New PIANC Guidelines for Design of Marine Terminals for Clean Alternative Fuels and Cargoes

Abstract: Global energy developers are in the midst of harnessing an unprecedented opportunity to decarbonize. This shift is largely in response to growing market and regulatory demands stemming from heightened climate change awareness. Hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, liquified CO₂ and other “clean alternative fuels” projects are being developed worldwide and many of these projects require marine transportation for regional and global distribution. There is an urgent need for industry guidance regarding the design of marine terminals for the unique requirements of these commodities.

PIANC Report 153, and subsequently Report 153B, have been providing comprehensive guidance for the design of marine terminals handling fossil-based fuels and cargoes, including oil, petrochemical and LNG. This document is now being updated to incorporate clean alternative fuels, and its title rechristened to: ”Recommendations for the Design and Assessment of Marine Liquid and Gas Terminals Handling Fossil-Based and Clean Alternative Fuels and Cargoes”.

The clean alternative fuels being covered in the document include:
• Liquified Hydrogen
• Ammonia
• Methanol
• Liquified Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs)
• Liquified CO2

Each clean alternative fuel anticipated to be distributed via waterborne transport has unique physical and safety attributes that must be considered in the design of marine terminals. Examples include: a) phase shifting of LCO₂ that could result in dry ice formation during transfer operations, b) the hazardous nature of ammonia where a small release can result in serious injury or death, c) the challenges associated with the small H2 molecule that can lead to leakage, and d) how close can such terminals be sited in the vicinity of other terminals, industrial facilities, and populated areas.

A global team of 30+ professionals with expertise in marine terminal design, process safety, and risk management has been assembled for this ambitious project. Key topics for guidance covered in the report include:
• Basis of Design and Design Phases
• Risk, Safety and Security Management
• Scope, Concept Selection and Layout
• Structural Design Codes, Loads, and Load Combinations
• Mooring and Berthing
• Structural Materials and Constructability Considerations
• Geotechnical Design
• Seismic Design
• Piping and Pipelines
• Mechanical Equipment
• Electrical Systems, Instrumentation and Controls
• Fire Protection and Emergency Management
• Inspection and Assessment of Existing Terminals

The updated document is scheduled for publication in mid-2025.

How does this project / topic contribute to the advancement of the industry and profession?: Many marine terminals for clean alternative fuels are currently under design globally, yet there are currently no design guidelines to address the unique challenges associated with such marine terminals.

Does the project / topic implement new and innovative techniques, materials, technologies, and delivery methods?: Yes. This project facilitates the development of new guidance on design requirements for clean alternative marine terminals. Such guidance does not yet exist in the industry and the need is urgent.

What was the most challenging aspect of your project / topic and how did you handle it to ensure success?: The most challenging aspect of this project was recruiting the unique expertise required in the areas of process safety and risk management. These are areas not commonly found in PIANC membership. A proactive outreach to “early movers” in the clean alternative fuels space was instrumental in recruiting the required expertise.

Who is the target audience for this paper?: The potential users of this document include developers, owners, or operators of marine liquid and gas terminals, lessors or lessees of third-party terminals, port authorities, and engineers involved in the planning, site selection, concept selection, design, inspection, and maintenance of such terminals, including upgrades. The document is also intended for use by terminal equipment manufacturers and pipeline designers and suppliers, as well as specialized component manufacturers, such as fender systems and instrumentation.