A quantitative risk assessment (QRA) is to be conducted for a proposed cruise shipping terminal at Naval Point next to the Oil Tank Farm at the Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC).
The announcement follows a joint submission to LPC's port development plan in which Z Energy, BP Oil and Mobil Oil called for a 250-metre exclusion zone around the Tank Farm.
"A cruise ship terminal at Naval Point is considered to be contrary to the principle of avoiding avoidable risk as it introduces large numbers of people into an area of bulk liquid fuel facilities," stated the submission.
"There is an alternative location available and that is preferable in risk terms."
To illustrate their point, the oil companies cited an explosion at the Buncefield fuel depot in England eight years ago, which injured 43 people.
They also noted the potential for adverse "reverse sensitivity effects" that may arise in respect to the operation of their bulk fuel infrastructure, which will have implications for the wider regional fuel supply chain.
Additionally, issues were raised over the increased risk of impact to existing above-ground pipelines and overhead pipe bridges, how emergency services would gain access to the area and what impact the pending new health and safety legislation might have.
Nonetheless, stakeholders such as Lyttelton Community Association spokesperson Ken Maynard have emphasised the economic importance to the region of having cruise liners return to the port.
– Iain MacIntyre
