Northwest Pacific Action Plan
Marine Environmental Emergency Preparedness and Response
Regional Activity Centre
Signing Ceremony of the MoU
on Oil Spills
By the Director of MERRAC, Chang-Gu Kang
I am pleased to
ministerial level by NOWPAP Member
inform you that the
countries.
Memorandum of
Much support and many contributions have
Understanding
come from the Member States, UNEP, IMO and
(MoU) on the
other relevant international and regional
NOWPAP Regional
organizations during the development of the
Oil Spill
Plan. As Director of NOWPAP (MERRAC is to
Contingency Plan
act as secretariat for the Plan and MoU), on
has officially come
behalf of all the secretariats, I would like to
into effect on being signed by NOWPAP
express sincere gratitude to all of you for your
Members in November 2004. MERRAC held
valuable support and contributions made during
the ceremony for signing the MoU in Busan,
the process of adoption of the MoU and Plan
Republic of Korea, on 2 November for the 8th
and signatures of the MoU.
NOWPAP Intergovernmental Meeting (IGM),
The Plan will provide an official framework
where the MoUs signed by NOWPAP Members
and technical guidelines for regional co-
were presented to MERRAC. This event was
operation in the field of marine pollution and an
held together with some other memorable events
operational mechanism for mutual assistance to
for NOWPAP - the opening ceremony of the
coordinate and organize a prompt and effective
Regional Coordinating Unit (RCU) in Toyama
response to marine oil pollution incidents which
and Busan, and 10th anniversary of NOWPAP.
affect or seem likely to affect the Action Area of
As you know, this region is frequently subject
one or more of the NOWPAP Members.
to major marine pollution accidents, as was the
However, many issues related to the
case with the Sea Prince and the Nakhodka oil
implementation of the RCP remain, as discussed
spills, which resulted in serious environmental
at the 7th NOWPAP MERRAC Focal Points
and economic damage. Following such
Meeting. In order to discuss in detail practical
experiences, NOWPAP members have
matters such as conduct of joint training courses
developed effective measures for regional
and exercises, financial matters related to
cooperation in marine pollution preparedness
mutual assistance, and national arrangements on
and response as one of major priorities for
customs and immigration procedures in order to
NOWPAP activities. Since 1997 we have
facilitate the movement of response personnel
developed the Plan and its MoU, which will be a
and equipment, a preliminary Competent
firm foundation for our strong partnership
National Authorities (CNA) Meeting was held
between NOWPAP Members for the protection
in Qingdao from 15 to 18 November 2004
of our common sea from marine pollution. The
following a decision of the 7th NOWPAP
MoU and the Plan were adopted by all the
MERRAC Focal Points. The results and
NOWPAP members at the 8th NOWPAP IGM in
outcomes of the preliminary CNA Meeting will
No. 4
November 2003, and the MoU was signed at
be discussed and reviewed at the next 8th
March 2005
NOWPAP MERRAC 1

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NOWPAP MERRAC Focal Points
Meeting and/or the 1st CNA Meeting to
be held in May 2005.
MERRAC will do its best to
accomplish its purpose and its function
successfully and effectively. I firmly
believe that all the NOWPAP members,
UNEP and IMO will offer continuous
support for MERRAC activities
regarding implementation of the Plan.
Finally, I wish again to extend my
sincere thanks to all the member States
and related experts for their supports
and contribution in developingthe Plan
and process of signature of the MoU.
Thank you.
CONGRATULATORY ADDRESS
by MR. EFTHIMIOS E. MITROPOULOS, SECRETARY-GENERAL, IMO
Excellencies,
national oil spill contingency plans in
Gu Kang, Director of MERRAC, and his
Representatives of the NOWPAP
China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and
very professional staff on a job well done.
Member States,
the Russian Federation. At the
Today is the day to celebrate the
Ladies and Gentlemen,
international level, the four countries
success of our combined effort. But
accepted the International Convention on
tomorrow, when the celebration is over,
It gives me great pleasure to offer my
Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and
we all have to think of the future. The
congratulations on the signing of the
Co-operation, 1990.
work is not over with the signing of the
"Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Under the framework of NOWPAP, the
MOU or with the coming into effect of
on Regional Co-operation Regarding
four Member States agreed that the
the NOWPAP Regional Oil Spill
Preparedness and Response to Oil Spills
development of effective measures for
Contingency Plan. To ensure that the Plan
in the Marine Environment of the
regional co-operation in marine pollution
will work and provide the framework for
Northwest Pacific Region".
