DOLPHIN

• Latitude: -38.4875
• Longitude: 147.378
• East Australia
• Offshore Terminal in Australia

Address: Australia

Offshore terminals, often referred to as Single Point Mooring (SPM) or Single Buoy Mooring (SBM) systems, are crucial infrastructures in the oil and gas industry, enabling efficient loading and unloading of oil and gas from large tankers. While I don't have specific details about an "Offshore Terminal DOLPHIN" in Australia, I can provide a generic description and specification of typical offshore terminals, including dolphin systems, used in oil and gas operations.

Description of an Offshore Terminal (Dolphin):

An offshore terminal, or specifically a dolphin system, is a mooring structure used for the handling of tanker vessels where a deep-water port is necessary but not possible due to geographic constraints. Dolphins are especially useful for accommodating large oil tankers, LNG carriers, or bulk carriers, enabling them to load or offload cargo without the need to dock at the port's berth.

Key Components:

1. Mooring Dolphins:

   • These are standalone structures typically used to provide a secure mooring point. They can be connected to the seabed by piles or floating and usually located beyond the immediate harbor.

2. Berthing Dolphins:

   • Serve to assist in positioning the vessel and absorb various forces as the vessel moors alongside.

3. Loading Arms:

   • Used to transfer liquid cargo (oil or LNG) between the shore facility and the vessel. These articulated pipes offer flexibility and safety during the transfer process.

4. Catwalks:

   • Walkways that connect the dolphins to allow personnel to move between structures comfortably and conduct necessary checks or maintenance.

5. Navigational Aids:

   • Include lights and markers to help the vessels maneuver safely around the terminal, particularly during poor visibility or at night.

6. Manifolds:

   • Connects the onshore pipeline network to the marine loading arms and facilitates the smooth transfer of cargo.

Specifications:

1. Structural Specifications:

   • Materials: Typically steel or reinforced concrete construction to withstand harsh marine environments.
   • Design: Engineered to endure adverse weather conditions, high winds, and strong ocean currents.
   • Capacity: Designed based on the size and the type of vessels anticipated, often capable of accommodating Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) or Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCCs).

2. Mooring and Berthing:

   • Mooring Lines: Typically uses hawsers made of synthetic rope or steel wire, designed to secure the vessel efficiently.
   • Fenders: High-energy absorption fenders to minimize the impact during berthing.

3. Loading/Unloading Rates:

   • Pumping Rates: Dependent on the pipeline size and type of cargo, often designed to accommodate high-flow rates (e.g., crude oil loading rates could be up to 10,000-15,000 cubic meters per hour).

4. Safety Systems:

   • Emergency Release Systems (ERS): Equipped to disconnect the hoses/arms quickly in case of an emergency to prevent spills.
   • Firefighting Systems: Extensive fire suppression and firefighting systems, including foam and water cannons, installed on surrounding structures.

5. Environmental Protections:

   • Spill Containment: Systems designed to minimize the environmental impact in case of accidental spills.
   • Monitoring Systems: Continuous monitoring for leaks and structural integrity checks.

Operational Considerations:

1. Pilotage and Towage:

   • Given the large size of vessels, specialized pilotage services and tugs are often necessary for the safe approaching and leaving of the terminal.

2. Maintenance:

   • Regular inspection and maintenance schedules are critical in ensuring the structural integrity and operational efficiency of the terminal.

3. Regulatory Compliance:

   • Compliance with local and international regulations regarding maritime safety, environmental protection, and operational protocols.

Region-Specific Considerations:

For any offshore terminal in Australia, adherence to Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) regulations and Australian Standards (like AS 3846 for the handling of bulk liquids and gases) would be imperative. Additionally, considering Australia’s diverse marine environment, environmental impact assessments and sustainability practices must be adhered to strictly.

If there is a specific “Offshore Terminal DOLPHIN” you are referring to, and you have access to additional identifiers or specifics, consulting the operator's site or industry publications could provide more detailed and particular information.