffic at seaports from 2016 to 2020 and environmental

risks analyzed from 2011 to 2020.

* Content scope

The scope of research content of this topic includes the risks of environmental

degradation related to HNS at seaports (loading/unloanding, storage, internal

transportation) and environmental protection solutions, preventing and responding to

incidents related to HNS at seaports.

2.2. Research Methods

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2.2.1. Approach

The main approach research in the thesis topic is systematic approach. This

approach is a way of seeing through the system structure, hierarchy and motivation. It's a

moving and dynamic approach.

Seaport operation is a development activity that brings economic and social

benefits but causing environmental damage. Therefore, sustainable development

orientation is also the approach of the thesis subjects.

DPSIR approach is also used for thesis subjects.

2.2.2 Method of study

2.2.1.1. Methods used to collect, analyze, evaluate, and collect information and

data

- Methods of surveying and collecting information by survey sheet:

In the implementation, the postgraduate has conducted 3 main surveys to collect

information at the relevant units: Phase 1: (November 2017); Phase 2: (in 2018); Phase 3:

(March 2019). In addition to actual survey to collect actual information at seaports,

information is also collected by email between postgraduate and representatives of

management units.

- Methods of analysis and synthesis: This method is used to analyze the

characteristics of HNS, seaports activities related to HNS and accidents related to HNS at

seaports. Hazardsources aggregate caused by during loading/unloading and storing

hazardous and noxious substances, characteristics of accidents involving HNS in research

area.

- Method of collecting secondary information: In this study, secondary information

related to the volume of goods through the port, accidents, maritime incidents, data on

environmental status, current management status at the seaports… are collected from

publicly available sources.

- Descriptive statistical analysis method: is used to analyze the collected data

related to the loading and unloading and storage of HNS at seaports and the incidents that

have occurred to make recommendations. trends and identify hazards of causing

environmental degradation.

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- SWOT method :

In this study, the SWOT method is used to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of

seaport management system HNS; analyze opportunities and challenges in managing

risks during loading/unloading and storing HNS at seaports.

2.2.1.2. Methods and techniques for analyzing assessment risks and recession

1/Binary screening method:

This method uses a "Yes" and "No" algorithm to classify seaports that storing and

loading/unloading HNS.

2/Checklist method:

The checklist is a list of hazards, risks or errors occurring in controls. Usually, this

method is built on experience and results of previous risk assessments or past mistakes.

3/ Method of preliminary analysis of hazards:

This method is suitable for assessing the risks of environmental degradation during

loading/unloading and storing HNS due to this method can be implemented when

information is limited and allows for early consideration of risks in the chain of

operations.

4/ Hazard assessment method

The hazard assessment process consists of 5 basic steps including:

- Information gathering (identification of hazards)

- Hazard assessment

- Develop risk strategy

- Select and implement a method of hazard control

- Hazard review and hazard control measures

5/ Method of evaluation by criteria

To determine the risk value and the extent of degradation for a chain of related

activities, it is possible to use the criteria to evaluate. With each hazardsource must to

indentify possibility and extent of the deterioration are determined through the criteria

with specific indicators assessing the level of risk and the degree of degradation by a

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scale of 1 to 4 corresponding to the level from "low" to "very high" of risk degradation

and from "Negligible" to "Very serious" of the degree of degradation.

6/Multi-criteria analysis method (AHP):

This method is used to form a matrix that compares risk criteria combined with

expert method (Delphi) to determine priority cost-weighted of each criterion in the

process of risk analyzing degradation of seaports.

7/Delphi Method: This method supports to collect information and knowledge

from a team of experts for questionnaires or assessments of a problem. this method is

approach to consensus through questionnaire submissions.

8/ Scoring method:

The scoring method is a technique to quantify by score the parameters of the

consumption indicators to evaluate specific criteria in the set of risk assessment criteria.

Điểm số đánh giá ứng với mức độ rủi ro hay mức độ thiệt hại của mỗi tiêu chí. The rating

score corresponds to the level of risk or damage of each criterion.

2.2.1.3. Steps to research

The process of research is carried out according to the following steps:

- Step 1:Assessment of the state of management; environmental protection and

incident prevention and response during loading/unloading and storing hazardous and

noxious substances at group of seaports North Vietnam.

- Step 2: Analyze hazard identification and environmental degradation extent and

risk assessment the seaport releved loading/unloading and storing HNS at group of

seaports North Vietnam.

