Tabletop exercise: Contingency response of chemical leakage in Riga Bay in the vicinity of Port of Mersrags, 14 August 2019

On 14 August 2019, Latvian Maritime Academy will arrange a tabletop exercise hosted by Port of Mersrags. This is an initial theory and partially practical training exercise for further events in OIL SPILL such as cross-border exercises. In addition, the exercise aims to tackle the issue of a lack of coastal cleansing strategy in the national legislation.

The exercise consists of two parts: First, a seminar and discussion about data and statistics on risks of hazardous leakages in the Baltic Sea, case studies of related incidents and briefing on the active national contingency plan in case of hazardous substances at sea. Second, a tabletop exercise dealing with a scenario of a large-scale oil spill that in its magnitude, requires the Latvian Navy to require additional resources to combat the oil spill.

Firstly, the exercise aims to execute a risk assessment of a large-scale accident in the Riga Bay, particularly near the Port of Mersargs. The second aim is to enhance awareness of national stakeholders about necessary resources and procedures.

Third, the exercise aims to test the framework of existing “Plan for combatting hazardous or harmful discharges in port of Mersargs.” Moreover, the final aim is to promote and involve NGOs in to OIL SPILL project.

The preliminary agenda will be published within two weeks and for the time being, Andrejs Zvaigzne will the contact person regarding the exercise.

Dr.sc. ing., Assoc. Prof.
Andrejs Zvaigzne
Vice Rector for Study
Transport and Telecommunication Institute
Lomonosova 1, Riga, LV-1019, Latvia
Phone: (+371) 67109382
Mob.: (+371) 29478533
E-mail: Zvaigzne.A@tsi.lv