Major Simulation Exercise in Turkey

The first ever multi-lateral oil spill exercise for the Black Sea was hosted by Turkey in Ereğli. Around 250 people were involved in the exercise, which incorporated both search and rescue and oil spill response elements. Representatives from all six Black Sea littoral States were present, plus a wide variety of private organizations. Peter Taylor and John Ostergaard played central roles for OSPRI in the coordination of events.

Exercise SULH represented the culmination of many months of planning by the Turkish Administration and the Black Sea Commission, with support from OSPRI and others.

The exercise included command and control under the Turkey national framework, plus regional and international support under the Black Sea Contingency Plan and the OPRC Convention. Chevron took the role of cargo owner in the simulated collision between a ferry and oil tanker, integrating its international response team into the exercise play. OSRL/EARL equipment was mobilised from Bahrain to demonstrate tier 3 equipment support to local and regional governmental and private resources.

There were many positives and lessons learned which will provide a solid foundation for future oil spill preparedness activities in the region.