- Step 3: Analyze and identify the causes that need to be prevented recession,

Environmental pollution during loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious

substances at berth in the group of seaports North Vietnam.

- Step 4: Proposing HNS management solutions, guidelines for setting up chemical

incident prevention and response plans for seaports.

2.3. Source material

12

To carry out the study, the database used includes documents and data collected

from ministries, branches and localities, and results of surveys, interviews in the field,

and expert opinions.

CHAPTER 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1. Reality and environmental impacts during loading/unloading and storing

hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) at group of seaports North Vietnam

3.1.1. The status of loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious substances

(HNS) at group of seaports North Vietnam

According to the announcement of the Vietnam Maritime Administration in 2020,

the group of Northern seaports has 67 seaports, including 14 container berths, 12 liquid

cargo berths, 33 general cargo berths.

Currently, Vietnam has no official statistics on the amount of HNS passing through

seaports. According to the survey results at the seaports North Vietnam shown that:

- 12 berths: loading/unloading liquid HNS in bulk,

(petroleum, liquefied petroleum gas, liquid chemicals).

- 14 berths: container loading/unloading HNS accounts for about 1.05% - 1.25%

of container cargo for Hai Phong area and 0.45% - 0.65% for Quang Ninh area .

- 4 general berths have loading/unloading HNS, in which dry HNS account for a

negligible amount (only Hoang Dieu seaport, DAP seaport loading/unloading bulk HNS).

3.1.2. Incidents and waste sources related loading/unloading and storing hazardous

and noxious substances at group of seaports North Vietnam

According to data from the Vietnam Maritime Administration from 2010 to 2019,

the seaport North Vietnam recorded nearly 100 maritime accidents, equal to an average

of 1 case/year of accidents related to HNS. In which, mainly fire and explosion in the

process of loading/unloading goods at the port.

Details as below figure Error! Reference source not found.

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Figure 3.1. Detailed incidents for each seaport at group of seaports North Vietnam

However, the above data only records accidents during loading/unloading not

during storage relaved HNS. Statistics of the authorities on fire prevention and

environmental protection also did not record incidents during the storage of HNS.

through investigation and survey at seaports, only a few small accidents did not cause any

damage to health and the environment.

In addition, the loading/ unloading and storage HNS at seaports also generate a

large amount of waste such as packaging, waste water from cleaning process of loading/

unloading vehicles, crates and containers containing chemical. If is not well managed,

these types of waste will also be a source of pollutants environmental degradation in the

seaport area.

3.1.3. The status of environmental at seaports North Vietnam

Currently, there are no studies to evaluate the specific contribution of seaport

operations in general and loading/unloading and storing HNS at group of seaports North

Vietnam to environmental degradation in coastal areas.

From the results that have been studied on the actual situation of environmental

quality in at group seaports North Vietnam, it shows that the seaports at Hai Phong -

Quang Ninh, environmental quality is under great pressure from business activities.

socio-economic status and is being degraded, showing signs of pollution by a number of

parameters such as dust (air), oil and grease content, ammonium, nitrite, phosphate and

TSS, coliform (water), heavy metals, polycyclic compounds (sediments). The sources of

pollutant emission into the environment of Hai Phong - Quang Ninh seaport area are very

34

56

3 2 6 7

1 0 5 4

0 0 0 1 0 0 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Quảng Ninh port

Hai Phongport

Thai Binhport

Nam Dinhport

Total accidents

Oil spill

Fire and explosion

chemical release

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diverse, including: daily life, industry, agriculture, traffic... in which maritime activities

contribute a significant proportion caused polluted.

The environmental quality at Thai Binh – Nam Định seaport is too. Environmental

quality is not under much pressure from socio-economic activities such as Hai Phong -

Quang Ninh area. The level of degradation and pollution is not high. This is consistent

with the development of pollutant emission sources, including maritime activities in the

Thai Binh - Nam Dinh area.

3.1.4. The status of environmental management during loading/unloading and storing

hazardous and noxious substances at group of seaports North Vietnam

a) Strengths

- General awareness of marine environmental protection: Environmental protection

in general and marine environment protection in particular has been paid attention and

invested by the Party and State. The objectives of environmental protection are

specifically integrated in the Party's national development guidelines and guidelines,

strategies, policies, sectoral and local development plans. The deepening international

integration and cooperation in the maritime sector also contributes to raising awareness

about environmental protection in maritime activities in Vietnam.

