Agencies demonstrate chemical spill preparedness during Singapore Maritime Week 2013
The International Chemical and Oil Pollution Conference and Exhibition 2013 (ICOPCE), which is part of the 8th Singapore Maritime Week (SMW), concluded today with a chemical spill exercise, said in the company's press release.
This full deployment, multi-agency exercise was organised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) to demonstrate Singapore's readiness to respond to a major chemical spill in its waters. Codenamed "CHEMSPILL 2013", this exercise aimed to test and validate the Chemical Contingency Plan (Marine) for combating major chemical spills in Singapore waters. It consisted of two aspects - a seaward equipment deployment demonstration at Raffles Reserved Anchorage and a table-top exercise at MPA's Port Operations Control Centre at PSA Vista (POCC-Vista).
"Singapore is one of the busiest ports in the world. The Straits of Malacca and Singapore are also among the busiest and most important waterways in the world. Hence, it is critical for us to be operationally-ready in the event of any major spills. This exercise allowed us to test multi-agency responsiveness in terms of personnel and equipment mobilisation. It also tested the strategic decision-making process and the interconnected roles of the various agencies and industry players," said Capt M Segar, MPA's Assistant Chief Executive (Operations).
Exercise scenario
The exercise scenario involved a Chemical tanker, MT Chemical Carrier, loaded with 3,000 tonnes of styrene monomer and other chemical cargo being hit by a bunker barge at Jong Fairway, near Sisters Buoy, while on its way to Pulau Sebarok. MT Chemical Carrier suffered damage to its cargo tanks and spilled 500 tonnes of styrene monomer. The bunker barge suffered slight damage. Two crew members of MT Chemical Carrier who were working on the deck fell upon the impact of the collision. One of them was seriously injured and required immediate medical attention and evacuation.
Seaward equipment and manpower deployment demonstration
The spill response teams deployed primary and secondary booms to contain the spilled chemical from the damaged tank and treated it with foam. Singapore Civil Defence Force's Marine Command also deployed their personnel onboard the tanker to rescue and evacuate the two injured crew.
CHEMSPILL 2013 successfully demonstrated the close cooperation between the various agencies in combating major chemical spills in our waters. More than 10 vessels and 160 personnel from 19 organisations were involved in the exercise. (Please refer to Annex A for the full list of participating organisations.)
About the Singapore Maritime Week (7 - 12 April 2013)
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 size and 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.
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.