Peninsula has been awarded a four-year contract with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), with the PANAMA 100 joining its network of stand-by oil spill response vessels in the Canary Islands.
The appointment follows more than a year of preparation and will see the PANAMA 100 continue her normal commercial operations while remaining available to support EMSA’s marine pollution response capability when required.
Preparing the vessel for this additional role has involved modifications to the PANAMA 100, the installation of specialist oil pollution-response equipment and dedicated crew training. This includes Level 2 anti-pollution training with the Canary Islands Port Authority, alongside drills and exercises designed to ensure both vessel and crew are prepared to respond safely and effectively.
If mobilised following an oil pollution incident, the PANAMA 100 will be able to support authorities with the containment and recovery of pollutants from the water, using dedicated equipment including skimmers and containment systems.
The arrangement strengthens marine pollution preparedness in a strategically important maritime region while demonstrating how existing commercial maritime assets can provide additional response capability when required.
Peninsula’s Deputy Company Security Officer, Matias Martin, said: “This is a significant achievement for Peninsula and the result of considerable preparation across the business. We have worked to ensure that both the PANAMA 100 and her crew are properly equipped and trained for the responsibility that comes with this role. Supporting EMSA’s response network is an important recognition of our operational capabilities, but above all, it gives us an opportunity to use our expertise to help protect the marine environment in the areas where we operate. This has been a real team effort, and I would like to thank the crew and all our colleagues who have helped bring this project to fruition.”
The PANAMA 100 and her crew will continue to participate in dedicated drills and exercises throughout the four-year agreement to maintain the required level of preparedness.
The appointment reflects Peninsula’s commitment to high operational standards and responsible maritime operations, while strengthening its ability to contribute to marine environmental protection alongside European authorities.