Introduction

This objective of this project is the development of a generic integrated Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for shipyards which can be used in developing shipyard-specific integrated EMPs. Integrated EMPs help shipyards by providing the best management practices at each stage of operation. Implementation of the EMP results in waste minimization, risk reduction, cost optimization, compliance, and improved public image apart from protecting human health and environment.

Background

The United States has 437 shipyards actively involved in the construction and repair of ships. Most of the shipyards include various processes which vary in size and complexity.

The pollution management program of any shipyard must include processes, pollution control and/or treatment of emissions/discharges, and reduction of impact on the receiving environment. The shipyard must also look into various aspects like legislation, cleaner technologies in production and treatment, and economics. The shipyard will be competitive only if it complies with the regulations through the best techno-economic alternatives as the environmental costs are increasing due to complex regulations. An integrated EMP would serve as an effective tool in this regard.

An integrated EMP includes various environmentally friendly alternatives of source reduction, recycling, treatment, and disposal methods. The development of an integrated EMP involves various steps/tasks which are described later.

Objectives

The main objective of this project is to develop a generic integrated EMP for shipyards and a specific EMP for the industry collaborator. The EMP would also serve as an effective tool in implementing a comprehensive and effective pollution management program.

Applications

Navy shipyards

Commercial shipyards

Development Partners

Avondale Shipyards (Main Project Collaborator)

Other Active Participants

Peugot Industries

Bath Iron Works

NASSCO

Modules
The modules of the integrated EMP are briefly described below.

1) Review of Shipyard Processes and Materials
This module's objective is to obtain information about the processes, raw materials involved, and the types of waste streams.

2) Waste Characterization
This module comprises of analyzing all types of waste streams to identify various types of pollutants that are generated from different shops and operations. This module is completed by data collection and multi-media monitoring to see the variation in the quantity as well as the quality of the pollutants.

3) Quantification Methods
This module includes all the possible quantification methods and help in assessing the amounts of wastes generated if information on either the raw materials or the product is  available. This project compiles the emission factors that are related to shipyard operations from various sources.

4) Current Waste Management Practices
This module involves assessment of current waste management practices which form the basis for evaluating better management practices.  The analysis of existing practices provides the scope for improving the current systems.

5) Clean Technology Alternatives
After analyzing the existing waste management practices, pollution prevention techniques like source reduction, recycling, treatment, and disposal may be adopted to reduce the pollution.  The clean technology alternatives are probed to achieve the waste minimization goal.  Also, these alternatives are analyzed for technical feasibility and cost effectiveness.

6) Regulations
The wastes generated are subjected to various types of regulations when they are released into the environment.  In some cases, the ambient standards govern the quantities  of pollutants that may be released into the atmosphere.  In other cases, the industry may require to obtain a permit to discharge pollutants.  This project evaluates the required permits in case of the shipbuilding and ship repair industry apart from giving information about the standards and the regulations guiding the industry.

7) Infrastructure Requirements
The integrated EMP Project evaluates the infrastructure requirements for effectively implementing and continuing the pollution management program for the shipyards.  Some of the infrastructure requirements that are being evaluated are manpower, training of the environmental personnel, lab facilities, and budget.  Such an evaluation helps in estimating the costs incurred for manpower requirements, training and other expenditure involved in implementation of the management program.

All the seven modules and the integrated EMP are interrelated in the sense that these seven modules are required for developing the EMP.
 

For more information contact:

Bhaskar Kura, Ph.D.
Telephone: 504-280-6572
Fax: 504-280-5586
E-Mail: bxkce@uno.edu

GCRMTC TECHNICAL BRIEFS are published periodically by the Gulf Coast Region Maritime Technology Center, a U.S. Navy Center of Excellence in Advanced Marine Technology based at the University of New Orleans.  GCRMTC's Mission is to "enhance international competitiveness in the U.S. shipbuilding industry through sponsored research."   For additional information, contact:  GCRMTC, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148, Tel: (504) 280-3871, Fax: (504) 280-3898, E-mail: jtsen@uno.edu

The contents of this publication reflect the views of the MERIC staff and are based on information obtained from the literature.  The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or the policies of MERIC or the Gulf Coast Maritime Technology Center.  This publication does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.  MERIC does not endorse products, equipment or manufacturers.  Trademarks or manufacturer's names appear herein only because they are considered essential to the object of this publication.