To assist in the management of maritime pollution incidents around Australia
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued amedia release stating that it has awarded new emergency towage contracts to continue to assist in the management of maritime pollution incidents around Australia.
AMSA Chief Executive Officer Graham Peachey said commercial shipping had worked hard to improvesafety standards but Australia had to be prepared to respond to maritime casualty and pollution incidentsat all times.”A single major pollution incident can lead to huge losses to the marine environment, coastalcommunities, as well as commercial and recreational activities,” Mr Peachey said.
Under the contract arrangements, suitably equipped tugs will be required to respond at short notice toperform first-strike emergency towage services in the event of shipping incidents.
These tugs will be based in ten regions around Australia.
“Two new regions have been added – Western Australia’s south-west and central Queensland – to reflectthe increase in shipping in both these areas,” Mr Peachey said.
“AMSA will now have greater coverage of the Australian coast under the National Plan for MaritimeEnvironmental Emergencies, which aims to reduce the threat of marine pollution.”