Acting in cooperation with OQ Exploration and Production Company (OQEP), Oman’s Environment Authority carried out a national oil pollution control exercise in the Governorate of Musandam.

The drill, codenamed Nawras 25, was part of national efforts to enhance readiness and effective response to oil spills, reported ONA.

 It saw the participation of government departments concerned, military units and private establishments.

Nawras 25 aimed to activate the principle of unified command and control when addressing marine environment incidents, ensure the readiness of the systems and assess the efficiency of the national response.

The exercise simulates a theoretical Level II marine oil spill that presumably occurred in the vicinity of Musandam Gas Processing Plant, owned by OQ Exploration and Production Company.

It was based on the assumption that the spill was caused by a leak from a floating crude oil pipeline.

During the exercise, field operations were carried out to contain the oil slick using barriers and professional equipment.

The drill included marine reconnaissance operations and monitoring field coordination.

The importance of the exercise stems Musandam Governorate’s vital strategic location at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.

Musandam acts as a priority area in national emergency plans because of its diverse environmental resources, as well as maritime, tourism and economic activities that require the highest levels of protection and preparedness.