In an effort to test and demonstrate Singapore's readiness to respond effectively to oil spills at sea, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) led a multi-agency joint oil spill exercise (code-named JOSE 2010) on Friday, 29 October 2010.

Comprising a table-top exercise at Port Operations Control Centre 2 at PSA Vista and a demonstration on local oil spill response capability, the aim of JOSE 2010 was to familiarize responding agencies on the Oil Spill Contingency Plan (OSCP) for combating major oil spills at sea. Over 150 personnel from various agencies participated in the table top exercise and seaward exercise, located along Sinki Fairway, about 8 km south west of Sentosa Island. See Annex A.

"Singapore being the world's major hub port lies in a strategic location. It is well-connected to 600 ports in 120 countries. Hence, it is critical for Singapore to remain vigilant and maintain operational readiness at all times. This year's exercise demonstrates the close co-ordination of both aircraft and vessel based dispersant spraying systems in the busy waterways of the Port of Singapore. This further ensures an effective and swift response to oil spill incidents within Singapore port limit," says Capt Segar, MPA's Group Director (Hub Port).

JOSE 2010 involved a scenario whereby an oil tanker, loaded with 62,000 tonnes of Arabian Heavy crude oil was hit by a cargo vessel at Sinki Fairway. The vessel suffered damage to two cargo tanks and some 4,500 tonnes of oil was spilled. The impact of the collision also caused a fire near the Engine Control Room (ECR) and some crew members were reported to be trapped in the ECR. The cargo vessel suffered minor damage and proceeded to anchor at the Western Anchorage.

As a large quantity of oil was spilled and was spreading quickly, MPA deployed the aircraft fitted with aerial dispersant spraying system to combat the spill. The spill response teams also demonstrated the deployment of equipment such as oil containment booms around the stricken tanker to prevent further escape of the oil, and recovery of oil by specialized skimmers.

JOSE 2010 was yet another successful exercise which saw close cooperation among MPA, government agencies and industry partners. Refer to Annex B, for the list of exercise participants. The exercise was observed by over 60 international participants of the Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON 2010), held from 27-29th October.

End of Release.

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, grow the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.

Demonstration of harbour buster in oil spill incident

Aerial dispersant spraying demostration using the L382G Hercules aircraft