Simulated oil spill testing agency readiness

THE PORT of Fremantle has teamed up with AMSA, the Department of Transport and Major Infrastructure, and the Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre to recreate a level three marine pollution incident.

A LinkedIn post by Fremantle Ports said an oil spill in WA state waters could have significant effects on the environment, community, economy and surrounding infrastructure and the Exercise Transit Challenge it is running is the highest classification of incident in the National Plan for Maritime Environment Emergencies.

The partner agencies are putting their marine pollution response skills to the test via a large-scale simulation of an oil spill from a ship affecting Cockburn Sound.

Crews will be deployed across Canberra, Fremantle Port, Woodman Point and Kwinana Bulk Terminal to participate in the significant marine environmental emergency exercise.

A media release from AMSA said local residents may notice vessels and responders in protective gear, but assured the public the exercise is safe, controlled and environmentally responsible, with no toxic substances used and minimal disruption expected.

It said the three-day simulated marine pollution response exercise running from 16–19 March will bring together around 300 personnel to practise responding to a level 3 marine pollution incident—the highest classification under the National Plan.

“From 17 March, the exercise will simulate ‘oil’ drifting into Cockburn Sound and onto nearby beaches, helping teams strengthen coordination, environmental protection strategies and emergency preparedness,” the AMSA media release said.

“The exercise will have minimal impact on residents and the environment, with no toxic materials used and no planned road or waterway closures.”

The scenario centres on a severe vessel‑sourced oil spill with responders deploying containment and recovery equipment, shoreline protection measures and incident‑management systems to practise coordination across jurisdictions.

AMSA said the exercise is designed to test national and state arrangements for a Level‑3 marine pollution event.

The drill also aims to strengthen inter‑agency communication and ensure operational capability for a real‑world spill affecting Cockburn Sound and surrounding coastal infrastructure.

“Every ship navigating Australian waters poses a potential marine pollution risk,” the statement said.

“Although the likelihood of a major marine pollution incident is low, its impact could be significant, affecting the environment, society, economy and infrastructure.

“The Cockburn Sound, rich in diverse ecosystems, is particularly vulnerable. The location is ideal to practise inter-jurisdictional coordination of a major pollution exercise.”