Double Inverted Funnel for Intervention on Shipwrecks (DIFIS): An Oil Spill Response System

Double Inverted Funnel for Intervention on Shipwrecks (DIFIS): An Oil Spill Response System

In recent decades, various oil spills have posed a serious threat to the marine environment. In addition to causing loss of life and property damage, the marine environment has also been negatively impacted, causing irreversible damage to its ecosystem. When a ship sinks, it releases tons of oil onto the seabed. This oil ultimately leaks from the ship's tanks or cargo, causing an oil spill.

The increasing risk of oil spills from shipwrecks has prompted numerous engineering innovations from leading maritime organizations and companies worldwide. The Double Inverted Funnel Ship Intervention System ( DIFIS ) is an oil spill response technology developed by the Maritime Research Institute of the Netherlands ( MARIN ) in accordance with EU directives.

What is the Double Inverted Funnel Ship Intervention System (DIFIS)?

The Prestige oil tanker accident in November 2002 was one of the most devastating incidents, releasing tons of oil into the sea. This incident immediately recognized the shipping industry's lack of appropriate systems, tools, and methods for responding to oil spills from shipwrecks. The DIFIS system is one of the effective solutions proposed to address the problem of oil spills from shipwrecks.

As the name suggests, the Double Inverted Funnel Shipwreck Intervention System (DIFIS) consists of an inverted funnel mounted on the shipwreck, covering an entire area to collect any spilled oil. A stabilization system stabilizes the funnel and secures it in the desired underwater area. Fuel collected from the funnel, along with seawater, passes through a long, flexible riser pipe into a second inverted funnel (the stop bell) located near the surface.

Double Inverted Funnel for Intervention on Shipwrecks

The stop bell is made of steel and serves as both a separator and an oil reservoir. Fuel collects at the top of the bell, while heavier seawater drains out through the open bottom. The bell also acts as an end buoy, maintaining tension on the entire lift line, forming a system that allows tankers to transfer collected oil quickly.

The advantage of the Double Inverted Funnel Shipwreck Intervention System (DIFIS) lies in its versatility. Possible DIFIS operation methods are outlined below:

The DIFIS system can be activated relatively quickly. In the event of an oil spill, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is positioned below the sea surface to survey the underwater conditions. After a thorough assessment, the DIFIS system is carefully deployed underwater using a crane located above the wreck.

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Deployed DIFIS Dome

Because the inverted double funnel consists of a large fabric dome and piping system, its configuration is highly dependent on ocean current patterns, induced vibrations, and other external factors critical to system stability.

Advantages of the Double Inverted Funnel Shipwreck Intervention System (DIFIS)

The Double Inverted Funnel Shipwreck Intervention System (DIFIS) offers many advantages, including:

• Extended operating range, up to 4,000 meters underwater
• Double Inverted Funnel Shipwreck Intervention System (DIFIS)
• Cost-effective and environmentally friendly
• An automated system, eliminating the need for human intervention, facilitates and expedites cleanup operations

The Double Inverted Funnel Shipwreck Intervention System (DIFIS) is considered one of the most effective methods for completely cleaning up oil spills from shipwrecks. The technology will utilize state-of-the-art equipment to eliminate manual intervention in oil spill cleanup operations.