The Civil Protection Department notes that the document published by the Environment and Resources Authority, quoted in the article ‘Civil protection “not equipped” for LNG tanker emergency’ (October 29), refers to observations made in July 2016.

Since July, the department has made the necessary arrangements to be ready and able to tackle the remote possibility of any event that may occur in the new LNG plant in Delimara.

All the necessary equipment related to LNG and referred to in the article has been procured and is already in the possession of the CPD or will be delivered within the next few weeks. A new temporary fire station will be built in Delimara and a permanent fire station will be built once the necessary permits and procurement procedures are followed.

The CPD is also in the final stages of procuring two industrial vehicles, which will be delivered next year. In the meantime, one industrial vehicle has been procured from the UK and the CPD will dispatch to the Delimara fire station another fire engine to cater for any eventuality.

It is worth noting that several CPD members had received specialised firefighting training at a specialised facility in Rotterdam, operated by FALCK safety services, a renowned company in firefighting training and equipment. In due course, more CPD members will be receiving such training as part of the process of strengthening the members’ skills.

With regard to the maritime sector, agreements have been made to use tug boats under Transport Malta’s harbour towage agreement.

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