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Emergency response services

Oil spill can arise in different cases as collision, fire or explosion, foundering, grounding or stranding, fuel handling or hull failure. In these cases, emergency measures are taken to minimise the impact on the environment.

Light refined oil like diesel or light crude oils do not stay on the sea’s surface because they evaporate quickly, but they are more toxic for the marine environment. On the contrary, heavy fuel or heavy crude oil are more persistent but less toxic.

On this picture is an exercise with booms, which are floating barriers used for trapping surround the oil and then pumping it. Skimmers may be used to help the pumping. Depending on the situation, dispersants can be used. Burning might also be an option in case of major oil spills. It is only possible in some circumstances.