Preparing for oil and chemical spills in the changing operating environment of the Baltic sea. Results and recommendations of the MARISEC project
Kaakkois-Suomen ammattikorkeakoulu
2026
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-344-649-6
https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-344-649-6
Tiivistelmä
This publication compiles the key findings of the IBA MARISEC project and the resulting recommendations for action related to maintaining the level of preparedness for oil and chemical spills in the changing operating environment of the Baltic Sea. The publication combines research data on changes in risks in the Baltic Sea region, the effectiveness of response equipment, and response practices. The publication consists of five articles aimed specifically at authorities, decision-makers, and other stakeholders involved in oil spill response.
The risks of oil and chemical spills in the Baltic Sea are examined on the basis of a systematic literature review and expert workshops. The literature review focuses on the approaches used in previous risk assessments, their limitations, and changes in the operating environment. The results indicate that the complexity of the risk landscape and uncertainty have increased, which highlight the importance of an up-to-date knowledge base, updated risk assessments, and preparedness. A systematic literature review showed that, in previous risk analyses, the eastern Gulf of Finland consistently emerges as the area with the highest probability of an oil spill. The results of the risk landscape change analysis, in turn, illustrate the many types of changes that response measures will need to adapt to in the near future.
Practical equipment tests were utilised to assess the applicability of oil recovery equipment for responding to low-emission marine fuels. The tests evaluated the recovery efficiency of current oil recovery equipment for removing marine diesel oil and low-sulphur heavy fuel oil from water. The results show that the properties of fuels have a significant impact on their collectability and that the effectiveness of current recovery solutions should not be taken at face value. This highlights the necessity of testing and diversification of equipment to maintain response readiness.
Oil spill response exercises and shoreline response practices were examined on the basis of a survey for authorities, expert workshops, and international benchmarks. The results propose that a reduction in training activities weakens personnel preparedness and narrows the range of available methods. In addition, needs to define a minimum level of training, develop cost-effective training models, and strengthen national and international cooperation were identified.
The concluding article of the publication summarises and compiles the key recommendations derived from the results of updating the level of preparedness in a changing risk landscape. The recommendations are aimed at political decision-makers, strategy-level authorities, and authorities responsible for the operational response to marine oil and chemical spills.
The risks of oil and chemical spills in the Baltic Sea are examined on the basis of a systematic literature review and expert workshops. The literature review focuses on the approaches used in previous risk assessments, their limitations, and changes in the operating environment. The results indicate that the complexity of the risk landscape and uncertainty have increased, which highlight the importance of an up-to-date knowledge base, updated risk assessments, and preparedness. A systematic literature review showed that, in previous risk analyses, the eastern Gulf of Finland consistently emerges as the area with the highest probability of an oil spill. The results of the risk landscape change analysis, in turn, illustrate the many types of changes that response measures will need to adapt to in the near future.
Practical equipment tests were utilised to assess the applicability of oil recovery equipment for responding to low-emission marine fuels. The tests evaluated the recovery efficiency of current oil recovery equipment for removing marine diesel oil and low-sulphur heavy fuel oil from water. The results show that the properties of fuels have a significant impact on their collectability and that the effectiveness of current recovery solutions should not be taken at face value. This highlights the necessity of testing and diversification of equipment to maintain response readiness.
Oil spill response exercises and shoreline response practices were examined on the basis of a survey for authorities, expert workshops, and international benchmarks. The results propose that a reduction in training activities weakens personnel preparedness and narrows the range of available methods. In addition, needs to define a minimum level of training, develop cost-effective training models, and strengthen national and international cooperation were identified.
The concluding article of the publication summarises and compiles the key recommendations derived from the results of updating the level of preparedness in a changing risk landscape. The recommendations are aimed at political decision-makers, strategy-level authorities, and authorities responsible for the operational response to marine oil and chemical spills.