Storage and Containment

Storage and containment systems house materials in controlled facilities to prevent leaks, spills, and environmental contamination. This may include, among others, covered sheds for bulk solids, silos for grain, cement, or fertiliser, bunded tanks for liquids, lined storage areas for hazardous materials, secondary containment systems, and secure storage for fuels and chemicals.

For DMC ports, storage and containment can prevent soil and water contamination, reduce dust and odor emissions, improve inventory control, and enhance safety and emergency preparedness.

Storage and containment for bulk dry materials typically involves covered sheds, silos, and enclosed stockpiles. Covered sheds prevent weather damage to cargo, reduce dust emissions during wind events, contain spillage, and limit contaminated stormwater runoff. Silos provide secure storage for free flowing bulk solids, with sealed loading and discharge systems that minimize dust and spillage. For fine or valuable commodities, enclosed storage is typically economically justified by reduced material loss and improved quality.

Liquid bulk storage (fuels, chemicals, edible oils) requires specialized containment infrastructure including bunded tanks, secondary containment compounds, and spill response systems. The International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (OCIMF, ICS and IAPH, 2020) provides guidance on the safe operation of oil tankers and the terminals they serve, focusing on the tanker and terminal interface and safe cargo transfer operations, including firefighting and safety management systems. For liquefied gas terminals, the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) provides specialized guidance (SIGTTO, 2016).

Secondary containment for liquid storage typically requires capacity of at least 110 percent of the largest tank or 25 percent of the total tank capacity within the containment area, whichever is greater, with impermeable lining or construction to prevent contaminated material from reaching soil or groundwater. Tank integrity monitoring, including periodic inspection, tank bottom scanning, and cathodic protection, supports leak prevention. Vapor recovery systems can reduce atmospheric emissions during tank filling and discharge.

For hazardous materials, including International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code classes, specialized storage requirements apply including, among others, compatible grouping of materials, separation distances from incompatible materials and sensitive receptors, secondary containment proportional to storage capacity, fire suppression systems, emergency shower and eyewash stations, and security measures consistent with International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code requirements.