Accidental Pollution in Ports: CEDRE Supports French Mooring Services

On June 10, 2026, in La Rochelle, the Professional Mooring Union for the English Channel, North Sea, and Atlantic Ports (SPLMNA) and CEDRE signed a multi-year intervention, training, and assistance agreement designed to strengthen preparedness and response to accidental pollution in French ports.

This agreement establishes a response chain for accidental water pollution in ports for the eight mooring companies involved, from prevention to crisis intervention.

Cooperation for Environmental Safety in Ports

As the first responders in contact with vessels calling at port, boatmen provide mooring, unmooring, and shifting services within harbour basins. This position places them on the front line of risks related to accidental spills of oil, chemicals, or aquatic waste.

Aware of this responsibility, mooring professionals have chosen to rely on CEDRE's recognized expertise to strengthen their anticipation and intervention capabilities.

A Comprehensive Three-Year Support Program

The agreement provides for global support structured around four complementary axes.

Assistance Available at All Times

CEDRE will provide mooring companies with a 24/7 assistance mechanism, organized into three progressive levels: remote operational assistance, on-site assistance, and post-pollution monitoring.

This organization will allow field teams to quickly benefit from technical and scientific support tailored to the nature of the incidents encountered.

Better Preparation for Emergency Situations

The partnership also includes support in developing and updating accidental pollution response plans. CEDRE will provide its expertise to define the response equipment best suited to the characteristics of each port and the risks associated with their activities.

Training and Exercising Teams

Mooring companies will benefit from privileged access to specialized training and exercises organized by CEDRE. These actions will contribute to maintaining a high level of operational readiness and strengthening coordination between the various stakeholders likely to intervene during an incident.

Raising Awareness Among Future Maritime Professionals

Finally, the agreement includes the development of a training module dedicated to accidental pollution response for students in maritime high schools wishing to pursue careers in mooring services.

This initiative aims to integrate risk management and environmental protection issues from the initial training of future professionals.

Fifty Years of Expertise Serving Field Stakeholders

As the national center of expertise on accidental water pollution, CEDRE has been supporting maritime, port, and institutional stakeholders for over fifty years in the preparation and management of accidental water pollution.

Its teams rely on a specialized laboratory, an operational room dedicated to crisis situations, and decision-support tools available continuously to support field interventions.

Strengthening the Environmental Resilience of French Ports

Through this agreement, SPLMNA and CEDRE affirm a common ambition: to strengthen the capacity of French ports to effectively prepare for and manage accidental pollution.

By combining scientific expertise, operational readiness, and the transmission of know-how, this partnership contributes to consolidating the environmental safety of port areas and developing a sustainable culture of risk management within the maritime community.