Enhancement of Oil Spill Response System by Establishing Oil Database (KO437)
Funded by Kolarctic ENPI 2007-2013

Objective of the project

To minimize the environmental damage in case of emergency oil spills in the water area of the Programme Region. The project will improve coordination between response forces of the participating countries, in case of oil spills. The emergency mechanism will take into account predictions of oil behavior in the waters of the northern seas. An oil lanoratory established in the project will make these predictions possible.

Main activities

The project tested 12 oil samples with different physical and chemical properties. Based on the results the experts created forecast models of changes in the properties and behavior of all 12 samples of oil depending on weather conditions. The results of studies on each sample are compiled in a report. The required information is included in the database of oil. The interaction of oil with different chemical dispersants was studied and the effectiveness of their use in OSR (Oil Spill Response) was assessed. The Finnish project partners shared the experience of Finland in the prevention and oil spill response in the Baltic Sea which was analysed in the course of the project. In the framework of the annual Russian-Norwegian «Barents Rescue Exercise», an exercise on oil spill response was carried out using information from the project’s database about the properties of oil. Recommendations for the use of the database and improvement of oil spill response technology have been developed and approved by project partners at the final meeting. Along with the planned activities, at the request of the lead partner and in agreement with the JMA, the project has implemented activities that were not originally planned, but were essential for further work on the study of the properties of oil and the successful implementation of the project. MCSM arranged the second "cold room" for tests at low temperatures of sea water from the 00C, and procured additional equipment for more objective and reliable research results.

Achievements

The project has helped to reduce the environmental risk from accidents involving oil spills. Laboratory data makes it possible to more accurately predict the behavior of oil at sea, under varying weather conditions. It also provides the opportunity to choose the most effective counter measures, such as mechanical recovery or the use of dispersants. The project has also created a mechanism for effective coordination between international agencies operating in the event of acute discharges of Russian oil in Northern waters.