Asia/Pacific News
Singapore Runs Multi-Agency Spill Response Exercise
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) says a multi-agency chemical spill response exercise, known as ChemSpill 2017, was held today at the port in order to test and demonstrate Singapore's readiness to tackle oil and chemical spills.
ChemSpill 2017, which included a tabletop management exercise and a full scale chemical and oil spill response equipment deployment, simulated a collision between a fully laden chemical tanker and a bunker barge off Raffles Reserved Anchorage that resulted in a chemical spill from the tanker.
150 personnel from 25 agencies participated in both the table top exercise and seaward exercise.
Under the seaward exercise, spill response teams deployed chemical protective gears, gas detectors, chemical containment booms, damage control equipment to seal leaks, and diving equipment for underwater damage assessments.
"As one of the busiest ports in the world and leading bunkering port, the ability to respond to any maritime incident swiftly, including chemical and oil spill is critical. Good coordination across various agencies is essential," said Andrew Tan, CEO of MPA.
"Today's multi-agency exercise is a good opportunity for us to hone our response strategies as well as share best practices. We are pleased to have ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and Chembulk Tankers supporting today's exercise. We look forward to working with others to raise the overall level of safety in our waters."
