Key Takeaways
- Offshore tanks are essential for storing and transporting hazardous and non-hazardous liquids in oil and gas operations.
- They are built with corrosion-resistant materials and designed to withstand extreme offshore conditions like high waves and salt exposure.
- Types include chemical tanks, acid tanks, fuel tanks, wastewater tanks, and general-purpose offshore tank containers.
- DNV 2.7-1 certification anti-corrosion coatings, and pressure relief systems are vital features for safe offshore use.
- Choosing the right tank ensures environmental protection, crew safety, and uninterrupted offshore operations.
Introduction
The oil and gas industry critically depends on the safe storage and transportation of chemicals, oil, and liquefied gases. If mishandled, these substances can lead to catastrophic consequences.
For instance, leaks, spills, fires, and explosions, which could result in fatalities, environmental damage, and costly operational disruptions.
Tanks are mission-critical to offshore operations as they allow liquids like chemicals, oil, and liquefied gases to be transported and stored safely. In practice, their robust frameworks guarantee structural integrity and resilience against rough offshore conditions. Therefore, they help in maintaining operational continuity, crew safety, and environmental compliance.
This blog seeks to explore the different tanks employed in offshore operations and how they meet the intricate logistical requirements of offshore platforms. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
What are Offshore Tanks?
Offshore tanks are specialised storage vessels employed to transport and safely store chemicals, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and crude oil extracted from offshore fields.
Integral to both temporary and long-term storage, they are typically made of steel, concrete, and fibreglass. Thereby, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion in harsh marine environments.
Overall, offshore tanks play a mission-critical role in maintaining operational efficiency, safety, and environmental compliance in the oil and gas.
Why Offshore Tanks Are Crucial in Oil & Gas Operations?
Offshore tanks are indispensable in oil and gas industry operations in several ways:
- They provide safe storage and transport for both hazardous and non-hazardous fluids. This aspect is vital given the volatile nature of many extracted fluids and their unpredictability in offshore conditions.
- They ensure the containment of fuels, drilling fluids, water, and waste products. Thereby, preventing leaks and spills that could fatally endanger personnel, equipment, and the marine environment.
- They are specially designed to survive challenging sea conditions, which include high winds, waves, corrosive saltwater, and temperature fluctuations. Under these harsh circumstances, endurance and durability are guaranteed by their corrosion-resistant steel frameworks and protective coatings. This robustness not only preserves the integrity of the fluids being held but also promotes operational continuity.
Common Types of Offshore Tanks and Their Uses
Offshore tanks come in various forms, each designed to withstand the operational demands of harsh offshore production environments.
Offshore Tank Containers
Offshore tank containers are general-purpose tanks expressly manufactured for the secure transportation of bulk liquids. Because of their strict DNV 2.7-1 certification, they are suitable for handling and lifting offshore in challenging marine environments.
These multipurpose containers are often employed to store and transport waste fluids, freshwater, and fuels. For the most part, they offer a flexible and safe fluid logistics alternative that preserves operational continuity in difficult offshore settings.
Offshore Chemical Tanks
Offshore chemical tanks are purposefully engineered to hold and move hazardous or corrosive chemicals employed in oil and gas activities. In practice, they possess interiors that are resistant to corrosion as well as advanced spill containment features.
Overall, their unique design prioritises safety and regulatory compliance. Thereby, ensuring the integrity of chemical fluids critical to drilling and production processes.
Offshore Acid Tanks
Offshore acid tanks are specially lined tanks engineered to safely store acidic compounds employed in drilling mud formulations and well stimulation processes.
In practice, the lining ensures safe handling and containment by shielding the tank structure from corrosion caused by extremely reactive acids. Overall, these tanks help improve oil recovery while avoiding damage to equipment and the environment.
Offshore Wastewater & Sewage Tanks
Offshore rigs typically generate blackwater or greywater. Offshore wastewater and sewage tanks store this blackwater or greywater till it can be properly treated or disposed of onshore.
Often integrated with waste management systems, these tanks are mission-critical to maintaining hygiene and environmental compliance on oil rigs.
Offshore Fuel Tanks
Offshore oil storage tanks are uniquely designed with double-walled construction to prevent leakage and environmental contamination.
In practice, these tanks facilitate the storage and transfer of fuel required to power offshore machinery and vessels. As such, they are critical to operational continuity and safety in oil and gas operations.
Key Features to Look for in Offshore Tanks
To guarantee safety and operating continuity, some aspects must be carefully taken into account while evaluating offshore tanks. For instance:
- DNV 2.7-1 certification: This certification guarantees safety and dependability in oil and gas operations. It ensures that offshore tanks satisfy strict requirements for offshore lifting, handling, and structural integrity under challenging marine conditions.
- Pressure and vacuum relief systems: Pressure vacuum relief valves (PVRVs) protect tanks from vacuum conditions that could cause rupture or implosion. So, ensure that any prospective offshore tank maintains PVRVs to protect both equipment and the environment.
- Anti-corrosion materials and coatings: Offshore tanks should be constructed with corrosion-resistant and protective coatings to prolong tank life and maintain structural integrity in demanding marine environments.
- Stackable and forklift-compatible designs: For operational efficiency, any prospective offshore tanks must be stackable and compatible with forklifts. This optimises space and facilitates safe and efficient handling on offshore platforms.
Why Choose MGS Offshore’s Tanks for Oil Rig Sites?
MGS Offshore’s tanks are an established and reliable option for oil rig locations. Our proven portfolio of safe and compliant tanks is designed to endure offshore climate, as evidenced by their DNV 2.7-1 certification.
In fact, MGS Offshore provides a large selection of tanks designed to manage different fluid types and capacities. From chemicals and fuels to drilling fluids and wastewater, our solutions properly match your operational requirements.
Beyond providing high-quality tanks, MGS Offshore supports clients with comprehensive refurbishment and inspection services. This proactive service approach ensures tanks remain compliant and in optimal condition throughout their lifecycle.
Final Thoughts
Offshore tanks are more than containers—they are critical to safety and efficiency in the harsh conditions of oil and gas extraction. As such, selecting the appropriate tank type appreciably reduces the risks of spills, leaks, and environmental contamination.
Furthermore, choosing tanks with features like corrosion-resistant materials and pressure relief systems promotes operational continuity and minimises costly downtime.
MGS Offshore provides a diverse inventory of offshore tanks that foster smooth operations, regulatory compliance, and crew safety. Our tanks are built to meet stringent industry standards, guaranteeing dependability and longevity in offshore settings.
Reach out to us at MGS Offshore to view our configurable offshore tank alternatives, catered to different fluid types and operational requirements.
Business Director
A graduate (Business) from KDU, Jason Tan, is the current Business Director (Sales) for MGS Icestorm and has been associated with the company for the past 10 years.
With over 13 years in the shipping industry, he has had a significant contribution to Malaysia’s oil and gas industry in the engine and boat supply sector.
His expertise includes managing offshore catering business, offshore reefer containers, AI technology, offshore gas tanks, A60 pressurized cabins, etc. His contributions have helped establish MGS, in partnership (joint venture) with Thermo King and Honeywell to produce state of art Offshore Reefer Container products.