The HELCOM Response Group, comprising competent pollution incident authorities from all Baltic Sea coastal countries and European Union services, is convening today for its regular three-day meeting in Szczecin, Poland. Under the chairmanship of the Swedish Coast Guard representative, participants will exchange information on the previous year’s response operations, discuss revisions to the hazardous and noxious substances sections of the HELCOM Manual on Cooperation on Marine Pollution Response (HELCOM Response Manual), and consider the future of HELCOM’s communication procedures for spill notifications and requests for assistance, especially in view of recent EU developments. The meeting will also address the implementation of additional pollution preparedness and response measures identified during the 2013 HELCOM Ministerial Meeting.
The HELCOM cooperation on regional pollution preparedness and response has been operational since 1976. Currently known as the HELCOM Response Group, it has established an effective regional response framework that encompasses all Baltic Sea countries. The system ensures rapid sharing of information regThe HELCOM cooperation on regional pollution preparedness and response has been operational since 1976. Currently known as the HELCOM Response Group, it has established an effective regional response framework that encompasses all Baltic Sea countries. The system ensures rapid sharing of information regarding maritime accidents, illegal pollution incidents, response fleet readiness, and capacities, as documented in the HELCOM Response Manual. The manual serves as a comprehensive reference tool for maritime safety officials, researchers, and the public alike, offering clear guidelines and protocols (more info here) to support rapid decision-making during incidents. Additionally, the HELCOM Response Group coordinates aerial surveillance along maritime shipping routes, providing comprehensive monitoring of sea-based pollution and aiding the identification of suspected polluters. The current Chair of the Group represents the Swedish Coast Guard.
Although increased maritime traffic signifies improved regional cooperation and economic prosperity, it also raises the potential risk of shipping accidents leading to pollution. Incidents such as collisions and groundings have become more frequent, with an annual average of 120–140 shipping accidents in the Baltic Sea area. Fortunately, most accidents have not resulted in significant pollution; between 2000 and 2009, an average of only 7% of reported accidents caused pollution. Nonetheless, the environmental threat from any large-scale accident remains high. Notably, two major pollution incidents in recent decades involved the “Baltic Carrier” in 2001, spilling 2,700 tons of oil, and the “Fu Shan Hai” in 2003, spilling 1,200 tons of oil.
The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM) is an intergovernmental organization involving the nine Baltic Sea coastal countries and the European Union. HELCOM works to protect the marine environment from pollution and to ensure maritime safety in the Baltic region. Established under the “Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area” (Helsinki Convention), HELCOM has specific provisions related to pollution incident response.
For further information, please contact:
Hermanni Backer
Professional Secretary for Response, Maritime and Maritime Spatial Planning
HELCOM
Tel: +358 (0)46 850 9199
Fax: +358 (0)207 412 645
Email: Hermanni.backer@helcom.fi
Skype: helcom02
Johanna Laurila
Information Secretary
HELCOM
Tel: +358 (0)40 523 8988
Fax: +358 (0)207 412 639
Email: johanna.laurila@helcom.fi
Skype: helcom70
Baltic Sea pollution incident authorities gather for annual review and planning for future.