(MEEI, 20.Feb.2024) — In accordance with the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan (NOSCP), the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) continues to collaborate with the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), to progress oil spill response operations off the southern coast of Cove, Tobago. To aid in the ongoing on-water oil recovery, survey, and plans to conduct cargo lightering and wreck removal, an international partnership comprised of ‘T&T Salvage LLC and QT Environmental Inc,’ both subject matter experts and licenced Oil Spill Removal Organizations (OSROs), has been engaged by the MEEI.
The mobilization of the international team includes a Salvage Master who will be overseeing the hydrographic survey while their commercial dive crew will be utilized to assess and plug leaks utilizing surface supplied air. Based on the findings of the initial survey, the salvage team will coordinate with other local and international organizations and stakeholders on the ground in Tobago, to install a layered surface oil recovery programme. The international experts will also utilise underwater, non-floating oil detection systems to ensure all oil is identified and to maximize oil recovery.
With respect to the hydrocarbons which have escaped the wreck, emergency response logistical support for the effective recovery of such hydrocarbons will be implemented. This aspect of the response efforts will include Best Available Technology known as The NOFI Current Buster System which has been utilised globally in extremely demanding environmental conditions including high currents. The Current Buster Technology is a proven resource and will aid in a more efficient recovery of hydrocarbons on the surface.
Additionally, the MEEI wishes to advise that it has engaged the services of a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) Contractor, Subsea Specialist Ltd, to conduct ROV works around the vessel. The personnel and equipment of Subsea Specialist Ltd, T&T Salvage, LLC and QT Environmental, Inc. are enroute and expected to arrive in Tobago on Tuesday 20 Feb. 2024 and continue through Friday 23 Feb. 2024.
The MEEI continues to aggressively progress strategies to stop the flow of hydrocarbons from the overturned vessel and focus on containment.
T&T Salvage LLC and QT Environmental Inc. are two privately held companies with a strong working partnership with many successful case studies and worldwide experience. The partnership includes OSRO in various countries. The two parent companies are able to provide Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 support on an international scale.
T&T Salvage LLC (Teichman Group), established in 1957, provides salvage, wreck removal and spill response services worldwide from its offices located across the globe. T&T Salvage LLC has been involved in some of the largest wreck and oil spill removal projects undertaken internationally. These projects were conducted in environmentally demanding areas globally in accordance with international standards.
QT Environmental, Inc, established in 1967, is a leading environmental emergency response service provider committed to providing both innovative and sustainable solutions for a wide range of environmental challenges. QT has been involved in the largest spill responses in the world and is also a worldwide distributor for spill response equipment.
‘T&T Salvage LLC and QT Environmental Inc’ will provide a proven team as well as logistical and operational support to assist the government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to safely and effectively restore the areas affected by the hydrocarbon discharge.
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