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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Owner of sunken tanker commits to compensate those affected by oil spill

Owner of sunken tanker commits to compensate those affected by oil spill

Published Mar 13, 2023 10:38 am
The company that owns the oil tanker that sank off the waters of Naujan town of Oriental Mindoro on Feb. 28 has committed to compensate the local residents that were affected by the oil spill as a result of the sea tragedy. In a statement, the RDC Reield Marine Services, said it is already coordinating with its insurers for payment of the necessary claims and other obligations that have to be settled in connection with the widespread oil spill as a result of the sinking of the MT Princess Empress. But for now, the company said it is focusing its efforts on containing and minimizing the effects of the oil spill which has already reached some coastal areas of Palawan and now threatening other areas in the Visayas. “We are truly sorry that this incident has affected the livelihoods of those living in the impacted areas and the spill's effect on the environment,” the statement read. “We are working closely with our insurers, and those affected by the spill will be duly advised on how to submit their claims for processing,” it added. The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) earlier said that the MT Princess Empress is covered by a $1 billion Protection and Indemnity Insurance for every untoward incident that includes an oil spill. The oil spill did not only affect the livelihood of the residents in the coastal areas of Mindoro and nearby provinces as they were warned against fishing activities, but is now also threatening the tourist spots in the affected areas, according to the Department of Tourism. The RDC Reield Marine Services said it is continuously coordinating with the Philippine government, including the Philippine Coast Guard and local government units, to assist in the clean-up drive.  “We are committed to doing everything possible to minimize the ongoing impact on the environment and people's lives and clean up the spill,” it said.  Three-phase approach  The company revealed that they have adopted three a three-phased approach based on its consultation with the experts. Phase One of the response, according to the company, involves emergency measures to limit oil reaching the shore, mobilize appropriate assets to the site, and integrate multiple response elements into a single cohesive strategy to ensure the most effective operation can be mounted.  It said onsite, tugs with spill response equipment onboard continue working with the Philippine Coast Guard on at-sea containment, recovery and storage of the recovered oil.  The company said international oil spill experts from International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF)  are providing technical advice to those involved in the response on the side of the Philippine government. The move, according to the company, is to ensure a unified approach. “In addition, we have retained the specialist French oil spill response company, Le Floch Depollution (LFD), who are mobilizing local assets and personnel, deploying necessary assets within the Philippines and importing needed equipment from overseas,” the statement read. Phase Two, according to the RDC Reield Marine Services, involves the development of a detailed response plan by ITOPF and clean-up contractors, outlining the at-sea and shoreline response for different affected areas for the Philippine authorities' approval and implementation.  “The plan is a fluid document that evolves with the response and will include technical details of the techniques that will be applied, the survey process and objectives,” it said.  Phase 3 involves delivering a clean-up plan with ongoing engagement with government authorities and other stakeholders to ensure clarity and consensus on all aspects of the ongoing operations.  Under this phase, ITOPF will lead a series of joint surveys of affected sites with key stakeholders to formulate and implement effective clean-up plans with shared agreement on when to end operations.
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