preparedness and response was one of the
co-operation in cases of major oil spills, it
By signing the Memorandum of
priorities for the region. The work was
has to be implemented, tested and
Understanding, the four NOWPAP
initiated in July 1997 in Toyama, Japan.
exercised during joint activities. The Plan
Member States have also agreed to the
Since then, with IMO, UNEP and other
is a live document, which has to be kept
official coming into effect of the
international organizations providing
up-dated as it should always reflect the
"NOWPAP Regional Oil Spill
substantive support and guidance during
current status of regional co-operation and
Contingency Plan", an event that the
the development process, five Focal
the oil spill preparedness and response of
International Maritime Organization has
Points meetings and two Expert meetings
the four Member States.
been looking forward to and welcomes.
have been held. The main outcome of this
Looking forward to the future, I can
The NOWPAP region is, from an oil
combined effort is the Memorandum of
assure you that the NOWPAP region will
spill point of view, considered as one of
Understanding and the NOWPAP
continue to have the attention of IMO and
the world's high-risk areas due to the
Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan we
I can also assure you that the Organization
density of shipping traffic combined with
see today, which reflects the region-
will continue to provide its support to
a very large volume of oil moved by
specific situation, taking into account
MERRAC for the implementation of the
tankers. Regrettably, the region has had
international recommendations and
NOWPAP Regional Oil Spill
first hand experience of the consequences
Guidelines on oil spill contingency
Contingency Plan.
of a number of serious oil spills, including
planning and the experiences gained from
Once again, I would like to offer my
the Sea Prince incident in 1995 and the
co-operation in other regions of the world.
congratulations on the signing of the
Nahodka in 1997.
I appreciate the hard work of all
MOU and my best wishes for successful
These serious oil spills led to the
concerned in the development process,
co-operation under the NOWPAP -
development of national systems of
and, in particular, the work undertaken by
MERRAC regional framework in the
preparedness for, and response to, oil
the NOWPAP MERRAC. I would,
future.
spills, including the development of
therefore, like to congratulate Dr. Chang-
Thank you.
2
NOWPAP MERRAC

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7th MERRAC Focal Points Meeting
The 7th NOWPAP MERRAC Focal
mapping and shoreline cleanup be
(iii) The Meeting agreed to hold an
Points Meeting was held in MERRAC
concluded and will be printed as
Experts Meeting in Qingdao from 15 to 18
from 18 to 21 May 2004. The Meeting
MERRAC Technical Reports. And the
November 2004 in order to discuss and
reviewed and discussed the activities and
Meeting also agreed to initiate new
review, on a technical level, various topics
results carried by Expert Group for the
projects replacing these projects during
related to MERRAC Specific Projects and
MERRAC Specific Projects. The Meeting
the intersessional period after 7th Focal
the NOWPAP Regional Oil Spill
also discussed issues related to the
Points Meeting, whose priorities are given
Contingency Plan. Specially, the Meeting
implementation of the NOWPAP
to: Minimum Level of Preparedness
also agreed that preliminary CNA
Regional Contingency Plan which was
(China) and Regioanl Mapping of
Meeting would be held in conjunction
adopted by the 8th NOWPAP IGM as
Vulnerable Resources (Japan). The
with this Expert Meeting to discuss the
technical operational guidelines for
Meeting agreed that the Expert Meeting to
inception and implementation of the Plan.
regional cooperation in case of oil spill
be held in November 2004 in Qingdao,
(iv) The Meeting revised the proposed
emergencies in the NOWPAP region. The
People's Republic of China, would review
MERRAC workplan, activities, budget
Meeting also discussed the proposed
the necessity and feasibility of the projects
and timetable for 2004/5 biennium.
MERRAC workplan, activities, budget
and submit their recommendations to the
Specially, the Meeting agreed that two
and timetable for the 2004/5 biennium.
next MERRAC Focal Points Meeting.
