The BALEX DELTA 2024 annual oil spill response exercise concluded on August 29 in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Lithuania, as the current Chair from July 1, 2024, to June 2026, played a pivotal role in hosting the event. Over three days, participants completed various successful rehearsals at sea, on shore, and in port, all under favorable weather conditions. Specialized ships and crews from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden participated in the sea drills, according to HELCOM.
Significance of BALEX Exercises
Vitalijus Auglys, Chair of HELCOM and Head of the Pollution Prevention Policy Group with the Ministry of Environment of Lithuania emphasized the importance of the BALEX exercises. These annual simulations, hosted by different countries each year, are crucial for coordinating the response capabilities of the Baltic Sea states. The exercises are particularly important in light of the region’s geopolitical challenges, including concerns over the shadow fleet operating in the Baltic Sea. Since the late 1980s, these exercises have significantly enhanced the readiness of Baltic Sea coastal countries to collectively respond to major pollution incidents.
Highlights of BALEX DELTA 2024
Markus Helavuori, HELCOM Deputy Executive Secretary, noted that this year’s BALEX DELTA exercise was well-organized and provided valuable experience to all participating countries. The event coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Convention, underlining HELCOM’s long-standing commitment to protecting the Baltic Sea environment. The exercise featured a variety of tasks, including a BALEX ALPHA table-top exercise focused on incidents involving Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) cargo. Other activities included pollution detection with EMSA CleanSeaNet service support, aerial monitoring, pollution dispersion modeling with SeaTrackWeb, and response operations at sea, in port, and on shore.
Collaborative Efforts and Wildlife Protection
The Lithuanian Navy, Klaipeda Fire Rescue Department, Klaipeda State Seaport Authority, and the Baltic Sea Rehabilitation Center of the Lithuanian Maritime Museum were the main organizers of BALEX DELTA 2024. Observers from WWF and HELCOM participated in the exercise, further enhancing collaboration. On shore, firefighting teams from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia conducted a response operation in the Curonian Lagoon. At the same time, the Baltic Sea Rehabilitation Center practiced assisting birds affected by oil spills. These efforts highlight the importance of a coordinated approach to environmental protection and emergency response in the Baltic Sea region.
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Source: HELCOM
