Perspectives

From Macduff to the Middle East: Marex’s port safety perspective

Harbours & ports

Where are you exposed to risk? And what can you do to mitigate it?

Senior marine consultant Donna Van Damme takes a look at how Marex’s range of projects on port safety underlines its core skills

Like many businesses, I’m always grappling with the question “what does Marex do?”

We do a lot – but that’s not always the most helpful answer when you’re speaking to a prospective client.

To be honest, it revolves around how we use our core skills. It was when I was speaking to people about our current projects at an event earlier this year that I realised fully how those core skills cover such a wide client base.

Recent news from Marex HQ has included the completion of a major project for QatarEnergy and Aberdeenshire Council appointing us to provide independent assurance at their seven harbours.

At first glance, these don’t sound at all similar but these are key specific areas of expertise for us. When you break these projects down into their constituent components, it’s clear that it’s the way they – and many of our other projects – combine our in-depth understanding of risk management with our ports and marine experience that delivers the value to our client.

And that’s whether we’re travelling to Macduff or the Middle East.

Appreciation of risk

From large commercial ports to smaller municipal piers, Marex understands the risk and compliance within a port environment.

If you scroll through our website, you’ll find loads of services we provide: from OVID inspections of offshore vessels and drilling rigs to DP annual trials or SOPEPs. We can give advice on vessel suitability, assess the impact human factors have on your operations or analyse escape and evacuation procedures or regulatory compliance gaps.

What it all boils down to is an appreciation of risk. Where are you exposed to risk? And what can you do to mitigate it?

We all live with an element of risk in our lives. But we don’t think about it endlessly or we’d never get out of bed (and then what happens if our bedroom ceiling falls in on us?).

We function with that element of risk but it doesn’t mean we ignore it. We assess the likelihood of things happening and either stop it happening or take mitigating action. We look at what’s coming before we step off a pavement. We insure our house against collapsing ceilings.

And in essence that is how Marex helps businesses operating in hazardous environments. It may involve far more complex scenarios and many more moving parts but the theory is the same – we analyse risks and help you put measures in place.

Designated person

Harbours and ports play a vital role in global trade, but they also present particular safety and compliance challenges. From making sure workers and visitors to mitigating environmental risks and complying with regulatory requirements, ports must adhere to strict standards to maintain their operations.

So if we look at our work for the Aberdeenshire ports, we review all seven of the harbours under the management and control of Aberdeenshire Council, assessing and auditing safety management systems, in compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code (PMSC).

That’s the code that sets out a national UK standard for every aspect of port marine safety, to enhance safety for everyone who uses or works in the UK port marine environment.

Marex provide support as the “designated person” that provides independent assurance about the operation of the marine safety management system directly to the duty-holder, the Aberdeenshire Harbours sub-committee.

Marine emergency

On a larger scale, our work in Qatar is against a backdrop of significant growth in the region, particularly in the development of large-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals.

QatarEnergy’s ambitious plans to boost LNG production means there will be many more and larger vessels in operation around the nation state’s ports. Our overall objective was to determine QatarEnergy’s capability to respond to a catastrophic marine emergency incident.

The year-long project examined emergency response plans (ERPs) around two ports in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. The ports there need advanced solutions to handle complex operations, ensure safety and meet international standards.

We conducted workshops and scenario planning, developing ERPs aligned with international standards and the operator’s own internal management systems. Twelve credible emergency scenarios were identified and addressed along with a catalogue of hazard types, and a full programme of training was rolled out to port personnel.

It was an incredibly complex project but what it all boils down to is an appreciation of risk. Where are you exposed to risk? And what can you do to mitigate it?

And that’s what Marex does that offers such value to our clients.

Marex values

The specific needs of Scottish recreational ports and Middle Eastern LNG terminals may differ, there are several common factors that underpin Marex's approach:

Quality: we take a rigorous and conscientious approach to our work so we know its quality stands up to scrutiny. This means it’s easier for our clients to achieve compliance and have controls in place to operate safely.
Trust: we work on building trust with our clients, developing relationships that last for decades not just years. This transparent approach gives our clients the confidence that we will deliver.
Solutions: we are inquisitive toward our clients’ needs and challenges. From the many tools and solutions at our fingertips, clients know we will choose the right one for them.
People: We are honest, open-minded and approachable, and believe in growing our talent from within. This means that we – and our clients – benefit from Marex integrity and diversity of thought.

The skill is in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by each port, so Marex can tailor its solutions to provide the most effective support.

So next time you see me at an event, rather than asking “what does Marex do?”, ask “where is my business exposed to risk – and how can Marex help?”

Find out more here >> https://www.mmass.co.uk/our-business

Read more of the Marex perspective in the opinion pieces here >> https://www.mmass.co.uk/perspectives

Perspectives