Pollution preparedness, detection and response – OSRV & CleanSeaNet

A network of oil spill response vessels (OSRV) is on standby across Europe to reinforce the ability of individual EU member states to protect their coastlines from marine pollution. EMSA maintains operational contracts for each of the vessels in this network, mainly by monitoring and assessing the performance of the contracted vessels during quarterly drills and international exercises. EMSA helps to identify, trace and track illegal discharges and polluters through the satellite image-based service known as CleanSeaNet. This monitoring service supports coastal states and the European Commission and offers a solid basis on which to expand illegal discharge-related measures. The service is now available across the Mediterranean, Black and Caspian Seas through the SAFEMED and TRACECA cooperation programmes. In addition to this coverage, the service has been extended to Greenland and as part of a pilot project to both the French and Dutch Caribbean.