Singapore, 24 April 2015 | For immediate release
Singapore showcases response capabilities at multi-agency oil spill exercise
To test and demonstrate Singapore’s readiness to tackle oil and chemical spills, a multi-agency joint oil spill exercise was conducted today. Code-named JOSE 2015, the exercise was organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on the last day of the International Chemical and Oil Pollution Conference and Exhibition 2015 (ICOPCE), held in conjunction with the 10th Singapore Maritime Week (SMW).
JOSE 2015 comprised a tabletop management exercise at MPA’s Port Operations Control Centre Vista and a full scale oil and chemical spill response equipment deployment. Over 180 personnel from various agencies participated in the table top exercise and seaward exercise, located along Sudong Holding Anchorage, 4.5 km south of Jurong Island (See Annex A for list of participating agencies)
The exercise scenario involved a simulated collision between a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) and a chemical tanker. The VLCC suffered damages to two cargo tanks and some 5,000 tonnes of oil was spilled. Due to the impact of the collision, the chemical tanker sustained damage to the cargo tank cover on deck. The exercise included responses to combat oil and chemical pollution from both the vessels and tested multi-agency responsiveness and co-operation.
The spill response teams deployed equipment such as oil containment booms, harbour busters and specialised skimmers. In addition to the 22 anti-pollution craft, MPA also deployed an aircraft fitted with aerial dispersant spraying system to combat the spill and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that had the capability to provide aerial footages for better situational awareness on the ground and to monitor the effectiveness of the clean-up operations.
Mr Andrew Tan, MPA’s Chief Executive, said, "Being one of the busiest ports in the world and the top bunkering port, we are reminded of the importance to be vigilant and ready to swiftly respond to any maritime incident, including oil and chemical spills. This exercise not only tests multi-agency responsiveness and co-operation, it also allows us to share best practices and leverage the latest technology to manage the spill."
About 40 delegates from the International Chemical and Oil Pollution Conference and Exhibition (ICOPCE) 2015 observed the action-packed oil and chemical spill exercise today.
<End of Release>
About Singapore Maritime Week (19 - 24 April 2015)
Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) is the leading maritime event in Singapore. Driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), SMW gathers the international maritime community in Singapore for a week of conferences, dialogues, exhibitions and social events in celebration of all things maritime. The range of activities and events organised by MPA, the industry, and research and educational institutions, as well as the cosmopolitan profile of participants, reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Singapore as a major international maritime centre.
SMW has grown in significance since the inaugural event in 2006, and is attracting more participants and event organisers from around the world. Participants can experience something new every year, as activities are added to the line-up, and as eminent speakers share their insights and participate in dialogues on topical maritime issues. This dynamism and the good range of issues discussed during SMW are major draws for maritime decision-makers, as are the many business networking platforms. This is why Singapore Maritime Week is all about PEOPLE, IDEAS and OPPORTUNITIES for the maritime community.
For more information and the full calendar of events, please visit
www.smw.sg.
About Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.
For media clarification, please contact:
Serene Liu
Manager
Corporate Communications Department
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
DID: (65) 6375-1789
Hp: (65) 9824-6525
Fax: (65) 6276-8927
