Malmö's Port Protected from Spills

Thursday 13th October 2011 saw the launch of a remote-controlled, self-propelled torpedo that will protect Malmö's port (Sweden) from any oil spills that occur in the future. This torpedo-like technology is called an autonomous surface vessel, or ASV for short. As the torpedo is remote-controlled and driverless, it can be launched immediately. The torpedo is very much in line with CMP's strong environmental profile, and Copenhagen Malmö Port CEO Johan Röstin expresses a hope that this innovation will catch on at other ports. 

 

Kjell-Arne Landgren, the chairman of the local emergency service, Räddningstjänsten Syd, sends the little red torpedo off on its maiden voyage before a group of specially invited guests and a throng of journalists. Slowly but surely the torpedo moves across the 600 metre wide basin of Malmö's Oil Port. Trailing behind the torpedo is a long boom that is designed to encircle the oil in the event of a spill. It takes about five minutes for the torpedo to reach the other side.

 

The torpedo is equipped with an advanced GPS system which navigates towards one or several receiving stations on the other side of the basin. Previously, after contacting the emergency services, responders had to row out in a boat and lay the heavy boom by hand. As every minute saved encircling the oil counts when a spill occurs, the new technology is a win.

 

According to Kurt Sjöblom from SP Marine, there is strong interest in the torpedo both nationally and internationally. After CMP, Gothenburg is next in line.

 

A torpedo could also be mounted on the stern of a coastguard boat.