Bulgarian Ports
Infrastructure Company

On May 28, 2025, the waters around the Port of Ruse hosted Danube 2025—a full-scale emergency exercise focused on responding to oil pollution in the Danube River. The drill aimed to improve the coordination and cooperation among institutions responsible for protecting the riverbanks and natural environment in the event of incidents that threaten both ecosystems and public safety. A key focus of the simulation was the Natura 2000 protected area near Aleko Island, where, according to the exercise scenario, a diesel fuel leak occurred following a pipeline rupture during cargo operations.

The Bulgarian Ports Infrastructure Company (BPI Co.) played a critical role in the pollution containment phase. The company deployed its specialized equipment for Spill Prevention and Response to Operational and Accidental Pollution (SPREAP). A LAMOR specialized boat provided the agility and speed needed for rapid intervention on the water. In response to the simulated threat, two cascading lines of floating containment booms were deployed to steer the oil spill away from the shores of Sandrovo village and Aleko Island. The LAMOR vessel was key to the successful deployment of the booms, working in close coordination with other participating vessels throughout the exercise.

The drill was organized by Ruse Regional Administration in cooperation with a wide network of institutional and volunteer partners from the municipalities of Ruse and Slivo Pole. Alongside BPI Co., participating entities included the General Directorate for Emergency Response and the Ruse River Supervision Directorate to the Executive Agency Maritime Administration, the Naval Coordination and Monitoring Center – Varna, the Regional Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection – Ruse, the Regional Border Police Directorate – Ruse, and the Executive Agency for Exploration and Maintenance of the Danube River, as well as local volunteers.