- Legal system: The regulations on environmental protection during

loading/unloading and storing HNS are fully reflected in the laws: Law on

Environmental Protection, Law on Chemicals, Law on Maritime, Law on Fire Prevention

and Fighting and guiding documents. Vietnam also promulgates national regulations and

plans on oil spill response, Regulation on chemical incident response, implementation

plan on monitoring, risk assessment, remediation and settlement. Consequences of oil

and toxic chemical spills at sea in the period 2018-2020. Vietnam is also a member of the

International Maritime Organization (IMO) and participates in more than 20 international

conventions in the maritime field, many of which are related to environmental protection

by sea in general and dangerous goods transportation in particular... in addition, Vietnam

has also signed bilateral agreements with neighboring countries on coordination in

response to maritime incidents at sea.

- Management apparatus: The system of state management agencies in charge of

transportation management, environmental protection and chemical safety has been

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completed from the central to local levels and related sectors and units. The seaport also

has a safety and environment department. Compliance monitoring agencies are also well

organized and operate more professionally.

- Science and technology: Modern technologies in transporting loading/unloading

and storing goods are being applied strongly at Vietnam's seaports. All seaports have

been appling information technology and high automation during loading, unloading and

storing goods. This will help to control HNS closely and reduce risks.

b) Weakness

- Weak environmental protecting infrastructure: scale of seaport in Vietnam: are

smaller than some countries in the word. In Vietnam, due to the characteristics of

management and operation seaport consisting of many ports managed and exploited by

many different investors, the infrastructure for environmental protection less synchronous

investment. e.g. waste, environmental incident response infrastructure, pollution control

system, waste treatment system from seaport operations….

- Lack of human resources: At most seaports, the state management agency in

charge of navigation lacks human resources with expertise in environmental safety,

especially expertise in the management of HNS as required by IMDG Code. Incident

response units lack personnel with expertise in responding to incidents involving HNS.

- Lack of regulations and standards guiding the safety during transporting;

loading/unloading and storing HNS at group of seaports: Seaport must be applied IMDG

Code's guidance. However, due to the lack of regulations national (specialized QCVN)

on safety of transporting; loading/unloading and storing HNS, lack of qualified human

resources, so the application is not enough.

- Weak coordination: The control of dangerous goods at seaports is still not

effective due to the lack of coordination between the Maritime Administration and the

local environmental management agency and the chemical safety management agency.

- Financial sources: The investment in infrastructure for environmental protection,

incident prevention and response in maritime activities requires huge funds. Meanwhile,

funds for environmental protection activities is quite limited in Vietnam's seaports. It not

meet the requirements of environmental protection. The proportion of fully equipped

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equipment and environmental protection systems and response to environmental incidents

is still low.

c) Opportunity

- International cooperation: Maritime activities are international activities, so

joining international maritime conventions and bilateral and multilateral cooperation in

this field is an increasing. Participation in international conventions will be an

opportunity for Vietnam to improve capacity in environmental management and response

to incidents.

- The development of technology: The development of science and technology,

especially automation helped the process of loading/unloading and storing HNS. It is

also helps to effectively manage.

d) Challenge

- The development of the seaport system and the increase in the volume of goods

in the world requires to develop very quickly of the vietnam and international seaport

system to meet the increasing. The increase in the volume of seaports goods in general

and HNS in particular will increase the hazards of causing environmental degradation

during loading/unloading and storing HNS at seaports.

- The requirements for environmental protection in IMO are increasing lead to

more investment funds for environmental protection, prevention and response to

environmental incidents of seaports.

3.2. Potential sources of environmental degradation during loading/unloading and

storing hazardous and noxious substances at group of seaports North Vietnam

Based on the causes and characteristics of the risk to group during

loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious substances at group of seaports

North Vietnam as follows:

Tables 3.1. Grouping of sources of risk during loading/unloading and storing HNS

Source, activity Possible accidents Hazards of causing

recession

I. Port infrastructure

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Source, activity Possible accidents Hazards of causing

recession

Ensuring Maritime Safety

The ship collided/ran

aground

The ship collided with the

wharf

Oil spill, chemical spill,

toxic gas distribution,

fire and explosion

release toxic gas

Warehouses and yard system

Subsidence of the

foundation, damage to the

structure of the work,

causing the goods to leak

and damage

Oil spill, toxic chemical

spill, toxic gas release

Infrastructure system for

environmental protection

and incident prevention and

response

Waste is leaking HNS that

is not collected

Failure to timely prevent

problems during operation

Waste entering the

environment

Increase the severity of

the incident

II. Technology and equipment for loading/unloading and storing

Technology and equipment

for loading and unloading

Leaks at valves, pumps,

broken pipes, broken cargo

crane cables, collisions

during loading and

unloading...

