Channel NewsAsia 24 Apr 15;
SINGAPORE: To test Singapore's readiness to tackle oil and chemical spills, a multi-agency joint exercise was held in waters off Jurong Island on Friday (Apr 24).
The exercise, code-named JOSE 2015, involved a tabletop management exercise and the deployment of full-scale oil and chemical spill response equipment, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in a news release on Friday.
The exercise, organised by MPA, had more than 180 personnel from various agencies responding to a simulated collision between a Very Large Crude Carrier and a chemical tanker 4.5km south of Jurong Island.
Participants had to combat oil and chemical pollution due to the simulated spillage of 5,000 tonnes of oil and damages on both vessels.
They sent out equipment such as oil containment booms, specialised skimmers, 22 anti-pollution craft and and an aircraft fitted with a dispersant-spraying system. They also deployed a Unmanned Aerial Vehicle that could provide aerial footage for better situational awareness on the ground, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of clean-up operations.
“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,” said Mr Andrew Tan, MPA’s Chief Executive.
About 40 delegates from the International Chemical and Oil Pollution Conference and Exhibition (ICOPCE) 2015 observed the oil and chemical spill exercise. The event was held in conjunction with the Singapore Maritime Week.
- CNA/xq/dl
Singapore showcases response capabilities at multi-agency oil spill exercise
AsiaOne 24 Apr 15;
SINGAPORE - A multi-agency joint oil spill exercise was conducted today along Sudong Holding Anchorage to test and demonstrate Singapore's readiness to tackle oil and chemical spills.
Organised by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), this exercise rounds off 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).
The exercise which is code-named JOSE 2015, had a full scale oil and chemical spill response equipment deployment. It was attended by 180 personnel from various agencies and about 40 delegates from the ICOPCE.
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."
He added: "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."
- See more at: http://business.asiaone.com/news/singapore-showcases-response-capabilities-multi-agency-oil-spill-exercise#sthash.CliUjO4a.dpuf
