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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, 29th 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.

"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," said Captain Segar, MPA's Group Director.

JOSE 2010 involved a scenario where 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," MPA said in a statement.

The exercise was observed by over 60 international participants of the Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON 2010), held from 27-29th October.