Unique insight into Norwegian oil spill preparedness
Recently, delegations from Uganda and Lebanon dived headlong into Norwegian oil spill preparedness. Both negative and positive experiences were shared, and the participants described it as extremely instructive.
Feedback provided after the visit reflected a desire on the part of the participants to hear more about what lessons Norway has learned through its years of petroleum activity that could be of advantage to others.
The delegations’ visit lasted five days. The participants visited the depot of the Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies (NOFO) and witnessed a major coordination exercise held by Norwegian authorities and operating companies. In addition, they attended a number of technical presentation and discussions.
Tested the best equipment
The exercise held by Norwegian authorities and operating companies was one of the largest in Norway this year. The objective of the exercise was to enhance preparedness for critical situations involving acute oil pollution from an offshore installation, with an emphasis on its impact on environmentally vulnerable coastal areas.
The delegates were given an insight into national preparedness planning for acute pollution events, as well as the use of cutting-edge beach-cleaning equipment that the Norwegian Coastal Administration uses to clean up after an incident.
Preparing their own plans
Both Lebanon and Uganda are working to prepare national preparedness plans for petroleum related activities. For this reason, representatives of a number of ministries and directorates in both countries had come to witness this exercise in Norway.
The authorities’ efforts goes far beyond the plan itself, and include training of personnel, procurement of preparedness resources, delineation of responsibilities and roles for various government agencies, training and exercises. The Norwegian Coastal Administration facilitates these processes through the Oil for Development programme.
‘Show, don’t tell’
‘We seek to provide a glimpse of Norwegian oil spill preparedness and to share what we have learned over the years of petroleum activity’, says Kathrine Idås, senior adviser in the Norwegian Coastal Administration, before she adds emphatically:
‘The objective of this visit is not only to have a one-way communication, but to exchange experiences’.
The Norwegian Coastal Administration places increasing emphasis on pictures and films in their meetings with authorities from other countries. In their experience, it is crucial to depict clearly and visually how Norway seeks to ensure effective oil recovery operations. The films were especially well received. As we know, a picture is worth a thousand words.
- See also: Ten years of Oil for Development
