ITOPF hosts marine pollution response seminar in Hong Kong

Marine pollution response can vary significantly depending on the pollutant (or pollutants) spilt and the environment into which they are released. The key to developing an effective response is interpreting this complexity into useful situational awareness that drives appropriate actions.

ITOPF's seminar, held in Hong Kong in September, provided an overview of these factors, and outlined steps taken to address challenges raised by oil, chemical and plastic pellet responses. Experience from real-life cases were shared with Hong Kong based P&I Insurers, The Hong Kong Shipowners Association, and the Hong Kong Marine Department for wider overall awareness and preparedness.

ITOPF gave a background on its role during ship pollution incidents, responding to spills of oil, chemicals and other cargo, covering activities attended across the Asia-Pacific region.

Special attention was given to spills of plastic pellets, or nurdles, and the complexity created by spills of this highly-mobile and persistent cargo. ITOPF dived into the impacts of marine pollution on fisheries and mariculture, detailing steps that can be taken to try and mitigate damage. ITOPF's seminar included an interactive photo exhibition, showcasing global pollution response efforts and the diversity of solutions employed to engender a successful outcome. Every photo was an image collated from across more than 50 years responding to marine pollution events.

Inter-organisational knowledge sharing events help to bolster the industry’s overall preparedness and expertise in responding to marine pollution.

The event was hosted at the venue of Café 8, which is a part of The Nesbitt Centre initiative that provides vocational training and employment for adults with learning disabilities, a cause ITOPF was proud to support through this event.