Recuperation of Oil Trapped in Ship-Wrecks: the DIFIS Concept

A method for the prompt and cost-effective intervention and remediation of tanker wrecks dealing with eventual leaks and recuperating the fuel trapped in their tanks even at considerable depths is described. The method is of general applicability as long as the trapped pollutant does not dissolve and is of lower density than sea water. It relies on gravity to channel the flux of spilt fuel towards the surface. Instead of channeling the flux directly to the surface, the flux of fuel-water mix is channeled to a buffer reser-voir/separator some 30-50 m below the sea surface so as not to be affected by rough weather. This is achieved by means of a light, quickly deployable flexible struc-ture that should stay in place until all the tanks of the wreck are emptied and the pollution threat eliminated. The buffer reservoir, into which the spilt fuel is channeled, is provided with standard equipment through which shuttle vessels, weather permitting, can recuperate the fuel rapidly, using standard off-shore loading equipment and procedures.

ANDRITSOS Fivos;  KONSTANTINOPOULOS Panagiotis A.;  CHARATSIS Konstantinos J.; 

2007-10-23

Laboratory for Maritime Transport at NTUA

JRC37999