On Thrusday 21/5/2026, the personnel of “Philippos B” Commercial Port successfully conducted the first annual marine pollution response exercise , as part of our ongoing commitment to operational preparedness and the protection of the marine environment. The exercise was carried out in accordance with the approved Emergency Response Plan and the operational contingency scenario for pollution incidents.
The training exercise involved the Port’s Pollution Response Team, officers of the Coast Guard of Kavala as well as specialized instructors from :ANTIPOLLUTION”, the company responsible for coordinating and technically supporting the operation.
The scenario simulated a hypothetical marine pollution incident involving a spill of 0.2 m3 of diesel oil during bunkering operations of a moored barge at the North Pier of the port.
Following the activation of the emergency response plan, the Pollution Response Team was immediately mobilized and the necessary anti-pollution equipment was transferred to the incident area. At the same time, the Coast Guard of Kavala and the relevant pollution response service provider were notified.
During the exercise, an 80-meter floating containment boom was deployed and positioned with the assistance of the port launch, before being anchored and secured to the quay , in order to contain the hypothetical oil spill and protect the wider port area from further pollution.
Absorbent materials were then used for the recovery of the oil residues, while a demonstration of the portable oil skimmer and pollution response pump was also carried out, confirming the operational readiness of the personnel and the available equipment.
Upon completion of the clean-up procedures, all response equipment was safely retrieved, inspected and stored back into the designated storage container, in accordance with the prescribed operational safety procedures.
The exercise concluded with an evaluation meeting between the response team and the instructors, during which the participants reviewed the overall process, discussed operational observations and addressed questions related to marine pollution response procedures and emergency coordination.
Sarisa in collaboration with Euroports Greece, continues to invest systematically in personnel training and environmental protection, ensuring a high level of preparedness for the immediate and effective management of potential pollution incidents within the port area.
