The Port maintains an Oil Spill Contingency Plan as required under the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998. The documant is approved by the MCA following consultation with the appropriate statutory bodies and Authorities:
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- Environment Agency (EA)
- Natural England (NE)
- Norfolk County Council
- Great Yarmouth Borough Council
- Port Users
The plan is specifically for the use of operations, either maritime or onshore, within the area of jurisdiction of Great Yarmouth Port Company. The plan is designed to initiate an appropriate oil spill response in the event of an incident. It details a tiered response strategy that is in accordance with UK legislative requirements and takes into account the spill risk associated with the operation, the nature of the hydrocarbons that could be spilt, the prevailing meteorological and hydrographic conditions and the environmental sensitivity of the surrounding areas.
Vessels intending to transfer oil or pollutant liquids in bulk must comply with the terminal or operator's requirements and complete a safety checklist prior to transfer. Vessels must notify Port Operations, prior to commencement and upon completion, of bunkering or liquid transfers, giving the type of liquid involved and the quantity. Port Operations must also be advised immediately of any spillage, from any source and all reasonable measures must be taken to minimise pollution and prevent any pollutants from entering the river. [Use of chemical dispersants that could enter the river is not permitted].
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