Expert Meetings which were originally
The main decisions of the Meeting were
(ii) The Meeting decided that
planned for 2004 and 2005 would be
as follows:
`Competent National Authorities Meeting
combined in order to reply to the request
(i) The Meeting reviewed in detail the
for NOWPAP Regional Oil Spill
made by the 8th NOWPAP IGMto
results and activities of the MERRAC 4
Contingency Plan (CNA Meeting)' be
decrease the number of meetings and
Specific Projects, Oil Spill Prediction
organized once a year, in conjunction with
comply with the budget cuts for
Model (lead country: Korea), Sensitivity
the MERRAC Focal Points Meeting, in
MERRAC. These results were put
Mapping (Japan), Oil Dispersant (Russia),
order to discuss issues related to the
forward for approval to the 9th NOWPAP
and Shoreline Cleanup (China), under the
implementation of the Plan, response to
IGM held in Busan, Republic of Korea,
participation of leading experts for the
actual incidents, organization of training
from 2 to 4 November 2004.
expert groups. The Meeting agreed that
courses and exercises and other relevant
two specific projects on sensitivity
matters.
NOWPAP MERRAC 3

---

2004 MERRAC Expert Meeting
The NOWPAP MERRAC Expert
forecasted wind, sea-surface temperature
Resources, the Meeting concluded that,
Meeting was held in Qingdao, People's
and tidal current harmonic constants etc.
taking into the account the technical,
Republic of China, from 15 to 18
(ii) Regarding the Regional Policy on
financial and political implications related
November 2004 with the kind support and
Dispersants, the Meeting concluded that
to the sharing of the Environmental
contribution from the China Maritime
the use of dispersant within NOWPAP
Sensitivity Index (ESI) maps, it might be
Safety Administration (MSA) and
Member's jurisdiction during a Joint
beneficial to develop a simplified ESI map
Shandong MSA, and with the technical
Response Operations should be in
as three indices of sensitivity, very high
support from IMO and the Oil Spill
accordance with the provisions of the
sensitivity, high sensitivity and sensitive
Training Company Ltd., UK. This
national contingency plan and/or policy of
area.
Meeting was organized by two sub-
the NOWPAP Member concerned. And
The Meeting also agreed to forward the
meetings: "Meeting of Working Groups of
the Meeting decided to recommend the
detailed recommendation on the future
Nominated National Experts regarding
next MERRAC Focal Points Meeting to
work of these Specific Projects to the 8th
MERRAC Specific Projects" and
finalize this project.
MERRAC Focal Points Meeting.
"Preliminary Meeting
of Representatives of
Competent National
Authorities", along the
decision of 7th
MERRAC Focal Points
Meeting.
Firstly, a Meeting of
Working Groups of
Nominated National
Experts regarding
MERRAC Specific
Projects was held from
15 to 16 November in
order to discuss and
review at a technical
level, various topics
related to MERRAC 4
Specific Projects such
as Regional Oil Spill
Prediction Model,
Regional Policy on
Dispersants, Minimum
Level of Preparedness and Regional
(iii) Regarding the Minimum Level of
Secondly, a Preliminary Meeting of
Mapping of Vulnerable Resources, and to
Preparedness as a candidate for a possible
Representatives of Competent National
make specific recommendations to the
new MERRAC Specific Project, the
Authorities was held from 17 to 18
next Focal Points Meeting.
Meeting considered the possible
November in order to facilitate the
The main activities and results of the
objectives, purpose and applicability. The
discussion on questions related to the
Meeting were as follows:
Meeting concluded that it was feasible to
implementation of the Plan, response to
(i) Regarding the Regional Oil Spill
initiate this activity as the projects could
actual incidents, organization of training
Prediction Model, the Meeting agreed that
provide encouragement to Members to
courses and exercises and other relevant
the project should be continued to include
establish the appropriate response
matters.
the development of a numerical model to
capability to meet the agreed minimum
The main activities and results of the
be applicable to the open sea, and
level in order to minimize the hazard
Meeting were as follows:
concluded that it would be beneficial to
posed by oil spills within the NOWPAP
(i) The representatives of NOWPAP
develop a database of information on
Region.
Members provided information on their
observed ocean current and wind,
(iv) Regional Mapping of Vulnerable
respective National Contingency Plans
4
NOWPAP MERRAC

---

(NCPs) in order to increase understanding
(iii) At the Meeting, after a presentation
can be made in the future.
of NCPs among other NOWPAP
by the Director of the Oil Spill Training
(iv) The Meeting discussed in detail
members.
