Operational Forecasting For Sanchi Oil Spill

This article demonstrates an operational oil spill forecasting system established by National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center (NMEFC). Satellite observations, oil spill models and operational meteooceanographic forecasts are integrated into the system. The system was applied to the forecasting service for a condensate and heavy fuel oil spill, which was caused by Sanchi oil tanker due to collision in East China Sea in 2018. Emergency forecasts of the satellite-observed slick were provided on daily basis. The leakage scenarios from the submerged tanker were also simulated. Long-term simulations were performed to evaluate the possible swept sea areas. Validation studies for the operational predictions were carried out for the wind, current and oil distribution. The forecasting conclusions were used to support decision-making process and clean-up actions during the response. This forecasting system could contribute to the setup of a shared system expected from the national level and further to the regional level, i.e., the countries boarding the common sea regions.