Sharing knowledge and building connections at SpillAsia

Maritime NZ was represented by Scott Read, Manager – Maritime Response Technical Operations, and Shaun Carrodus, Senior Advisor – Maritime Response Strategy and Systems. Scott, a SpillAsia Committee member, chaired the session Case studies: Learning outcomes from marine incidents and also participated in a panel discussion on the perceptions and realities of dispersant use.

With more than 750 delegates and 52 exhibitors from over 60 countries, Scott said the three-day conference provided a valuable opportunity to discuss current challenges and emerging solutions for responding to marine pollution incidents. Key themes included:

• alternative fuel responses
• updates on techniques for marine plastic spills
• challenges in responding to very low-sulphur fuel oil spills
• the use of AI to support uncrewed aerial vehicles and satellite monitoring and assessment
• wildlife response.

Alongside SpillAsia, the International Maritime Organization held a research and development forum on Marine pollution preparedness for alternative fuels. Given that the gradual transition to alternative-fuelled vessels will present regulatory, policy, funding and preparedness challenges for New Zealand, Scott also attended the forum. 

“The forum looked at the latest developments in alternative fuels and how some countries are preparing to respond to incidents involving alternative-fuelled vessels. It highlighted several important issues for New Zealand,” Scott said.