NEWS RELEASE
Singapore, 29 September 2015 | For immediate release
Singapore Hosts Regional Spill Contingency Workshop
ASEAN member states gather in Singapore for the first time to develop a regional spill contingency plan
Singapore is one of the world's busiest ports and waterways with an average of 140,000 vessels calling at the port annually. At any one time, there are about 1,000 vessels in the port of Singapore. As sea lanes become busier with larger ships, it is critical to reinforce awareness and enhance inter-regional cooperation and preparedness.
From 29 September to 2 October 2015, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) Academy will host technical experts from 10 ASEAN member States who will gather for the first time for a Regional Workshop on the Development of a Regional Spill Contingency Plan for ASEAN. The workshop is jointly organised by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the MPA Academy.
During the workshop, participants will discuss regional spill strategies and draft the contingency plan for the region. This is a significant step following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the ASEAN Oil Spill Response Action Plan last year. It signifies the close cooperation among the ASEAN member States in oil spill preparedness and response.
During the four-day workshop, MPA Academy will also share its own contingency plan to respond to oil spills as well as hazardous and noxious substances. The MPA Academy will also host a visit to the Port Operations Control Centre (POCC). The POCC is equipped with a Vessel Traffic Information System capable of monitoring and tracking up to 10,000 vessels and integrating data from various sources. The POCC is also an important venue which acts as the main Emergency Operations Centre where responses to oil spills or any other maritime emergencies are coordinated.
“Keeping our sea lanes safe and clean for navigation remains a high priority. As a member of the international maritime community and IMO Council member, we will continue to share our expertise and provide technical assistance to meet the evolving needs of our fellow IMO Member States globally", says Capt Khong Shen Ping, Dean of MPA Academy.
For over 17 years, MPA has been providing training to the international maritime community under the Singapore-IMO Third Country Training Programme, a first-of-its-kind from the outset. Under the programme, more than 1,700 officials from over 80 countries have since been trained.
Stefan Micallef, Director, Marine Environment Division of IMO, remarked, “IMO, working in close cooperation with the Government of Singapore under the framework of the Singapore-IMO MoU Third Country Training Programme, welcomes this important step towards the implementation of the MoU on ASEAN Cooperation Mechanism for Joint Oil Spill Preparedness and Response.
Regional cooperation is a core element of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990 - an IMO Convention which aims to assist members states build capacity to effectively deal with spill incidents when they occur. Twenty-five years after its adoption, the implementation of the OPRC Convention remains a key component of the work of IMO and I wish to emphasize once again the importance of effective preparation for responding to major oil pollution incidents and the important role which the oil and shipping industries have in the ASEAN region.
Owing to the generous assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore and the MPA Academy, this workshop provides an opportunity for the ASEAN region to further develop their operational procedures for cooperation in the event of such an incident.”
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About the 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 queries, please contact:
Ms Jean Lim
Deputy Manager, Corporate Communications Department, MPA
