Marked by a series of high-profile and technically demanding incidents, 2025 provided a ‘landmark’ year for HM Coastguard's Counter Pollution and Salvage (CPS) team, says Deputy Head of Counter Pollution and Salvage Jayne Ede.
She adds: “The North Sea incident was especially testing for our newer team members, who absolutely shone in the deepest of deep-end situations.”
The CPS team picked up on a myriad of other incidents, from vessels with fraudulent or ambiguous insurance transiting through the Dover Strait, thought to be the busiest shipping lane in the world.
Car carrier and bulk carrier fires also required swift coordination of assets and identification of safe havens, demonstrating the evolving complexities of new technologies such as lithium-ion batteries and the unique fire risks they pose.
Just a few weeks ago the team responded to a loss of shipping containers in the Solent, which despite their perishable contents, carried serious safety and navigation concerns for mariners, people on the coast, and two major UK ports.
The MCA’s Counter Pollution and Salvage team work closely with HM Coastguard colleagues from Coastal Operations, Receiver of Wreck and the Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP), as well as a host of public sector services.
Beyond the headlines, the team’s substantial day-to-day operations continued throughout the festive season and into the New Year, providing expert advice and guidance for around 20+ incidents per week.
More unusual enquiries for 2025 included the legality of clay-pigeon shooting from vessels, mineral pollution mistaken for valuable whale vomit, and live munitions found by the public.
But crucially, much of the team’s vital work lies behind the scenes in preparedness, from auditing MCA equipment across the UK, to exercises with port authorities, even training in areas as remote as the Falkland Islands.
Reflecting on what she says stands out most, Jayne says of her team: “We’re a group of resilient, dedicated individuals who support one another through every challenge.
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Whether that’s through training, procurement of new technology, or engagement at the international level; our team's adaptability ensures we’re prepared for whatever next year brings.”
For the MCA’s Survey and Inspection Team, Acting Assistant Director Survey & Inspection South Chris D’Alcorn reflects on another busy festive period, with the team providing essential services to ensure that shipping never stops.
He said: “Our coverage is maintained around the clock by the out-of-hours team and Duty Surveyor, with a dedicated phone line available 24/7/365 to support UK-flagged vessels globally.”
"Over Christmas and New Year alone 17 surveyors were on rota, ensuring comprehensive coverage across public holidays and weekends, covering everything from attending ports to inspect foreign vessels in UK waters and those involved in incidents, to offering expert advice.”
The team have been involved in several incidents over the past year supporting colleagues in other teams and offering advice internally and to other government departments. Additionally, they’ve have flagged in several high-profile vessels to the UK flag which included working weekends and travel at short notice.
Chris adds: “As 2026 begins, we will move into what has historically been our busiest quarter of the year, with many seasonal vessels being in refit and getting ready for the summer months.
“This normally peaks about Easter time as many go into operation to make full use of the better weather and any tourism during the school easter holidays.”
The teams will also be involved in lot of testing and training in readiness for a new Maritime Digital Platform (MDP) with multiple new elements to go live next year. As preparations for 2026 gather pace, both teams are set for another year of challenges, learning, and outstanding teamwork.
