ITOPF and Sovcomflot hold Arctic cooperation seminar in Saint-Petersburg

Key speakers of the event were representatives of ITOPF, Sovcomflot and the Russian and Norwegian Ministries of Transport, who shared their Arctic experience. The seminar highlighted the difficulties facing ship owners and regulators, as well as measures to ensure maritime safety in Arctic waters.

Sovcomflot is a member of the ITOPF and SCF Board member Sergey Popravko (Managing Director of Unicom Management Services Ltd, Cyprus – SCF Group’s technical manager) is also a board member of this international tanker owners’ organisation.

The seminar was held as part of a range of significant events which took place in St. Petersburg during the week - involving the board of directors of two of the most influential international tanker owners’ organisations (ITOPF and INTERTANKO – International Association of Independent Tanker Owners). It also coincided with the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), which was held in Russia (Petersburg) for the very first time under the auspices of OAO Sovcomflot.

ITOPF Managing Director Dr Karen Purnell says that the aim of the seminar was to examine the impact of potential limiting factors on current Arctic development. One of these factors is the possibility of oil spills. Today, governments are working together with industry representatives to increase levels of preparedness for potential emergencies at sea and to improve operational safety without harming the environment.

“Since its establishment in 1968, the ITOPF has gained significant experience of responding to potential oil spills. We have participated in the resolution of around 700 oil spillage situations in over 90 countries around the world and we know that one of the key factors in determining whether or not a potential emergency can be prevented is multilateral cooperation from all parties involved. This includes a high level of preparedness, strict adherence to emergency protocol and training exercises in line with a developed programme. We are interested in the exchange of information and experience regarding work in challenging icy conditions and want to know about the latest initiatives undertaken by governments and ship owners in this sphere. We would also like to see how different states collaborate with one another to improve the level of preparedness for emergencies in the Arctic.” – Dr Karen Purnell, Managing Director of ITOPF.

Igor Pankov, Head of SCF Technical and Engineering Training Centre (St. Petersburg) gave a presentation to seminar participants on Sovcomflot Group operational experience in the Arctic and Subarctic. Mr Pankov reminded his audience that during the International Arctic Forum in Salekhard, Russian President Vladimir Putin underlined the importance of the Arctic, stating that government policy is committed to protecting the environment and responsibly use the Arctic mineral resources.

“Why are we working in the Arctic? Because almost a quarter of the Earth’s known energy reserves are concentrated in this region. The importance of these resources will only increase with time. Our company’s main motto, both in the Arctic and elsewhere, is: “Safety comes first – SCF”. Any harm done to the delicate Arctic environment as a result of emergency situations is not only undesirable but must be avoided entirely. At SCF, we are constantly striving to improve operational safety.” – Igor Pankov, Head of SCF TEC.