Experts from Rijkswaterstaat (Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) played a significant role throughout the programme. Michiel Visser shared key lessons learned from the 2024 Trinidad and Tobago oil spill, which affected Bonaire, offering valuable insights for strengthening preparedness. Marco de Bruijn provided an update on satellite-based monitoring of oil spills in the Caribbean part of the Dutch Kingdom, highlighting the increasing importance of advanced detection technologies.
The workshop also featured contributions from Hans Schreuder, Project Leader for the Search and Rescue (SAR) Project, and Fijeanty de Witt, who delivered a presentation on the preservation of underwater heritage sites and coastal areas.
The event brought together representatives of the Disaster Organisation of the Commonwealth of St Christopher and Nevis, the Port Facility of St Maarten, the Dutch Coast Guard, the Coast Guard of St Christopher and Nevis, and a delegation from the Saba Harbour, including the Harbour Master. Staff of the Statia Government also participated, reinforcing collaborative ties across the region.
On the afternoon of 13 November, members of Statia’s Emergency Support Team (EBT) conducted a tabletop oil spill scenario exercise at the EOC Building, testing coordination, communication and decision-making procedures. The following day, participants took part in a live practical training session at the Charles A. Woodley Harbour, executed in partnership with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and the KTK Tugs from Curaçao. The exercise simulated an oil spill near the harbour and concluded with a joint evaluation of the operational response.
Later on 14 November, a high-level strategic meeting took place between the Statia Government and Rijkswaterstaat to strengthen long-term cooperation. Island Secretary Malvern Dijkshoorn-Lopes and Crisis Manager Andre Bennett met with Ir. Willy Dekker, Director of Rijkswaterstaat Verkeer en Watermanagement; Drs. Sjan Arts, Head of Feasibility Studies and Development at Rijkswaterstaat Zee en Delta; Ir. Joris Wiers, Head of the Water District North Sea and Caribbean Netherlands; Kees van Belzen, Senior Inspector; and André Eversdijk, Senior Advisor and Crisis Manager. Their discussions focused on enhancing collaboration between the European Netherlands and Statia in maritime management, inspections and crisis management. The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to coordinated preparedness and effective emergency response.
The 2025 Maritime Oil Spill Workshop delivered clear value for all involved, strengthening technical capability and improving regional readiness. The Statia Government intends to expand future editions by involving additional partners, recognising that broader participation is essential to safeguarding the Caribbean’s marine environment.
