Content: BRISK

Part-financed by the European Union

(European Regional Development Fund)

Sub-regional Risk of Spill of Oil and Hazardous Substances in the Baltic Sea (BRISK)

The Baltic Sea today is one of the busiest seas in the world, accounting for more than 15% of the world’s cargo transportation. Both the numbers and the sizes of ships have grown in recent years, especially oil tankers, and this trend is expected to continue.

The Baltic’s narrow straits and shallow waters, many of which are covered by ice for prolonged periods in winter, make navigation very challenging, and increase the risk of shipping accidents.

The Baltic Sea coastal countries already have substantial resources to effectively respond to pollution at sea in the region, and operational procedures for joint, international response operations have been put in place within the framework of the Helsinki Commission. Yet, the need for further, deepened cooperation has been recognized by all Baltic Sea countries. 

In order to address the increasing risk of accidental pollution from shipping connected to increasing maritime transportation in the Baltic, a strategic project “Sub-regional risk of spill of oil and hazardous substances in the Baltic Sea (BRISK)" has been launched by the Baltic Sea countries under the HELCOM umbrella.

The Central Command for Martime Emergencies (CCME) is one of the eleven project partners.

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