In a groundbreaking move facilitated by collaboration with the French government, Sri Lanka has successfully detected and addressed its first oil spill using satellite surveillance technology. The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) fined the responsible company Rs. 15 million after satellite analysts detected significant oil pollution caused by an illegal discharge from the tanker Global Crest, underscoring the nation’s commitment to environmental protection and maritime safety.
Sri Lanka has achieved a significant milestone in environmental protection and maritime safety by leveraging satellite surveillance technology to detect and address oil spills in its waters. In collaboration with the French government, Sri Lanka embarked on an initiative to enhance monitoring capabilities, resulting in the successful detection of the nation’s first oil spill incident.
According to the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), the detection of significant oil pollution off Sri Lanka’s coasts was reported by CLS analysts, a French company specializing in satellite surveillance. The pollution was attributed to an illegal discharge from the tanker Global Crest, which was cruising from Malaysia to the UAE. Immediate action was taken against the vessel, including an onboard inspection that provided clear evidence of the illegal discharge.
As a consequence of the violation, the responsible company was fined Rs. 15 million, in accordance with national regulations. This swift and decisive response underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to holding polluters accountable and safeguarding its marine environment.
Situated at a strategic juncture along major Indian Ocean shipping routes, Sri Lanka faces increasing risks of pollution from both accidental spills and illegal discharges. The partnership with the French government, facilitated through the OSDS initiative, has empowered Sri Lanka to enhance its monitoring capabilities and respond effectively to environmental threats.
Since September 2023, CLS has been providing MEPA with over 100 detection reports, demonstrating the effectiveness of satellite technologies in reducing marine pollution and mitigating environmental impact. The successful resolution of this oil spill case represents a significant achievement for all stakeholders involved in the OSDS initiative, highlighting the relevance and efficiency of satellite surveillance in addressing maritime challenges.
This milestone sets the stage for the development of a sovereign, fully operational local capability to address future environmental challenges and uphold Sri Lanka’s commitment to environmental stewardship. As the nation continues to strengthen its monitoring and response mechanisms, it remains dedicated to preserving its marine ecosystems for future generations.
