Presentation
MT PRINCESS EMPRESS Oil Spill Response in the Philippines: International Coordination and Communication
DescriptionOn February 28, 2023, the MT PRINCESS EMPRESS, sank off of the eastern coast of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. The 164 foot tanker was carrying approximately 900,000 liters (over 237,000 gallons) of industrial fuel oil onboard. The resulting oil spill stretched an estimated 75 nautical miles affecting over 100,000 people in multiple municipalities and provinces throughout the island nation, with impacts to fisheries, coral reefs, and mangroves. The location of the wreck, after it settled at a depth of over 1,200 feet and 7.5 miles offshore, complicated the response and ability to secure the source.
On March 7, 2023, the Philippine Coast Guard requested spill response assistance from the United States to include providing satellite imagery, a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), oil spill Subject Matter Experts, and response equipment. The United States National Response Team activated and assembled a team and equipment to respond. The team included United States Coast Guard (USCG) National Strike Force (NSF) members, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Scientific Support Coordinators, United States Navy Seventh Fleet personnel, and United States Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) experts. At the peak of the U.S. response effort, 37 personnel were deployed to provide assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard.
In addition to the U.S. team, several other countries also became involved and sent personnel and equipment to aid in the assessment, response, and recovery efforts. This paper explores some of the challenges and lessons learned regarding international coordination and communication in four primary categories: 1) information barriers while serving in an advisory role during an international incident; 2) 'speaking with one voice' when multiple nations are called to assist; 3) methods of communication while abroad; and 4) considerations for future collaboration on oil spill responses.
On March 7, 2023, the Philippine Coast Guard requested spill response assistance from the United States to include providing satellite imagery, a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), oil spill Subject Matter Experts, and response equipment. The United States National Response Team activated and assembled a team and equipment to respond. The team included United States Coast Guard (USCG) National Strike Force (NSF) members, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Scientific Support Coordinators, United States Navy Seventh Fleet personnel, and United States Navy Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) experts. At the peak of the U.S. response effort, 37 personnel were deployed to provide assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard.
In addition to the U.S. team, several other countries also became involved and sent personnel and equipment to aid in the assessment, response, and recovery efforts. This paper explores some of the challenges and lessons learned regarding international coordination and communication in four primary categories: 1) information barriers while serving in an advisory role during an international incident; 2) 'speaking with one voice' when multiple nations are called to assist; 3) methods of communication while abroad; and 4) considerations for future collaboration on oil spill responses.
Event Type
Paper
TimeWednesday, May 15th1:50pm - 2:10pm CDT
Location288-290
Response