Image: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)

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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) organized a multi-agency joint oil spill exercise (JOSE) on Friday, to test and demonstrate Singapore's readiness to respond to oil spills at sea.

The exercise was held in conjunction with the Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON), hosted by the MPA.

More than 250 personnel from 26 agencies participated in JOSE 2018, which comprised a table-top exercise at the MPA's Port Operations Control Centre. During the exercise, agencies deliberated on operational and policy measures to deal with a major oil spill in Singapore waters, and a seaward deployment exercise scenario near Raffles reserved anchorage.

Bunker supplier Shell Eastern Petroleum - Singapore's 53rd-biggest supplier by volume in 2017 (Shell Eastern Trading was fourth) - also took part in the drill.

The seaward deployment exercise scenario involved a simulated collision between two tanker vessels, one of which sustained damage to its two cargo oil tanks and caused a spillage of approximately 10,000 metric tonnes of oil. The scenario also called for the immediate medical evacuation of an injured crew member on board the damaged tanker vessel.

The spill response teams demonstrated the deployment of equipment such as oil containment booms, spraying of dispersants from a C-130 aircraft and 10 oil spill response craft over the spill area, and recovery of the spilled oil by an innovative 'Giant Octopus' skimmer system.

Captain M Segar, MPA's Assistant Chief Executive (Operations), said: "Singapore is one of the world's busiest ports. Ensuring we have the means and ability to respond to any contingencies, including oil spills, is key. Today's exercise not only allows us to test our inter-agency responses but also to share best practices and test new technologies in combating oil spills. We are pleased to have Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd and other participating agencies supporting today's exercise."

Close to 60 delegates from SIBCON 2018, as well as officers from participating agencies, observed the oil spill exercise.

A list of the participating organisations has been provided below.

1. Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
2. Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd
3. National Environment Agency
4. PUB, National Water Agency
5. Singapore Police Force (Including Police Coast Guard)
6. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
7. Singapore Civil Defence Force (Including SCDF Marine Command)
8. Singapore Armed Forces
9. Ministry of Health
10. Singapore Customs
11. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
12. Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
13. Singapore Land Authority
14. JTC Corporation
15. Housing and Development Board
16. National Parks Board
17. Building & Construction Authority
18. Sentosa Development Corporation
19. Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority
20. Oil Spill Response Limited
21. Singapore Oil Spill Response Centre Pte Ltd
22. Ardent Maritime Singapore Pte Ltd
23. Singapore Refining Company Pte Ltd
24. PB Tankers Ltd (Tankstore)
25. Singapore Petroleum Company Limited
26. Sembcorp Industries Ltd (SUT Div)