Company Ltd., UK, and Consultant to
practical matters related to the
(ii) The representatives of CNA from
IMO, the meeting also discussed the
implementation of the Regional
each NOWPAP Member discussed in
general principles relating to the
Contingency Plan such as an update of
detail case studies of the accidents that
development of a training course and
Annex 5 to the Plan, organization of joint
have occurred in the NOWPAP region,
exercise programmes in relation to marine
training courses and exercises, financial
which covered the cause of oil spills, spill
pollution preparedness and response. The
matters related to mutual assistance, and
assessment, command system, response
meeting carried out a table-top exercise to
national arrangements on the customs and
and/or salvage operations, national
familiarize attendees with the alert and
immigration procedures in order to
financial implications including claims
notification procedures detailed in the
facilitate the movement of response
and compensation, cooperation during
Plan, and to introduce the concept and
personnel and equipment and so on.
response operations, damage to the
methods of development of table-top
The Meeting agreed to submit the
environment and economy, action taken
exercises to the Meeting participants.
outcome of its discussion to the next 8th
by the relevant national parties,
Through the table-top exercise the
NOWPAP MERRAC Focal Points
relationship to regional cooperation, and
Meeting participants identified a number
Meeting and/or the 1st CNA Meeting.
lessons learned.
of issues and areas where improvements
9th NOWPAP Intergovernmental Meeting
MERRAC participated in the 9th
biennium.
discuss and consider the following
NOWPAP IGM held in Busan, Republic
The Meeting discussed NOWPAP's
agenda: (i) the future activities and
of Korea, from 2 to 4 November 2004,
structure and activities and new directions
demarcation of responsibilities of the
where Dr. Chang-Gu Kang, Director of
for the NOWPAP Regional Activity
RACs and the RCU, (ii) a programme of
MERRAC, reported on MERRAC
Centres (RACs), noting the RCU opening
work and appropriate budget for the
activities during 2003/4. He also presented
and the 10th anniversary of NOWPAP
development and implementation of a
the revised budget and work plans agreed
ceremonies, and the presentation
Regional Action Plan for marine litter
by the 7th MERRAC Focal Points Meeting
ceremony of the signatures of the MoU on
management in the NOWPAP Region,
in line with the request of the 8th
the Oil Spill Contingency Plan. The
(iii) increased contributions to the
NOWPAP IGM. The Meeting approved
meeting agreed to convene an
NOWPAP Trust Fund.
the revised budget and work plans for
`Intersessional Workshop' around mid-
MERRAC activities for the 2004/2005
2005 in Republic of Korea to further
Other Activities
MERRAC participated in 8th Special
2004. He reported on adoption of the
on "MERRAC and Regional Co-operation
Session of the Governing Council
NOWPAP Regional Oil Spill Contingency
on Marine Pollution Preparedness and
(GCSS)/Global Ministerial Environmental
Plan by the People's Republic of China,
Response" and a "Case Study on
Forum (GMEF) was held in Jeju, Republic
Japan, Republic of Korea and Russian
NOWPAP Regional Oil Spill Contingency
of Korea, from 29 to 31 March 2004,
Federation within the Framework of the
Plan".
organized by UNEP. It exhibited panels on
Northwest Pacific Action Plan
MERRAC has also co-operated with
NOWPAP Activities, "NOWPAP
(NOWPAP).
other RACs on NOWPAP activities and
Activities in Regional Cooperation to Save
Dr. Seong-Gil Kang also participated
the International Organization of Oil Spill
Our Seas (SOS)".
IMO/IPIECA National Workshop on Oil
Preparedness and Response. MERRAC
Dr. Seong-Gil Kang participated in the
Spill Preparedness Response and Co-
will continue to co-operate with other
52nd Meeting of IMO MEPC and the 2nd
operation for China held in Beijing,
RACs and international organizations and
Expert Meeting of OPRC/OPRC-HNS held
People's Republic of China, from 14 to 16
will conduct publicity work on NOWPAP
in London, UK, from 2 to 14 October
December 2004. He made a presentation
Activities.
NOWPAP MERRAC 5

---

NOWPAP members and UNEP (as interim
Dr. Alexander TKALIN, Coordinator of
secretariat) have brought about this long-
NOWPAP Regional Coordinating Unit
awaited outcome.
NOWPAP RCU is open!
