Technical and safety evaluation of lightning protection and cathodic protection systems at oil loading and storage facilities located in the Gulf of İskenderun

In this thesis study, the technical adequacy, effectiveness, and compliance with standards of the lightning protection and cathodic protection systems installed at a petroleum loading and storage facility located in the İskenderun Bay were evaluated. In such facilities, where metal structures are densely used and exposure to marine effects is significant, minimizing risks arising from lightning and corrosion is of critical importance for ensuring safety of life and property, as well as for preventing environmental and economic losses.Within this scope, field measurements were conducted over two separate six-month periods; grounding resistances of the lightning protection systems and potential values of the cathodic protection systems were analyzed. The measurements were evaluated in accordance with national and international standards such as TS EN 62305, IEC 62305, and NACE SP0169, and it was determined that improvements were needed in certain areas. Based on the findings, it was emphasized that these systems should not only be monitored during the installation phase but also periodically during operation, supported by a sustainable maintenance strategy. Furthermore, practical recommendations were presented, including the enhancement of the measurement infrastructure, establishment of data-driven decision support systems, and strengthening of inspection processes with trained personnel.