Mr Robert Limb, Chief Executive, Oil Spill Response Ltd,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon.

It gives me great pleasure to be here, at the official opening of Oil Spill Response Limited (or OSRL) at Loyang Offshore Supply base. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to OSRL on this joyous occasion.

As a major hub port along a busy waterway, Singapore has substantive interests in ensuring the safety of lives at sea and protecting the marine environment. It is important that we have in place a robust regime of prevention and response capabilities, so that Singapore is ever ready and well-prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to any maritime incidents, including oil spills.

Since OSRL was established in Singapore in 1992, it has grown from strength to strength. OSRL is an industry-owned cooperative which exists to respond effectively to oil spills wherever in the world they may occur. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (or MPA) is very glad to have had the opportunity to work in partnership with OSRL over the years and to have witnessed its growth in Singapore.

Through this close partnership, several major oil spills in the Singapore Straits, such as the 1997 incident involving Evoikos, the 2000 oil spill incident involving Natuna Sea and the 2010 incident involving Bunga Kelana 3, had been effectively contained and the intensive clean-up efforts ensured that the adverse effects of these oil spills were minimised. OSRL together with MPA also developed and completed a booming plan for the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore last year.

We are happy that OSRL has decided to expand and upgrade its facilities here in Singapore. The relocation of OSRL's base to the re-developed and upgraded Loyang Offshore Supply Base will boost their response efficiencies and capabilities in any emergency oil spill incidents or crisis. Its wharf access and close proximity to key airports make the facility strategic to mount emergency responses by air or by sea, thereby strengthening the range of response-delivery options.

We are heartened by OSRL's commitment in Singapore, by continuing to station their newly contracted C-130 response aircraft here in Singapore, and stockpiling spill response equipment such as custom- built catamaran response vessels, aerial dispersant spray systems, and a wide array of booms and skimmers in Singapore.

We are also glad to note that OSRL is bringing in new technology and equipment to Singapore, such as the advanced subsea well capping equipment which can be mobilised in the event of a subsea well control incident. The introduction of new technology and equipment will definitely add to OSRL's capabilities which Singapore, or any affected parties could tap on during any marine incidents.

With a professional crew, a new facility at Loyang and new technologies, we are confident that OSRL is well-placed to deliver an integrated, swift and effective response to any emergency oil spill incidents in Singapore and the region.

On this note, please allow me to again extend, on behalf of MPA, our gratitude to OSRL for their support over the years, and our heartiest congratulations once again. We look forward to continuing our good working relationship with the OSRL in Singapore.
I wish everyone here a lovely evening.
Thank you.