National workshop on oil spill contingency planning improvement programme

In line with the Authority for Transport in Malta’s continuous effort to enhance Malta’s capabilities to respond to an eventual oil pollution incident, the Authority has teamed up with national competent entities participating in the Marine Pollution Cooperation in the Western Mediterranean (West MOPoCo) project to enhance preparedness and response to marine pollution in the west Mediterranean region as well as to complement existing cooperation frameworks.

The Authority noted potential opportunity to identify gaps in Malta’s National Marine Pollution Contingency Plan and strengthen communication and cooperation with stakeholders as well as with the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre (REMPEC). One of the project’s objectives is that every participating Coastal State organises a national oil spill self-assessment workshop. The workshop organised yesterday, being a follow-up of last year’s event, served as a platform to discuss the report issued by the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF) and the continuous improvement programme which Malta has to follow.

The Authority also updated all stakeholders with the progress that was achieved this year. Malta has transposed the Oil Pollution, Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention and HNS Protocol into national law. The applicable Regulations give the necessary force of law to the National Marine Pollution Contingency Plan and ensure that all ports, marine terminals and marine facilities are also prepared for pollution incidents and emergencies. Furthermore, the Authority obtained the necessary support from the Government to better implement the National Marine Pollution Contingency Plan as mentioned in this year’s budget speech.