Vellamo 2020 Combines Four Oil Spill Response Exercises Next June

[POSTPONED TO MAY 2021]

A large oil leak is spotted on the coast of Finland. The affected area stretches to the open sea and international shipping routes. How effectively can local emergency services and voluntary organizations respond? The disaster is massive, and international support is needed. How easy is it to receive it?

All this will be tested and practiced during Vellamo 2020 exercise on the southwest coast of Finland next June. This multinational training event combines four oil spill response exercises: SaaME 2020, OIL SPILL and Host Nation Support exercises, and a Table Top exercise.

SaaMe is the most significant annual oil spill exercise in the Finnish Archipelago Sea. It is organized by the Southwest Finland Emergency Services (SWFES) – one of the OIL SPILL partners. To test the cooperation of authorities and voluntary forces, more OIL SPILL partners enter the scene. Here, the role of the Voluntary Rescue Service (FI) is crucial.

Host Nation Support, again, is a project that aims to develop an operating model for emergencies in which SWFES needs international assistance. From OIL SPILL, the Fire and Rescue Board of Klaipėda County (LT), Östra Götalands Fire and Rescue Service (SE), and Danish Civil Protection League (DK) represent the international dimension.

The participants and audience of Vellamo 2020 are manifold. OIL SPILL partner Neste Oil and WWF Finland, as an associated partner, will also take part in it. In addition, the Ministry of the Interior (FI), Emergency Services Academy Finland, Border Guard (FI), Customs (FI), Port of Turku (FI), and Turku Airport (FI) play their role in Vellamo 2020.

More information will be shared during the spring!