Toyama office is located on the 6th floor
Dear NOWPAP friends,
of the Intec Building which can be seen
I am glad to inform you that finally the
really spectacular. Busan office is
from almost anywhere in Toyama. From
operations will be not easy. First of all,
NOWPAP RCU offices in Toyama and
located at an equally nice site: within
our windows, we can see beautiful
staff must settle their personal issues
Busan are open! The outstanding efforts of
the compound of the National Fisheries
Tateyama range, which is really
(renting apartments, opening bank
Research and Development Institute, on
accounts, etc.). Then, office supplies,
the seashore close to famous Haeundae
telephone lines, an Internet connection,
beach. Contact details are given in the
bank accounts, and many other things
table for your convenience. Until
must also be up and running.
permanent e-mail addresses and RCU
Anyway, now the NOWPAP family
website are established, RCU staff can
has several persons here, in the region,
be contacted using temporary e-mail
who will dedicate all their time to
addresses indicated in the table.
implementation of NOWPAP activities.
The host countries, Japan and the
I think that we all should feel grateful to
Republic of Korea, provided
Dr. Ellik Adler who served as
exceptionally nice facilities and office
NOWPAP Coordinator for the last four
equipment which will allow RCU
years. Without his personal contribution
Dr. Alexander TKALIN, Coordinator of
members to work efficiently from the
and help, NOWPAP RCU might not
NOWPAP Regional Coordinating Unit
very beginning. Nevertheless, the first
have been established for a while
weeks (or maybe months) of RCU
longer.
Dear NOWPAP friends,
I am glad to inform you that finally
NOWPAP RCU Toyama Office
NOWPAP RCU Busan Office
the NOWPAP RCU offices in Toyama
and Busan are open! The outstanding
Postal address: 5-5 Usijimasin-machi,
Postal address: 408-1, Shirang-Ri, Gijang-Up,
efforts of NOWPAP members and
Toyama city 930-0856 Japan
Gijang-Gun, Busan 619-902, Republic of Korea
Phone: (81-76)-444-1611
UNEP (as interim secretariat) have
Phone: (82-51)-720-3000
Fax: (81-76)-444-2780
Fax: (82-51)-720-3009
brought about this long-awaited
outcome.
Mr. Alexander Tkalin,
Mr. Xiaodong Zhong,
Coordinator
Toyama office is located on the 6th
Deputy Coordinator
Alexander.Tkalin@nowpap.org
Xiaodong.Zhong@nowpap.org
floor of the Intec Building which can be
seen from almost anywhere in Toyama.
Mr. Norio Baba,
Ms. Jeung-Sook Park,
From our windows, we can see
Administrative Officer
Scientific Affairs Officer,
Norio.Baba@nowpap.org
Jeungsook.Park@nowpap.org
beautiful Tateyama range, which is
News from NOWPAP Members
China - Recent Activities against Oil Spill
1. Training
Centre, with 37 participants from 6
Commanders and Supervisors of Nation-
In 2004, a book entitled Oil Spill
countries and the HongKong Special
wide Industry Circles, were organized for
Response Training Course, 400,000 words
Administrative Region. In September,
134 participants.
in total, was officially published. In June,
China MSA held a training course on
an IMO Level-2 Oil Spill Preparedness
Vessel Pollution Control & Oil Spill
2. 1207 Response
and Response Training Course was jointly
Response, attended by 39 participants.
At 21:35 on 7 December 2004, a
organized by East Asia Response Pte Ltd
Also in November 2004, two Training
Panama-registered container ship
and Yantai Oil Spill Response Technical
Courses (IMO level Two) for On-scene
HYUNDAI ADVANCE, on her way from
6
NOWPAP MERRAC

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Yantian, Shenzhen, to Singapore, collided
3. IMO/IPIECA workshop
EARL, CNOOC, China MSA, China
with MSC ILONA, a German container
On 14-16 December 2004, an
SOA, State Administration of Work
ship sailing to Shanghai from Chiwan,
IMO/IPIECA National Workshop on Oil
Safety and other participants and experts
Shenzhen at 22°06.4'N, 114°27.2'E. The
Spill Preparedness, Response & Co-
from the host country and other parts of
striking angle of nearly 900 caused a big
operation for China, was successfully
the world joined the workshop. The theme
crack in MSC ILONA in a
of the workshop was to
ladder-shape, 13 metres (at
promote and encourage
the top) and 3 metres (at the
China and the East Asian
bottom) wide and 10 metres
regions to establish a highly
high, in the stern part of its
effective oil-spill response
port side. More than 1200
scheme. Captain Liu
tonnes of bunker oil onboard
Gongchen, the Executive
spilled into the adjacent
Director General of China
water areas. Shortly after the
MSA, addressed the opening
accident occurred, upon
and closing ceremony on
evaluation and assessment of
behalf of China as a lead
the situation, the China
country in the
National Marine
implementation of the
Contingency Plan was
International Convention on
activated. In 9 days of joint
Oil Pollution Preparedness,
efforts by all departments
Response and Co-operation,
concerned under the
1990.
