The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) successfully conducted its annual chemical spill exercise (CHEMSPILL 99) from 0830hrs to 1300hrs today.

CHEMSPILL 99 took the form of a table-top exercise. It served as an effective platform for participating agencies to understand and execute their roles and functions as drawn up in the MPA's Chemical Contingency Plan (Marine) [CCP(M)], a supplement to the Marine Emergency Action Procedure (MEAP). Additionally, it provided the organisations opportunities to share their knowledge and experience in reviewing and developing the best strategies to deal with a chemical spill incident.

Held at Tanjong Pagar Complex, CHEMSPILL 99 was based on an actual chemical spill incident that took place off Scotland in March this year. The breakout of a fire in the engine room of the chemical tanker MT "CHEMTRANS" had led to the danger of a chemical spill. (Refer to attached for Exercise Scenario)

Mr Chen Tze Penn, Director-General of MPA, said, "CHEMSPILL 99 demonstrates the MPA's continued commitment to the shipping community in ensuring that it has in place an efficient and effective system for managing chemical spills. It also aims to enhance the industry's preparedness and readiness in responding to an incident involving vessels carrying dangerous chemicals in bulk."

A total of 32 personnel from government and private agencies participated in the exercise. The government agencies included the Singapore Police Force, Police Coast Guard, Ministry of the Environment, Singapore Civil Defence Force, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defence, Republic of Singapore Navy, and Primary Production Department. Other participating organisations included PSA Corporation, PSA Marine, P & I Club, Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore Terminal, SGS Redwood Singapore, Stolt- Nielsen Transportation Group Pte Ltd, and SMIT.

The first CHEMSPILL exercise was held in 1998. It comprised both a table-top drill and the mounting of a seaward operation for tackling a massive chemical spill of solvent naphtha and lubricating oil.

Exercise Scenario

A chemical tanker MT "CHEMTRANS" had completed cargo operations at the Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore (PCS) Jetty and was leaving for Port Klang, West Malaysia. The vessel was carrying a total of 1,500 metric tonnes of Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM), 400 metric tonnes of Styrene Monomer, 400 metric tonnes of Xylene, 400 metric tonnes of Toulene and 800 metric tonnes of Benzene. Two of its tanks were empty.

The tanker was piloted and proceeding via Sinki Fairway to the pilot disembarkation ground when a fire erupted in its engine room. The MPA's Port Operations Control Centre (POCC) was immediately alerted. At the same time, the shipmaster raised the alarm and activated the tanker's emergency plan. As the main engines were affected, and in order to prevent grounding or contact with a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), the master and pilot decided to anchor the vessel off Pulau Sudong, outside the live firing area and within the port limits. 12 of the 15 crew members were evacuated for fear that the fire might spread. The fire could result in heating up the cargo of Vinyl Acetate Monomer and Styrene, which could lead to an explosion. All non-essential military personnel at Pulau Sudong were also evacuated. Salvors and tugs were activated for fire and rescue operations. Water from the Salvage tugs was sprayed continuously on to the cargo to keep it cool.

Other than the explosion hazard, there was also a risk to the environment should the vessel spill its cargo of VAM and Styrene. The toxic fumes from these cargoes might, depending on wind and weather conditions, reach Singapore or the neighbouring countries, and pose serious health hazards to the inhabitants.

The Chemical Contingency Plan was activated. An Emergency Operations Committee led by the MPA and consisting of representatives from supporting organisations convened at the POCC's Hot Response Room, to plan and manage the incident.

End of Release.