Oil spill, chemical spill,

toxic gas distribution,

fire and explosion

release toxic gas

Technology, storage devices

Spilling during storage,

leakage, breakage due to

damage to storage

equipment or warning

devices...

III. Size and type of port operations

Type of loading and

unloading at the port

The type of loading and

unloading (liquid bulk

cargo, packed cargo, bulk

cargo) will determine

which accidents are likely

Oil spill, chemical spill,

toxic gas distribution,

fire and explosion

release toxic gas

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Source, activity Possible accidents Hazards of causing

recession

to occur.

Type and size of 1 loading or

unloading or maximum

holding volume at a time

The types of HNS goods

and the volume of goods

will determine which

accidents can happen

3.3. Develop and apply a set of criteria to assess the hazards of causing

environmental degradation during loading/unloading and storing HNS at group of

seaports North Vietnam

3.3.1. Develop a set of criteria to assess the hazards of causing environmental

degradation during loading/unloading and storing HNS

3.3.1.1. Identify criteria

1/ Identify criteria for hazards of causing recession

Based on identified groups of risk sources, there are 4 established criterias,

including:

- Criterion 1: The safety and readiness of infrastructure system to risks degradation

during loading/unloading and storing HNS at seaports.

- Criterion 2: Technology of loading/unloading, storage and safety of vehicles and

equipment for HNS transportation at seaports (referred to as Criterion Criteria).

Technology, vehicles, equipment).

- Criterion 3: Scale and type operation related to warehouse, loading/unloading

HNS (Criteria of scale and type of operation for short).

- Criterion 4: management and safety during loading/unloading and storing HNS

at seaport (Criteria for management activities for short).

3.3.1.2. Cost- weight and scoring criteria determine

To determine tthe above criteria in loading/unloading and storing HNS at seaports

using expert method (delphi) and analytical techniques are applied. multi-criteria (AHP)

to determine the weight for each criterion and index for the criteria of risk degradation

19

(from criterion 1 to criterion 4), criteria of degradation level ( criteria No. 5, No. 6)

applied according to Circular 26/2016/TT-BTNMT.

The rating scale from 1 to 4 is established base on satisfaction of specialized

standards and technical regulations of each criterion in combination with expert.

3.3.2. Application of criteria to assess the hazards of causing environmental

degradation during loading/unloading and storing HNS at group of seaports North

Vietnam

3.3.2.1. Determine the scope of the assessment

Applying the assessment method in Circular 26/2016/TT-BTNMT of the Ministry

of Natural Resources and Environment dated June 29, 2016 stipulating the criteria for

classification of risk zones for marine; island and guiding environment pollution risk

zones for 2 criteria: Scope of influence (Iah) and Criterion of environmental sensitivity;

potentially damage to human, ecosystems, exploitation and use resources (Ith) for coastal

plots.

- Box 1: From Thuong Ly port to the intersection between Cam River and Bach

Dang River, including all ports on Cam river.

- Box 2: From the intersection between Cam River and Bach Dang River to Bach

Dang estuary (Tan Vu Lach Huyen bridge), including Dinh Vu economic zone.

- Box 3: From Got ferry - Cai Vieng to the end of Hai Phong International

Gateway port area (Lach Huyen port), including Lach Huyen port.

- Box 4: The whole area of Cua Luc Bay, Quang Ninh province, including Cai

Lan, Ben B12.

- Box 5: Area from Diem Diem Bridge to Diem Ho river mouth, Thai Binh

includes Dien Dien wharf and Hai Ha Petroleum port.

3.3.2.2. Criteria identification and ranking risk recession

Based on the results of determining the risk criteria: P and value of the criterion of

degradation level D, using risk matrix method to determine the environmental

degradation risk level of each port to assess. The risk levels at group of seaports North

Vietnam are shown in the following chart.

20

Figure 3.2. Graph of The hazard of environmental degradation of each port

The results of environmental risk assessment and degradation at ports with during

loading/unloading and storing HNS at group of seaports North Vietnam showed that:

There are 6/30 berths are high risk, 24/30 berths are medium risk and no low risk port.

The common characteristics of high pollution risk group is with out management

and controling process during loading/unloading and storing HNS, lacking equipment

and highly automate not yet… the port is located in the inner city, densely populated, has

high traffic density and has many socio-economic activities.