coordination of the Ministry
During the workshop,
of Communications of China
views from all aspects of
and the government of
law, systems, administration
Guangdong Province, the
and technology were
spilled oil was effectively
extensively and deeply
contained and recovered, and
discussed regarding
no pollution damage was caused to the
conducted by the International Maritime
preparedness, response and cooperation,
coastal waters and sensitive resources
Organization (IMO) and International
damage and compensation, and other
along Pearl River. To assist in the
Petroleum Industry Environmental
related issues. Useful proposals on the
response operation, a satellite monitoring
Conservation Association (IPIECA) in
establishment of China's oil spill response
system was also activated to identify the
Beijing, China. Representatives from
scheme were also put forward. In all , the
spill using the China Fly satellite and
IMO, IPIECA, ITOPF, OSRL, MERRAC,
meeting proved very fruitful.
France Spot satellite.
ConocoPhillips, ChevronTexaco, BP,
Japan - Oil Pollution Preparedness for
Sakhalin Projects
1. Outlook for Sakhalin Projects
Korea was ranked the top importer with
thousand barrels per day compared with
Large scale oil production activities
65 percent of the oil, followed by Japan
the present, 90 thousand barrels a day
known as the Sakhalin Projects are now
(23 percent) and China (7 percent).
summer-only output.
proceeding off the coast of Sakhalin
By the end of this year, 2005, the
Moreover, large tankers carrying crude
Island, Russia. In the Sakhalin II Project,
Sakhalin I project plans to begin first
oil will pass the NOWPAP area not only
seasonal operation in summer has been
production of crude oil and to ramp up to
in summer but also be able to pass in ice-
carried out since 1999 with the export of
full production in 2006 when Sakhalin II
covered winter waters.
Sakhalin Vityaz Crude Oil to countries
project begins its phase II operation year-
including Japan, South Korea and China.
round. This means both projects will be in
2. Oil Pollution Preparedness
Between 1999 and 2003, 48.6 million
full, year-round operation by 2006 and the
The principle to be used for allocating
barrels of the oil were produced. South
area will produce approximately 430
costs of pollution prevention and control
NOWPAP MERRAC 7

---

measures is the so called "Polluter-Pays
response and co-operation relating to
first time that all parties involved in the
Principle". On the basis of the principle,
Sakhalin Projects. To this end, it is the
prevention of oil pollution relevant to
oil polluters, such as the operator of a
best approach to expand the geographical
Sakhalin Projects got together to share
project and the owner of a vessel, should
coverage of the NOWPAP Regional Oil
experiences and ideas. Many people
bear the expense of carrying out
Spill Contingency Plan.
across Japan were interested in the
preventive measures against pollution in
Symposium. Some 300 people attended
order to ensure the environment is in an
3) Symposium on Sakhalin Projects
the Symposium. In the Symposium, it was
acceptable state. In addition to measures
and the 4th OPPRC Experts meeting
pointed out that there was a need for haste
taken or to be taken by probable polluters,
between Japan and the
in the study of safe navigation in ice-
it is essential to prepare against possible
Russian Federation
covered waters together with R & D on oil
oil pollution accidents and respond to
To disseminate accurate information on
recovery in ice-covered waters and also
them on a regional, national and
the progress and future of Sakhalin
stressed that not only the bilateral co-
international level.
Projects, and preventive measures against
operation between Japan and Russia but
The Japanese Government has taken
oil pollution by companies engaged in the
also co-operation among the NOWPAP is
various preparedness measures including:
Projects, the Russian Government and the
necessary.
amendments to the regional contingency
Japanese Government, and to deepen the
On the day after the Symposium, the 4th
plan for Hokkaido, which is the closest
mutual understanding between Japan and
OPPRC (Oil Pollution Preparedness,
Japanese island to Sakhalin and may be
Russia, a Symposium on Sakhalin Projects
Response and Co-operation) Experts
affected mostly by an accident; in case of
was held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, on 25
meeting was held between the JCG and
an oil blowout from a wellsite,
January 2005. Speakers at the Symposium
the MPCSA. We reviewed the current
deployment plans of oil recovery
came not only from operators of the
situation of competent authorities,
equipment from the coast of Hokkaido
Projects, i.e. Exxon Neftegas Limited and
contingency plans as well as units and
adjacent to the Sea of Okhotsk; setting the
Sakhalin Energy Investment Company
equipment for oil spill response in both
emergency contact points between Japan
ltd., the MPCSA (State Marine Pollution
countries and reached a consensus on
and the Russian Federation; and
Control Salvage & Rescue
conducting a joint oil-combating exercise
conducting the oil combating exercises
Administration) and the JCG, but also the
in 2006 to facilitate a prompt and
with related authorities.
