KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority (EPA) is finalizing an expanded National Contingency and Response Plan aimed at addressing marine pollution incidents involving oil as well as harmful and hazardous substances. The updated plan seeks to strengthen national preparedness, protect the marine environment, and safeguard vital infrastructure and economic resources.
The EPA convened a two-day workshop on October 20–21 to review the new plan’s technical and organizational components, clarify the responsibilities of various stakeholders, and test coordination mechanisms. The event brought together around 20 national entities, along with regional organizations including the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME) and the Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre (MEMAC).
Dr. Lujain Al-Sayegh, head of the Seawater Monitoring Section at the EPA’s Water Quality Monitoring Department, emphasized that the new plan builds on a previous version focused solely on oil pollution. The expanded scope now incorporates hazardous and harmful substances, reflecting legislative updates, international conventions, and evolving stakeholder roles. She noted the importance of coordinated action among authorities given the significant environmental and economic risks posed by such incidents.
The workshop included discussions on the roles and responsibilities of participants, and a simulation exercise designed to test response capabilities. Dr. Al-Sayegh highlighted a prior pollution event in Doha as an example where a rapid response — including containment efforts initiated within hours — successfully mitigated impact within a week.
Captain Aref Al-Awadhi, acting Director of MEMAC, detailed that the plan’s development began in 2018 in partnership with national entities, overcoming challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan aligns with the 1990 International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC) and the Protocol on Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS). It also incorporates an Incident Command System establishing clear command, communication, and coordination structures, with response levels defined at local, national, and regional scales. Future phases will focus on testing communication protocols and enhancing personnel readiness.
Colonel Mohammad Al-Qadri, head of Marine Pollution Units at the Coast Guard General Department, explained that the Coast Guard serves as the first responder, operating continuously to detect and assess pollution reports. The updated plan expands engagement to additional national actors, including military branches and the oil sector, to maximize resource use and operational effectiveness.
Sami Al-Sawagh, Marine Operations Manager at Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), described the issuance of the plan as a national priority, particularly in light of the current regional context. He stressed the need for thorough preparations, resource allocation, and joint field exercises to ensure readiness and comprehensive coverage across the country’s maritime territories.
Overall, the initiative aims to reinforce Kuwait’s marine environmental protection framework by fostering institutional coordination, clarifying roles, and enhancing response capabilities to effectively manage marine pollution emergencies and minimize their environmental and economic consequences.