ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Ports in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Team is preparing to conduct an “emergency response for maritime transport accidents” exercise at Zayed Port on May 17. Abu Dhabi Ports is the master developer, operator and manager of the emirate’s commercial and community ports as well as Khalifa Industrial Zone. The exercise aims to enhance communication and joint planning for emergency response and crisis management with participating entities, said a statement from the company. Eleven government entities will participate in the exercise, including the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA, Crisis Response Office – Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Police, Critical Infrastructure and Coastline Protection Authority (CICPA), General Command of Abu Dhabi Civil Defense, Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Health Authority – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), Waste Management Centre (Tadweer), Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA), and Emirates Red Crescent, it said.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “The objective of this marine transport emergency and crisis response exercise in Zayed Port is to determine the roles and responsibilities of the participating entities, highlighting their capabilities and identifying areas that require improvement.” “The joint exercise will enhance our ports and the participating entities’ individual capabilities in encountering possible dangers that do require the participation of all sides,” he said. “Oure ports has the resources, expertise, and capabilities to deal with emergencies and crises through the Crisis and Emergency Response Centre, and Control Room, National Defense Centre for Fires and Rescue, as well as the necessary equipment to respond to oil spills and hazardous material in Zayed Port. We look forward to taking part in this exercise and to see efficiently we will perform,” he added.
Commenting on the upcoming joint exercise, Mohamed Al Tamimi, acting vice president regulations, HSE and security, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “The preparatory stage for the joint exercise outlines the roles and responsibilities of the participating entities.” “Observers will be assigned from among the participants to evaluate the exercise. First steps and priorities taken by the response teams will be formed,” he said. “Incident classification on an emergency level will be highlighted, and the leading and coordinating decision making entity will be determined. The joint exercise will ensure the availability of all resources and requirements in order to monitor the potential risks of crises and how to address them better and in a real-life scenario,” he added.