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and
appropriate oil spill response in
As described above, both Republic of
Transport, Fisheries Agency, Hokkaido
collaboration with each other. The
Korea and China have imported oil from
Government, Monbetsu-City, Hokkaido
exercise is expected to be conducted in
Sakhalin. Therefore, not only Japan and
University and also private sectors, i.e.
Aniva Bay, which NOWPAP covers.
Russia, which may be directly affected by
Maritime Disaster Prevention Center and
Therefore China and the Repubic of Korea
an oil spill accident, but also Republic of
Petroleum Association of Japan. It was the
will be able to attend the exercise as
Korea and China,
observers.
which may be a
polluter as the
owner of an oil
tanker, should
bear part of the
responsibility for
oil pollution
preparedness,
8
NOWPAP MERRAC

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Korea Coast Guard is Developing
an HNS Response System
The Korea Coast Guard, which is
KCG has plans first to develop a system
use the existing Oil Spill Prediction Model
primarily responsible for oil spill
to prepare and respond to accidents
(OSPM) in conjunction with
accidents in water has decided to extend
derived from HNS spills, and second to
Environmental Sensitivity Maps (ESM).
the preparedness and response system for
expand the system to give support in oil
The OSPM uses data analyzed on ocean
accidents from spilled oil to hazards from
spill accidents by investing 1.2 billion
currents, tides and littoral currents over 20
highly noxious substances (HNS). The
won (US$ 1 million) over the next three
years, real-time wind data, and the
transport quantity of HNS and oil in the
years. The former system should provide
type/quantity of spilled oil as well as a tie-
water of Korea accounts for 50 percent of
decision-makers/response persons on the
in technically with U.S. NOAA and
Korea marine transport
others. It is scheduled to
in quantity, 780 million
cover the West, South
tonnes. Accordingly,
and East Seas for the
there are great risks of
next three years.
collision and grounding
The construction of a
accidents, and of
preparedness and
terrorism to HNS-
response system
loaded ships after the
regarding HNS
9/11 attacks. Due to
accidents in Korea
their characteristics,, the
provides an active
6,000 types of HNS
response through
transported to the coast
international cooperation
from petrochemical
in accordance with the
plants should be
OPRC-HNS protocol.
managed with a help of
By establishing this
scientific and
system, the response
systematic response
capacity for the potential
system. The Korea
disaster which might
Coast Guard (KCG) is
occur in Korea will be
developing an HNS
improved, enabling
accident response information system with
ground with information in real time at the
KCG to accomplish tasks such as salvage,
regard to the wide range of hazards posed,
early stages of an accident. It will provide
control and response management both
in order to prevent HNS accidents and
HNS information, an initial risk
scientifically and promptly at the place
provide information on the response of
assessment and a detailed treatment and
where an accident jnvolving spilled oil or
HNS accidents.
dispersion scenario. The latter system will
HNS occurs.
Russia -OSR Issues in
NOWPAP Region in 2004
During 2004 under the auspices of the
1. Development of OSR Plans
Sakhalin area is in development.
MPCSA (State Marine Pollution Control
Work on compiling contingency plans in
UThe OSR Plan for the facilities of the oil
Salvage & Rescue Administration) of
the NOWPAP region was launched.
company Rosneft-Sakhalinmorneftegas
Russia, the organization that is responsible
UThe development of a Regional OSR
was developed.
for implementation of the NOWPAP
Plan for the SAKHBASU zone of
UThe OSR Plan for an Oil Terminal at
Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan, the
responsibility was completed. The Plan
De-Kastri port for the Rosneft-
following activities on oil-spill response at
is now being reviewed for approval.
Sakhalinmorneftegas company was
sea were carried out.
UThe OSR Plan for the Coastal Region of
developed.
