Ocean MC

Aimed at testing and validating the Chemical Contingency Plan (Marine) for combating a major chemical incident in Singapore waters, the exercise consisted of two aspects – a seaward equipment deployment demonstration and a table-top exercise at MPA’s Port Operations Control Centre 2 at PSA Vista.

“With the Straits of Malacca and Singapore being heavily used by vessels, it is essential for us to be operationally-ready in case of any major spills. Regular exercises ensure that various agencies are prepared at all times and that our contingency plans are regularly reviewed. The multi-agency involvement in this chemical spill exercise is a good example of how close coordination allows Singapore to respond quickly and effectively to any spills in Singapore’s waters,” said Capt M Segar, MPA’s Group Director (Hub Port).

Code-named CHEMSPILL 2011, the scenario involved a chemical tanker, MT Chemical Carrier suffering a steering failure and being hit by another tanker in the Sinki Fairway off Jurong Island. The chemical tanker, which was loaded with 10,000 tonnes of Benzene, suffered damage to its cargo tanks and some 500 tonnes of Benzene was spilled. The impact of the collision also caused three crew members of MT Chemical Carrier, who were on the catwalk to fall to the main deck. One crew member was seriously injured and required immediate medical attention.

The spill response teams deployed primary and secondary booms and treated the spill with foam to prevent more Benzene escaping from the damaged tanks. Api Api, MPA’s fire-fighting craft also sprayed water at the incident site to reduce the risk of fire and cool the surface and disperse the flammable gas cloud. A Republic of Singapore Air Force helicopter was also activated to provide medical evacuation of the injured crew.

CHEMSPILL 2011 successfully demonstrated the close cooperation between various agencies in Singapore to combat major chemical spills in our waters. More than 10 vessels and 120 personnel from 13 agencies were involved in the exercise. The agencies included the Singapore Armed Forces, the Police Coast Guard, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transport, the National Environment Agency and MPA.

Held in conjunction with the 6^th Singapore Maritime Week, ICOPCE 2011 (11 to 13 April) was officially opened on 11 April by Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and Transport.

Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) is the leading maritime event in Singapore. Driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), SMW gathers the international maritime community in Singapore for a week of conferences, dialogues, exhibitions and social events in celebration of all things maritime. The range of activities and events organised by MPA, the industry, and research and educational institutions, as well as the cosmopolitan profile of participants, reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Singapore as a major international maritime centre.

SMW has grown in size and significance since the inaugural event in 2006, and is attracting more participants and event organisers from around the world. Participants can experience something new every year, as activities are added to the line-up, and as eminent speakers share their insights and participate in dialogues on topical maritime issues. This dynamism and the good range of issues discussed during SMW are major draws for maritime decision-makers, as are the many business networking platforms. This is why Singapore Maritime Week is all about PEOPLE, IDEAS and OPPORTUNITIES for the maritime community.

For more information and the full calendar of events, please visit www.smw.sg.

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