B8959 - HSE MANAGEMENT OF OFFSHORE ENERGY SYSTEMS

Academic Year 2026/2027

  • Moduli: Ernesto Salzano (Modulo 1) (Modulo 2)
  • Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 1); In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 2)
  • Campus: Ravenna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Offshore Engineering for Energy Transition (cod. 6707)

    Also valid for Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Offshore Engineering for Energy Transition (cod. 6707)

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide specific knowledge on the Health, Environmental and Safety issues in offshore operations, focusing in particular on the offshore production of energy vectors such as methane and light alkanes, and oil and gas production. The course will cover information on major accidents that have occurred in recent decades, and provide insights into the prediction, prevention, and mitigation of fires, explosions, ship collisions, and falling objects on offshore platforms. A dedicated module will be devoted to qualitative and quantitative risk assessment, as well as the role of human factors and reliability in the complex systems found in offshore platforms.

Course contents

Module 1

Offshore design

Offshore accident: Piper Alpha, DeepWater Horizon, others

Fire & Explosion analysis

Dripping Object

Ship Collision

Module 2

Risk Metrics, Risk Acceptance and Hazard Identification

Development of accident scenarios: bow-ties and initiating events

Development of accident scenarios: consequences and barrier

Human factors

Readings/Bibliography

Speight, J.G., Handbook of Offshore Oil and Gas, Elsevier (2015)

Mannam, S., Lee’s Loss Prevention in the Process Industry, III Ed., (2011), ch. 18/19

Slides on Virtuale

Teaching methods

Lectures supported by slide presentations, tutorials, and practical exercises.

All teaching materials and lecture content are made available through the University's Virtuale e-learning platform.

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by the means of a final written exam.

A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject, inappropriate use of language, and/or logic failures in the analysis of the subject

Teaching tools

Lecture slides and integrative supporting material will be available on-line on the e-learing service (Virtuale)

Office hours

See the website of Ernesto Salzano

See the website of