The Nordic countries will join forces for an major oil and chemical protection exercise, 25-29th September, in Langesund part of the SCOPE 2017 project which is being organised by the Norwegian Coastal Administration on behalf of the European Commission.
This exercise has been scheduled due to the notable increasing level of shipping traffic that has raised fears of accidents, recalling scenes from the M/V Full City accident which occured in July 2009 on the coast of Langesund. This accident has illustrated the crucial need for preparedness in dealing with accidents across national borders.
The exercise is a joint project between the Nordic countries and co-funded by the European Union. It is being organised by the Norwegian Coastal Administration and will involve over 300 personnel and 30 vessels. It will be one of the largest exercises of its kind in European history.
“International cooperation is a key factor to protect and minimise impacts of major accidents and spills. In an effort to ensure that all parties know what to do when an accident happens, it’s vitally important to conduct joint spill exercises in advance, both locally, nationally and internationally. This enables us to test and improve our response strategies and technologies for use in different scenarios and this particular exercise is unique in size, scope and international participation,” says Stig Wahlstrøm, Project Manager for SCOPE 2017.
SCOPE 2017 (Skagerrak Chemical Oilspill Pollution Exercise) is a full-scale exercise where all participants will face realistic challenges as a result of a simulated collision between a chemical tanker and an oil tanker. This includes such areas as oil and gas spill response at sea and on land, combating chemical pollution, crisis management, handling of damaged vessels, and evacuation and place of refuge. Representatives from over 70 countries will be invited to observe the exercise.
