Basic Survey on Emergency Operation for Vessels and Ports in Case of Earthquake and Tsunami

Abstract

The prevention of disaster for earthquake and tsunami has become inevitable after the big disaster in 2011. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has conducted the explanatory committee in 2020, and the obligation of head-out mooring is discussed for vessels, because the turning maneuver is not necessary and it makes the operation time shorter. In this study, we investigate the opinions of those involved in the operation of large vessels such as crude oil tankers and LNG carriers regarding safety measures. And comments are compiled on the actual conditions of emergency operations and port earthquake resistance in the event of an earthquake and tsunami, which is forecasted the occurrence of Tounankai or Nankai Earthquake and Tsunami in near future. Although the head-out mooring seems to be reasonable from viewpoint of emergency evacuation, it is found that 50-85 percent of responders do not approve yet. Some reasons who oppose this point is summarized here. And two surveys are additionally conducted as the online interview. Based on these results, this paper discusses the disaster prevention measures that can be taken by ships and ports.