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Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) has completed a joint oil spill emergency response exercise in Jebel Ali. The exercise, called ‘Amwaj 4’, took place at Tanker Berth No. 3 of Jebel Ali Port.

The drill was conducted in view of concerns raised over incidents that have taken place in the Arabian Gulf over the past two years.

Spill response teams from EPPCO International Limited (EIL), and Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) jointly participated in the exercise, which was organized by ENOC Group EHSQ Compliance Department (Marine EHS Section).

The purpose of the simulated drill was to to test the emergency response programmes of the port safety, environment, and fire-fighting departments as well as other agencies concerned with protecting the environment, and their capability to prevent and control water, air and land pollution through prompt and co-ordinated measures.

Saeed Khoory, ENOC Chief Executive commented: “We are delighted with the success of this drill, as it reinforces our commitment to protecting the coastal environment in the UAE from spills and pollution. The drill has enabled us to test our equipment, system and data and ensure swift reponse from our personnel during emergencies.”

The live exercise dealt with a situation in which the forward spring mooring lines of a tanker vessel had snapped from turbulence caused by an outbound vessel, during discharge operations of diesel. The terminal operator, who was in close proximity to the loading arm, had lost his balance thus falling to the ground and fracturing his leg while trying to escape the product shower spray.

“In spite of having the best response systems and protocols, time becomes a limitation during emergencies. We regularly conduct such drills in order to see how fast we can act to save such situations and update ourselves on the safety challenges posed by Dubai’s increasing trade and commerce,” Khoory added.