Marlborough Emergency Management and the Marlborough Harbourmaster’s team are running an oil spill exercise in Shakespeare Bay, Picton today, supported by the Emergency Coordination Centre in Wither Road, Blenheim. A wide range of agencies including Maritime NZ and Port Marlborough are also supporting the exercise.

Marlborough Harbourmaster Captain Jake Oliver said the exercise’s aim was to test the region’s oil spill response capacity.

“This is a regular training exercise and we also want to test Marlborough’s capability to run a field operation in Picton supported by the regional coordination centre in Blenheim.”

Boaties have been advised to exercise caution in the Shakespeare Bay area today.

The mock scenario involves a fuel barge that is leaking diesel. A number of vessels are taking part and will be on the water for the exercise and oil spill booms will be deployed.

“This is an opportunity for our response teams to evaluate their plans, equipment and systems. We expect to conclude the exercise at about 3pm this afternoon,” Captain Oliver said.

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