ARPEL was invited to participate as an external observer in an oil-spill drill performed by the Brazilian Navy, which involved different civil institutions such as the National Petroleum Agency (NPA), the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) and the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited (ITOPF), as well as specialists from the oil and gas industry and players in the Brazilian maritime and port sector. The activities took place in Rio de Janeiro on August 7-9.

The main purposes of the drill were to test the country’s structure to respond to this type of events and to practice the coordination and performance skills of the different entities involved at the national level, to guarantee efficient actions that will minimize any possible environmental damage and protect public health.

The accident simulation was carried out at the Campos Basin, caused by an oil tanker in transit through the area, requiring the activation of the National Contingency Plan for Oil Pollution Incidents in Waters under National Jurisdiction, as it was considered a spill of national significance.

ARPEL’s Senior Managing Director, Miguel Moyano, and the Hydrocarbon Spill Management Consultant, Marcus Lisboa, shared the technical experience with over 100 participants, who recognized the importance of the drill considering the growing development of Brazil’s offshore exploration and cargo transportation activities.

ARPEL has the RETOS™ guide and tool - now officially endorsed by Ipieca and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) - whose purpose is to assess and improve the level of preparedness and planning for spill response.

RETOS™ has become an international reference on the subject and is currently used by companies and governments on five continents.