China’s Strategic Oil Reserves and the Establishment of the Oil Spill Contingency System

Abstract

China will soon initiate its strategic oil reserves programme. This programme will be of great significance, politically and economically, in offsetting the risks of the world oil market and in guaranteeing the speedy development of China's economy. In the implementation phase of the programme however, large amounts of oil will have to be imported by sea. While promoting prosperity of the domestic marine transportation sector, this will certainly enhance the risk of environmental pollution in coastal waters. This paper analyses the relationship between strategic reserves, transportation of oil, and the environment of China's coastal waters. In view of the existing problems in the contingency management of China's marine transportation, the paper brings forward ideas and approaches towards building up and improving China's contingency system for marine transport oil spillages. The paper proposes an organisational structure; a coordination and control mechanism; and concrete preventive measures against oil spillage. It draws upon experiences from other countries, while taking into account China's existing marine management system.