Singapore Tests New Technologies for Effective Spill Response

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) recently organized the 16th Joint Oil Spill Exercise (JOSE) on October 11, focusing on testing new oil spill response technologies. The exercise involved over 100 personnel from 18 different agencies and companies, who participated in a table-top exercise and a seaward deployment exercise at the Western Anchorage near Pasir Panjang Terminal. Terminal operators on Jurong Island and Pulau Bukom activated emergency protocols and deployed craft to spray dispersants, as well as protective booms.

During JOSE 2024, MPA also showcased new technologies to enhance oil spill response capabilities. Demonstrations took place at ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove and included the KOBOT, a compact remote-operated oil recovery robot developed by KOAI Co., Ltd. from South Korea. Additionally, a laser oil-stain cleaning device from BKR Engineering in Singapore was tested. The KOBOT, designed for use in shallow waters like marinas and canals, can be operated remotely by a single person and reach areas inaccessible to conventional oil skimmers.

In collaboration with the Technology Centre for Offshore and Marine Singapore (TCOMS) and ST Engineering’s Commercial Aerospace, MPA is exploring hyperspectral imagery to detect oil slicks below the water surface. This technology uses a broad spectrum of wavelengths to better distinguish oil from water, improving spill detection in challenging environments. The biennial JOSE exercise, conducted since 1998, aims to test inter-agency and industry coordination in responding to oil spill incidents in the Port of Singapore. Participants included various government agencies, terminal operators, and industry players such as ExxonMobil and Shell.

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