NOWPAP MERRAC 9

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UOSR Plans for the ports of Nakhodka,
4. Exercises and Training
Vostochny, Vladivostok and Vanino
UAn OSR Exercise at Aniva Bay
WELCOME
were also developed.
(Sakhalin) was conducted in May
MERRAC greets new MERRAC
UThe OSR Plan for Exploration Drilling
2004.
Focal Point of Japan
as part of the project Sakhalin-V was
UAn Exercise on Terrorist Act
Mr. Koichi HARUTA was named the new
developed.
Consequences Response (inclusing an
MERRAC Focal Point for Japan. MERRAC
sincerely welcomes Mr. Haruta and expresses
OSR at Amur Gulf off Vladivostok
our sincere thanks to his predecessors, Mr.
2. Training of Personnel
port) was conducted in August 2004.
Tamaki MURAKAMI (Japan) for his
The Training Centre of the Institute of
UAn OPR Exercise at Golden Horn Bay
invaluable support and many contributions to
(Port of Vladivostok) was conducted in
MERRAC activities. The updated list of the
Sea Protection at the State Marine
National Focal Points for MERRAC is as
University named after Adm. G.I.
August 2004.
follows:
Nevelskoy continued training of
UA Desktop OPR Exercise with the
People's Republic of China
personnel on the following programmes
participation of British Petroleum Co..,
Mr. Hailiang E
during 2004:
Ecoshelf-Sakhain Co.., Sakh.BASU
Deputy Director, Department of Ship Safety
UOil Spill Response - Tier 2;
and Sakhalin Energy Co,. was
and Pollution Prevention
China Maritime Safety Administration
USafety Measures at Work with Oil
conducted in June 2004.
People's Republic of China
Products;
Furthermore, during the year 20 local
Japan
UOil Spill Response on Land;
exercises on OSR were conducted on
Mr. Koichi Haruta
UOperations Control in Crisis
board ships to provide ecological safety
Director, Marine Environment Protection and
Situations.
around the MOLICPAK oil platform (off
Disaster Prevention Division
Guard and Rescue Department
The total number of people trained so
the North-Eastern part of Sakhalin
Japan Coast Guard, Japan
far is 147.
Island).
Republic of Korea
Within the framework of the
Mr. Doo-Ho Kim
cooperation agreement between the
5. OSR Operations
Director, Maritime Pollution Response Division
MPCSA of Russia and the US Coast
An oil pollution response operation
Korea Coast Guard
was conducted with regard to the vessel
Republic of Korea
Guard, a training course on the ICS
Programme (Tier I-300) and a desktop
"CRISTOFORO KOLOMBO" off the
Russian Federation
Mr. Vladimir Karev
exercise on OSR were conducted at
port of Kholmsk, when it was stranded in
Director, State Marine Pollution Control Salvage &
Sakhalin for NOWPAP region specialists
September. The total spilled heavy fuel
Rescue Administration (MPCSA)
in oil-spill response in September 2004.
oil and diesel oil was about 170 tonnes.
Ministry of Transport
The spilled oil products were fully
Russian Federation
3. Development of Environmentally
recovered.
Sensitive Area Maps
MERRAC Staff
The environmentally sensitive area
The following five staff members are
currently working at MERRAC:
maps for the Eastern coast of Sakhalin
Dr. Chang-Gu Kang, Director
island were developed on commission
Dr. Seong-Gil Kang, Senior Consultant
from the Sakhalin Energy Company.
Dr. Jeong-Hwan Oh, Senior Consultant
Mr. Seon-Dong Kim, Consultant
Ms. Yeo Kyoung Yun, Secretary
Announcement
This newsletter is published every year, and is distributed free
of charge. For additional copies, or if you would like to be
Northwest Pacific Action Plan
placed on our mailing list, please contact MERRAC at the
Marine Environmental Preparedness and Response
following address: nowpap@kriso.re.kr. Alternatively, should
Regional Activity Centre
you wish to have more information about our activities or
Established at
have information that you would like to disseminate to the
P.O. Box 23, Yuseong, Daejeon 305-600, Republic of Korea
experts and relevant authorities of the NOWPAP countries,
Tel : +82 42 868 7281
please contact MERRAC. Suggestions are also welcome.
Fax : +82 42 868 7738
Simply e-mail us.
E-mail : nowpap@kriso.re.kr
Website : http://merrac.nowpap.org
10
NOWPAP MERRAC

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