Analysis of Available Vessels and Storage Capacities in Case of Large Oil Spill in European Union with Particular Reference to Republic of Croatia

Abstract

Considering the constant growth of maritime transport and the role of the European Union in the international seaborne trade, it is important to determine the readiness of the EU in case of marine pollution. This paper summarizes the data regarding the number of the vessels ready for the response, and immediate and long-term storage facilities for the oily waste collected after an operation on the European Union territory. The aim of the study is to show the current available operational capacities in each Member State, as well as to determine the strength and capacity of five European regions for a prompt and efficient response to an oil spill. This paper seeks to highlight the importance of practical details that should be accessible and well prepared when an oil spill occurs. Based on the analysis of secondary data, it was found out that the Mediterranean area has the largest number of vessels ready for response in case of oil pollution, while the largest storage capacity for oily waste on shore is in the Baltic region. Particular reference is given to the Republic of Croatia which currently has nine available response vessels with the total storage capacity on board of 49.7 m3.