Port of Singapore led a multi-agency joint oil spill exercise
To test and demonstrate Singapore's readiness to respond effectively to oil spills at sea, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) led a multi-agency joint oil spill exercise, code-named JOSE 2014, on Friday, 17 October 2014 from 9.00am to 1.30pm, MPA said in its press release.
Comprising a table-top exercise at the Port Operations Control Centre Vista and a seaward exercise off Pulau Bukom about 9 km from Harbourfront, some 180 personnel from various agencies participated in this exercise. See Annex A for the list of participating agencies.
JOSE 2014 involved a scenario where a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) "Blue Moon" was discharging her oil at Shell Bukom Single-Buoy Mooring (SBM) when one of the sub-sea hoses located at the SBM ruptured. About 6000 tonnes of light crude oil was spilled into the sea causing potential threat to the environment. The Master of the VLCC immediately reported the incident to MPA and requested for assistance.
The spill response teams demonstrated the deployment of equipment such as oil containment booms around the VLCC and the SBM to prevent further escape of the oil, as well as the recovery of oil by specialised skimmers. In addition to the 16 anti-pollution craft, MPA also deployed an aircraft fitted with aerial dispersant spraying system to combat the spill.
Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive, MPA said, "As the world's top bunkering port and a major oil refining centre, it is important for Singapore to remain vigilant and prepared in the event of a marine pollution incident. The exercise today not only allows us to test our inter-agency response but also to share the best practices in managing a spill with the international and local maritime community."
This exercise was held in conjunction with the18th Singapore International Bunkering Conference and Exhibition (SIBCON), hosted by MPA.
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.
