Setting up an Oil Spill Response Capability for the Protection of our Seas

The purpose of the Project is to ensure a better degree of prevention, preparedness and response in the fields of oil and HNS (hazardous and noxious substances) spills at sea, with the overall objective to reduce the risk for environmental and economic damages to Malta from major oil/HNS spill. Reference is made to the application, dated 7 November 2005. The complete Project shall include the following activities and results: The main activities and results: - the compilation of studies required to assess the frequency and size of oil spills, identify resources at risk and priorities for protection, identify response strategies and also best equipment to be used during an oil spill response operation, - the purchase of equipment needed to set up a first line of defence in Tier 3 incidents (major disasters) at sea, enabling Malta to contain oil spill far from their shoreline in open sea until foreign assistance is available, - the organisation of information seminars/workshops to train the different Government entities that would be mobilised should an oil/HNS spill incident take place on how to use the equipment purchased efficiently during an oil/HNS spill response operation. The Project Promoter is the Malta Maritime Authority. The Malta Maritime Authority shall provide 20 per cent of the estimated eligible Project cost.