The 11th edition of the marine pollution simulation exercise SIMULEX-2024 took place on Wednesday off the coast of Port Tanger Med, in Morocco’s Northern city of Tangier.
This event was organized by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development to prepare for accidental marine pollution incidents.
SIMULEX-2024 aims to evaluate the National Emergency Plan (PUN) on operational, technical, and logistical levels.
The exercise also seeks to strengthen cooperation and coordination among various civil and military stakeholders involved in marine pollution response.
One objective of SIMULEX-2024 is to test the effectiveness of resources deployed under the emergency plan during marine pollution events.
The simulation evaluates the interoperability of aerial, maritime, and terrestrial communication systems, vital for effective response operations.
It also involves oil operators from Port Tanger Med in collaborative efforts against accidental marine pollution incidents.
Hamid Rhiouani, head of the Program Division at the Ministry, highlighted the exercise’s interventions both at sea and on land.
He confirmed that maritime operations would be led by the Royal Navy in collaboration with the Royal Gendarmerie and the Royal Air Force.
On land, operations at Dalia Beach will be coordinated by the General Directorate of Civil Protection with military and civilian departments.
The coordination for this exercise will occur through a national command post at the Ministry’s headquarters in Rabat.
This command post will be led by the Secretary-General of the ministry alongside a local command post at Port Tanger Med.
The simulation scenario involves an accident with the tanker MAR DEL SUR, which is transporting 40,000 tons of heavy fuel oil.
A hull breach on the vessel resulted in a spill of 3,000 cubic meters of fuel near Moroccan coasts, threatening marine ecosystems.
Following the incident alert, the National Coordinator activated the National Emergency Plan to initiate containment and recovery operations.
Rescue operations included saving three injured individuals, with two severe cases transported by helicopter for medical care.
Throughout the operation, command posts maintained real-time communication with intervention units to monitor the situation on land and sea.
Significant resources were deployed to ensure effective operations, including recovery boats and diving teams.
An emergency rescue helicopter and drones were also utilized for surveillance and assessment of the oil slick.
The Civil Protection Directorate coordinated efforts on land at Dalia Beach by installing floating barriers and skimmers.
Colonel Redouan Ahassad emphasized the central role of Civil Protection in leading coastal pollution response operations.
He noted that collaborative approaches are essential for protecting the coastal ecosystem and vital infrastructure.
The exercise allowed Civil Protection to assess operational capacities and improve communication with various stakeholders.
It also provided an opportunity to test equipment used in ecological emergencies for modernization and improved efficiency.
Representatives from multiple ministries participated, including Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Economy and Finance.
Other participants included the Ministry of Equipment and Water, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Transport.
Additional representatives came from the National Ports Agency, General Directorate of Meteorology, and civil society.
The exercise showcased a comprehensive approach to enhancing marine pollution response capabilities in Morocco.