Press Release

EXERCISE WESTERN MIST

6 SEPTEMBER 2006

 

The operational staff of Stornoway Port Authority took part in the Oil Pollution Exercise Western Mist earlier this week.

 

The 'scenario' was based on a major oil spill at the Hazardous Cargo Berth on No. 2 Pier during tanker discharge operations.

 

The exercise was carried out in conjunction with B. P. Oils, the jetty operators, and supported by the Technical Services Department of the Local Authority. For the purpose of the exercise, the Harbour Master, as On-Scene Commander, declared the spill at Tier 2 Level, thereby necessitating the assistance of the other agencies to initiate a containment and clean up effort, using locally stored Oil Pollution Response Kit. The equipment is made up of various types of containment booms, oil skimmers, pumps and absorbent materials. With the three agencies coming together, it required a concerted team effort to assemble the equipment and deploy it in the correct location and in a timely manner.

 

Commenting, Harbour Master Captain Torquil Macleod said, "Each agency represented have their own Oil Pollution Response Plan as required by the Maritime Coastguard Agency. This exercise was designed to put into effect the Oil Pollution Response Plan for Stornoway Harbour . It was considered a successful exercise by all parties with some very constructive feedback at the de-brief.