Analyzing and evaluating in detail set of criteria for risk assessment of

environmental degradation at Hoang Dieu Port is shown that: loading/unloading and

storing HNS activities has priority targets to overcome including:

- Technology, equipment, warehouse: I6

- Goods management process: I10

- Technology and equipment for loading and unloading: I5

- Plan, measures to prevent pollution and respond to incidents: I11

- Infrastructure system for environmental protection and prevention and UPSC: I4

- Organize training for workers on safe loading and unloading HNS and UPSC: I12

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

A1 A3 A5 A7 A9 A11 A13 A15 A17 A19 A21 A23 A25 A27 A29

The hazard of environmental degradation is very high

The hazard of environmental degradation is high

The hazard of environmental degradation is medium

The hazard of environmental degradation is low

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3.4. Proposing solutions on management of HNS and guiding establishment plans to

prevent and respond to chemical incidents at seaports

3.4.1. Develop regulations on management of HNS for seaports

Regulations and technical guidelines for HNS transport by sea specified and

detailed in the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG code) and are

updated by the Protocols. However, terminals need to chance these guidelines to specific

management relevant to operations.

3.4.2. Guidelines for risk assessment during loading/unloading and storing HNS

Step 1: risk identification

Based on assessment criteria and risk indicators environmental degradation, each

port identifies risks in its operations and establishes a list of risk criteria.

Ports can supplement or separate risks if necessary

Step 2: Risk Assessment in port operations for each criterion

Using the criteria score assess for each risk criterion during the loading and

unloading and storaging HNS according to instructions. Experts combine with safety and

environment managers at the port to conduct assessment and then take the average score.

Step 3: Set remediation priority based on risk assessment score

Based on the risk assessment score of each identified criterion, establish a table of

priority order of criteria to be overcome based on the order of risk hierarchy from high to

low.

3.4.3. Plan to prevent and respond to environmental incidents in during

loading/unloading and storing HNS at seaport

Pursuant to current regulations of Vietnam’s law on fire prevention and fighting;

Responding to oil spills and chemical incidents, facilities must plans and measures to

prevent and respond to environmental incidents.

The main contents of a plan to prevent and respond to chemical incidents at

seaports include the following:

- Information related to loading/unloading and storing HNS at the seaport

- Forecast of risks and incidents

- Preventive solutions

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- Chemical incident response plan

- Prepare capacity to respond to chemical incidents

- The plan to overcome the aftermath of a chemical incident

- Training plan and training on incident prevention and response contents.

- Process and organization of force to respond to chemical incidents at seaports

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

1. Conclusion

Risks of environmental degradation during loading/unloading and storing HNS at

seaports include fire and explosion, oil spills, release of toxic chemicals and

combinations of these hazards. The sources of these risks identified include: The

infrastructure; technology and equipment; scale and type of seaport operations and

management activities. The set of criteria for risk assessment and environmental

degradation during loading/unloading and storing HNS at seaport was developed,

including 4 risk criteria divided into 14 specific criteria and 2 high level environmental

criteria degradation with 5 indicators. Each risk assessment criteria is cost-weighted and

the assessed criteria according to a risk scale. This is the first set of developed criteria to

assess during loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious substances at group

of Vietnam seaports. The criteria and criteria for risk assessment of environmental

degradation of proposed criteria in this thesis are similar to the the IMO safety

assessment guidelines for maritime operations. The importance and evaluation of the

criteria are consistent with the safety assessments in seaport operations by studies around

the world.

The set of criteria is applied to assess the hazards of causing environmental

degradation for 30 seaports during loading/unloading and storing HNS at group of

seaports North Vietnam. There are 6 high-risk; 24 medium-risk and no low-risk berths.

Each berth of risk degradation is also specifically identified and issues to be overcome

are proposed. Each berth of risk degradation is also specifically identified and issues to

be overcome are proposed. This is the first time seaports North Vietnam have been

assessed and graded and identified management; technical limitations to be overcome to

minimize the hazards of causing environmental degradation during loading/unloading

and storing hazardous and noxious substances at group of seaports.

