NEPTUNE

Could expedition cruise vessels be an oil spill response asset in the Arctic?

The NEPTUNE project aimed at investigating if expedition cruise vessels could be utilized as a resource in oil spill preparedness and response in the Arctic. Project was conducted by

• Mapping present oil spill equipment onboard expedition cruise vessels sailing in the Arctic
• Investigating how to better utilize these vessesls in oil spill preparedness and response, and what are the obstacles and opportunities
• Investigating how to collect and share information about oils spill equipment available on expedition cruise vessels
• Conducting a pilot oil spill response exercise on expedition cruise vessels and developing recommendations for exercises
• Compiling a report of the findings

As a result of the project, Arctic oil spill preparedness and response is potentially enhanced, for example by

• Stonger collaboration between oil spill authorities, responders and expedition cruise industry
• Exploring potential ways to have expedition cruise vessels as a part of collective oil spill preparedness and response
• Use the project as a base for further collaboration and development

The project was co-led by Norway and the United States of America, in cooperation with the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators AECO.

NEPTUNE Report at the Arctic Council Open Access Archive