Monday, 06 February 2012
| Oil Spill Response Exercise |
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| Friday, 30 April 2010 14:04 |
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In accordance with the requirements of The Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Co-operation) Regulations 1998, Newhaven Port Authority held an Oil Spill Response Exercise at the Port on Tuesday 20th April 2010. The scenario was a spillage into the River Ouse of 200 litres of Lube Oil from the Car Ferry Seven Sisters whilst alongside the RoRo Berth. The Ferry crew participated in the initial stages of the exercise as they would in a real event whilst the trained staff at the Port went into action to contain the spill by using workboats and pontoons to deploy absorbent booms around the slick and mop up the spill using absorbent pads. The Newhaven Marina Workboat was called upon to assist in the operation and the Port wish to thank the Marina for their help in the exercise. Also on stand-by incase required were the Newhaven Fishing Fleet, Lifeboat, other Boatyard workboats,Charter boat owners and Newhaven Coastguards. Observing the exercise were representitives of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), Environment Agency, Natural England and Lewes District Council, who contributed a great deal into making the exercise as realistic as possible. The Port Authority has ten members of staff who have attended Oil Spill Response training courses at MCA/EA accredited establishments and keep on site supplies of absorbent booms, pads, granules, protective clothing and recovery storage units. In the event of a major spill, further resources are called in from approved contactors, the MCA and the Environment Agency. |