The United States and the OPCW co-hosted a visit by international media and NGOs aboard the MV Cape Ray

14 April 2014

The United States and the OPCW co-hosted a visit by international media and NGOs aboard the MV Cape Ray, which is currently anchored at the port of Rota in Spain. The visit attracted some 30 leading TV, radio and print journalists including the Aljazeera, BBC World Television and World Service Radio, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, CNN, Radio Televisión Espana, NHK-Japan, Tokyo Broadcasting Co, and the ANSA, Associated Press and Reuters wire services, among others.

The journalists were given a detailed briefing by Rear Admiral Bob Burke on the maritime operation and hydrolysis technology, followed by walk-and-talk tour of the system aboard the ship with the senior engineer who will oversee the hydrolysis operations. The purpose of the visit was to demonstrate the extensive safety and security measures that have been put into place to guard against any risk to the operating personnel and to the environment during the operation. 

The visit received extensive coverage in the flagship news and current affairs programmes of the participating networks. The OPCW wishes to thank the Spanish Government for facilitating this important event and the United States for hosting it on board its vessel.