NQBP tests oil spill response in Weipa
18 Nov 2020
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP) has undertaken an oil spill response exercise at the Port of Weipa this week.
In collaboration with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and Rio Tinto, NQBP officers demonstrated how a response would be coordinated in the unlikely event of an incident.
NQBP Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Fertin said it was essential for NQBP officers to be well-drilled in their important role as first responder to any potential oil spill situation.
“Protecting the environment is something we take seriously. We are committed to ensuring we are ready to respond immediately if need be,” Mr Fertin said.
“Oil spill scenarios are played out regularly by NQBP’s trained and committed First Strike Response Team to ensure all members know their roles thoroughly. “It is also important to work with our port partners in order to coordinate the response as efficiently as possible."
In the training scenario, NQBP’s First Strike Response Team along with representatives from MSQ and Rio Tinto deployed specialist containment boom that is kept on site at Evans Landing Wharf. The scenario also involved the use of oil response vessels.As the port authority of the Ports of Hay Point, Mackay, Abbot Point and Weipa
NQBP is responsible for ensuring that an effective first-strike oil spill response capability is maintained within their ports.
North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Contact
Emilie Power | Community Relations Advisor
0427 050 666 | epower@nqbp.com.au
