The risk of oil spills remains ever present. Over the past few years, better
shipping quality, management and controls at all levels has reduced the number
of serious oil spill incidents around the globe, but we must not become
complacent. Industry, governments and the public collectively have a
responsibility to protect our environment.
To do this, there is a need for everyone to Work Together in preventing,
preparing for, and responding to oil spills. Interspill 2009 is an
international forum in Europe specifically designed to discuss those goals.
International regulators, oil industry operators and the spill response
industry will convene in a world class conference and exhibition to discuss the
risks, past and current, and the latest thinking in dealing with the issues.
Since 2006, when the theme of the fourth Interspill conference was the impact of
change on energy patterns and spill risks, the world has come to recognise the
value and importance of cooperation at all levels.
The aftermath of an increasing number of natural disasters and recent conflicts,
and recognition of the effects of global warming has further underscored the
notion that nations, organisations and individuals can help each other in
adversity. Pressure on energy supplies, distribution patterns and systems are
on the increase, carrying with them an associated risk of spills to the marine
environment.
In 2009, ten years will have passed since the Erika incident and twenty years
since Exxon Valdez. The lessons learnt have resulted in a much lower occurrence
of spills, and the level of cooperation between those charged with prevention,
preparedness and response has never been stronger.
