Teams working out of Wisbech port took part in an exercise last week to go through their response in case of an oil spill.  

The Marine Services Team from Fenland District Council’s Port of Wisbech Harbour Authority were specifically testing their Oil Spill Contingency Plan.  

The exercise was affiliated with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which regularly carries out training to prepare teams for potential pollution threats to the UK coastline.  

These threats can range from oil and chemical spills to plastic and even natural products. 

The scenario they worked with involved 3,000 litres of oil spilling into the River Nene when the fuel hose of a tug boat split during refuelling.  

Various equipment was tested and used during the training exercise. Various equipment was tested and used during the training exercise. (Image: Fenland District Council) They used booms to limit the pollutant’s spread, equipment known as “skimmers” to collect it and a huge storage bag to hold it before dispersal.  

No real oil was used.   

The exercise's scenario involved an oil spill from a tug boat.The exercise's scenario involved an oil spill from a tug boat. (Image: Fenland District Council) The exercise took place last Tuesday (August 13) and was assessed by a coastguard representative who made sure the plan would lead to a timely, measured and effective response to incidents.  

The exercise took place last Tuesday (August 13).The exercise took place last Tuesday (August 13). (Image: Fenland District Council) Those who took part were: Marine Services and Harbour Office teams, their backup support specialists Ambipar Response Ltd; Wisbech port staff and marine contractors Drake Towage.  

The assessor looked at all aspects of the incident including: the prevention of the pollutant from spreading, the readiness of equipment and response teams, the potential environmental impact, health and safety and the overall clean-up.  

The exercise was affiliated with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which regularly carries out training to prepare teams for potential pollution threats to the UK coastline.The exercise was affiliated with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, which regularly carries out training to prepare teams for potential pollution threats to the UK coastline. (Image: Fenland District Council) “They were very impressed with the port's contingency plan and team working during the exercise,” a blog post on the Fenland District Council website says.