The thesis deals with the protection of heavy fuel oil tanks on merchant ships against oil outflow in the event of collision or grounding. The research focuses on the requirements of Regulation 12A, adopted within MARPOL Annex I, and on the practical application of its provisions to different types of ships calling at the Port of Koper. Particular attention is given to the comparison of two methods for ensuring adequate protection of heavy fuel oil tanks: compliance with prescribed tank location requirements and the use of the mean oil outflow calculation, represented by the OM parameter.
During the research and surveys carried out in the Port of Koper, more than ten ships of different sizes and construction types were visited. Three ships were selected for detailed analysis, representing different generations and types of vessels. Based on their structural characteristics, the position of their heavy fuel oil tanks was assessed against the requirements of Regulation 12A, while a potentially most adverse hull damage scenario was determined for each vessel in the event of grounding or collision.
For the purpose of the calculations, an interactive calculator was developed in Microsoft Excel, allowing the user to enter the required ship parameters. Based on the equations and tables provided by Regulation 12A, the calculator determines the mean oil outflow parameters for damage to the bottom part of the hull (MB) and damage to the side of the hull (MS), which are then combined into the dimensionless OM parameter. The calculated OM value is compared with the limiting values specified in Regulation 12A to assess the adequacy of tank protection. The results show that the analysed ships, despite differences in age, size and structural design, meet the required criteria, while the comparison of OM values also provides an insight into different approaches to the design and protection of heavy fuel oil tanks.
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