Could expedition cruise vessels be an oil spill response asset in the Arctic?

The NEPTUNE projects aims at investigating if expedition cruise vessels could be utilized as a resource in oil spill preparedness and response in the Arctic. Project is conducted by

  • Mapping present oil spill equipment onboard expedition cruise vessels sailing in the Arctic
  • Investigating how to better utilize these vessesls in oil spill preparedness and response, and what are the obstacles and opportunities
  • Investigating how to collect and share information about oils spill equipment available on expedition cruise vessels
  • Conducting a pilot oil spill response exercise on expedition cruise vessels and developing recommendations for exercises
  • Compiling a report of the findings

As a result of the project, Arctic oil spill preparedness and response is potentially enhanced, for example by

  • Stonger collaboration between oil spill authorities, responders and expedition cruise industry
  • Exploring potential ways to have expedition cruise vessels as a part of collective oil spill preparedness and response
  • Use the project as a base for further collaboration and development

The project is co-led by Norway and the United States of America, in cooperation with the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators AECO.

Project details
Start
2020
End
2021
Leads
Norway
The United States