Safety assessment in LNG terminals: identification of accident scenarios by an improved identification technique

In spite of excellent safety records, LNG terminals are currently perceived as an emerging risk in the European scenario. The sound identification of reference accident scenarios is crucial for the future development of LNG technology, since the calculation of credible safety distances and the effective land use planning largely depends on the accident scenarios actually considered. The present contribution introduces a methodology for the identification of reference accident scenarios for LNG terminals, developed in the framework of FP7 iNTeg-Risk Project. The LNG regasification technologies, both current state-of-the art and innovative technologies, were revised. A reference process scheme was defined for the principal lay-out options. The state-of-the-art MIMAH methodology (FP5 ARAMIS Project) was used to obtain a preliminary set of reference accident scenarios. These scenarios were compared and validated with the results of past accident analysis and of HazOp studies. The work evidenced the importance of reference scenario selection in the management of the emerging risks.