MARISEC

Project activities and results

The project provided an up-to-date overview of changes in the marine risk landscape, producing new information on the recoverability of light, low-polluting marine fuels from water that had been tested experimentally. It also strengthened national and international cooperation between authorities, as well as cross-sectoral cooperation in the field.

Promoting risk awareness

The project involved analysing previous risk analyses concerning the transport of oil and hazardous substances in the Baltic Sea region, in accordance with the principles of a systematic literature review. Additionally, an expert workshop and an exploratory literature review were conducted on changes to the marine operating environment — the risk landscape — that could potentially impact risk. Based on this information, an assessment was made of the usability and updating requirements of previous risk assessments, as well as the need to reform and maintain the performance of marine environmental pollution prevention in the near future. Merikotka ry was responsible for the work package.

The adequacy of the recovery equipment in relation to the current risks

The aim was to test the recovery capacity of current oil spill response equipment for the most likely types of hazardous substances as well as those with the greatest potential in the future. The objective was either to confirm the equipment’s performance or to identify any shortcomings. If the latter was the case, preparations were made to explore new recovery technologies. The results revealed clear areas for development in terms of current recovery capacity and capabilities, and emphasised the need for further research. Recommendations for updating the equipment based on these results can inform future investment plans. This work package was carried out by the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk).

Increased cooperation and interaction

In Finland, cooperation between the rescue services deepened during the project, particularly through the development of training activities. Among other things, the project agreed on the organisation of annual joint exercises between rescue services and the long-term planning of training activities using a joint annual calendar. The aim is to harmonise competence requirements, ensure a minimum level of training, and maintain a consistent level of oil spill response capability across the region. The Kymenlaakso Rescue Service was responsible for the work package.