Incident Overview

In a concerning incident that unfolded off Changi, Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) reported on Tuesday, October 29, that an oil spill had occurred during bunkering operations between a Bahamas-flagged bulk carrier, the Ines Corrado, and a licensed bunker tanker. The spill was detected shortly after 5:40 PM on Monday, prompting immediate cessation of all bunkering activities to mitigate environmental impact.

Details of the Spill

According to an update from the MPA, the spill resulted from an overflow of approximately five tonnes of oil from the Ines Corrado. Fortunately, by 8 AM the following morning, the MPA confirmed there was no visible oil in the water or on the shore in the vicinity. As a proactive measure, officials deployed a current buster to the area to recover any potential oil sightings.

Collaboration with Regional Authorities

In collaboration with regional authorities, Malaysia has also been notified to monitor the waters for oil traces as part of a larger preventative strategy. The MPA is set to launch a thorough investigation into the spill, emphasizing their commitment to environmental protection.

Bunkering Operations in Singapore

Bunkering, which involves refueling cargo ships, is a vital part of Singapore's maritime operations, positioning the city as one of the leading bunkering ports globally. The swift response included the deployment of dispersants by MPA crafts that arrived at the site just ten minutes after the incident was reported.

Concerns over Recent Patterns

This incident is part of a troubling pattern in recent months. On October 20, an oil spill was triggered by a leak from an offshore pipeline owned by Shell, releasing an estimated 30 to 40 metric tonnes of "slop," a mixture of oil and water, into the sea. After deploying containment booms and cleanup teams, Shell announced that most of the oil had been cleared, although residual light sheens persist in certain areas.

Major Incidents Reviewed

The MPA also reflected on another major spill from June involving the Vox Maxima, a dredger registered in the Netherlands, which collided with the Singapore-flagged Marine Honour. This incident resulted in a catastrophic rupture releasing about 400 tonnes of fuel, affecting multiple beaches including Sentosa Island and East Coast Park. Cleanup efforts, which mobilized over 800 cleaning personnel and 2,300 volunteers, were concluded ahead of schedule, signaling the community’s dedication to restoring affected areas.

Call for Enhanced Precautions

As investigations continue into the latest Changi spill, experts and officials urge for heightened precautions and better emergency protocols to prevent similar incidents from recurring in Singapore's crucial maritime sector. The ramifications of such spills not only affect marine ecosystems, but they also threaten Singapore's reputation as a leading global port.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and how authorities will rectify these environmental challenges!