23

Based on the results of identification; assessment and decentralization of

environmental degradation as well as limitations in management and technical

infrastructure, the proposed management solutions include:

- Develop regulations on management of HNS at seaports including 8 contents: 1)

Regulations on HNS through the port, 2) Declaration and receipt of information of HNS,

3) Updating and storing information on HNS, 4) Procedures for transporting during

loading/unloading and storing HNS and preserving at seaport, 5) Safety instructions

during loading/unloading and storing HNS at the port, 6) Responsibility for parts in the

chain of loading, unloading, preserving, delivering and receiving HNS, 7)

Troubleshooting related to HNS, 8) Regulations on professional training and safety

training;

- Guidelines for risk assessment during loading/unloading and storing HNS (by set

of criteria) in three steps: 1) Hazard identification, 2) Risk assessment in port operations

to each criterion, 3) Set remedial priority based on the risk assessment score.

- The plan for prevention and response to environmental incidents during

loading/unloading and storing HNS at seaports follows three issues: 1) Determining

subjects to be planned, measures to prevent and respond to environmental incidents

during loading/unloading and storing HNS at seaports, 2) Plans for prevention and

response to chemical incidents at seaports, 3) Procedures and organization of force to

respond to chemical incidents at seaports.

If the above proposed solutions are implemented, it will help the ports better

manage during loading/unloading and storing HNS as well as reduce the hazards of

causing incidents; environmental degradation from operation.

2. Recommendation

Vietnam's seaport system is being planned towards zoning and grouping ports

according to each type of loading and unloading goods and tonnage of ships associated

with infrastructure and loading and unloading technology. The research results of the

thesis need to continue to improve on the legal basis, add more data in seaports so that it

can be used as a basis for re-planning the functions of seaports North Vietnam.

Accordingly, HNS will be loaded and unloaded at berths that have sufficient safe

conditions during loading/unloading and storing. It is lowest hazards of causing

24

environmental damage. The proposed solutions of the thesis are also the scientific basis

for relevant authorities to issue specific regulations and guidelines suitable for seaport

operations.

The research direction of the thesis needs to be continued for seaport regions and

other groups in Vietnam in order to perfect the theoretical and practical basis as well as

the data system in developing a set of assessment criteria hazards of causing

environmental degradation due to during loading/unloading and storing HNS in particular

and a set of criteria for assessing the hazards of causing environmental degradation of

seaport in general. From there, it can be expanded and applied to groups of seaports

nationwide.

NEW CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE THESIS

New point 1: Clearly defining the hazards of causing environmental degradation,

risk source and developing a set of criteria for risk assessment of environmental

degradation during loading/unloading and storing HNS at seaports with 4 risk criteria

include 14 indicators and 2 criteria for the degree of environmental degradation,

including 5 criteria.

New point 2: The classification of the hazards of causing environmental

degradation for 30 ports with loading/unloading and storing HNS at group of seaports

North Vietnam. Proposed solutions for hazardous chemical cargo management at ports,

assessment guidelines hazards and develop a plan for prevention and response to

chemical incidents for seaports.

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS

1. Tran Anh Tuan, Proposing measures to prevent and respond to chemical

incidents for Container ports in Hai Phong - Quang Ninh area, Journal of Maritime

Science and Technology, No. 60 - 11/2019, Journal code ISSN 1859-361X, Hai Phong,

pages 46-51.

2. Tran Anh Tuan, Ngo Kim Dinh, Tran Dinh Lan, Some issues on environmental

management in loading and unloading and storing hazardous chemicals at Hai Phong -

Quang Ninh seaport area, Journal of marine science and technology, volume 20, No.

1/2020, Journal code ISSN 1859 – 3097, Hanoi, pages 61-71.

3. Tran Anh Tuan, Ngo Kim Dinh, Tran Dinh Lan, Analysis of environmental

risks in loading and unloading activities and storage of dangerous goods - toxic

chemicals (HNH-CDH) at seaports in Hai Phong area, Collection of scientific reports -

National scientific forum of the year 2019 – Marine biology and sustainable

development, Science and Technology Publishing House, ISBN: 978-604-913-874-4,

Hanoi, pages 376-349.

4. Tran Anh Tuan, Ngo Kim Dinh, Tran Dinh Lan, Le Thi Huong Giang,

Proposing solutions for environmental management and prevention of incidents during

loading/unloading and storing hazardous and noxious substances at seaports in

Haiphong and Quangninh area, Technology reports of Kansai univesity, Volume - 62,

Issue – 07, ISSN: 04532198. 5

5. Tran Anh Tuan, Ngo Kim Dinh, Tran Dinh Lan, Proposing a set of criteria for

assessing environmental risks for during loading/unloading and storing HNS at seaports,

the 12th Scientific Conference of the University of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National

University-HCM (VNUHCM) -US-Conf 2020), December 18, 19, 2020.