Jeju Coast Guard Conducts Joint Drill to Prepare for Large Oil Spill Incident

Published 31 May.2023 16:51(KST)

Jeju Maritime Police Station (Chief So Byung-yong) announced on the 31st that it conducted a joint civil-government maritime oil spill response drill assuming an oil spill accident caused by a collision between vessels at Pier 4, Jeju Port, Jeju City.

Fire extinguisher operation <br>Photo by Jeju Coast Guard

Fire extinguisher operation
Photo by Jeju Coast Guard

On that day, the drill involved 11 organizations and companies including Jeju Maritime Police, Jeju Coast Guard, Seogwipo Maritime Police Station, local governments, Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation, oil company (GS Caltex), Marine Autonomous Defense Corps, and R&D research institutes, mobilizing 100 personnel, 9 vessels, and 340 meters of oil fences.

The drill simulated an accident where a cargo ship entering Jeju Port collided with a moored oil tanker, causing a hole in the hull and spilling approximately 5㎘ of oil (B-A) into the sea. The exercise focused on the rapid installation of oil fences around the damaged area of the vessel and the operation of oil recovery vessels.

In addition to maritime oil spill response, the drill enhanced the joint response method by adding improved discharge prevention measures such as emergency sealing of the air vent and the damaged part of the oil tanker, as well as offshore and underwater oil transfer.

A Jeju Maritime Police official stated, “Jeju Port is a major port responsible for most of Jeju’s oil transportation. By conducting joint drills with local related organizations and the Coast Guard assuming real situations that can occur at any time, we aim to strengthen teamwork and cooperation systems and do our best to prepare for and respond to large-scale marine pollution accidents in the Jeju area.”