Oil spillage clean-up operations - Final update

7 February 2014

Following the collision between chemical tanker, "Lime Galaxy" and containership, "Feihe", on 29 January and collision between containership, "NYK Themis" and barge "AZ Fuzhou", on 30 January 2014, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has worked with its partners from various agencies and the industry to contain and clean up the bunker fuel oil spilled.

Containership "Feihe" spilled about 280 metric tonnes (mt) of fuel oil, while containership "NYK Themis" spilled about 400mt of fuel oil as a result of the collisions.




Photos of craft from MPA and oil spill response companies carrying out clean-up operations in affected areas, such as the waters off Pulau Seringat. Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore








As of 7 February 2014, a total of 40 craft, two skimmers, two harbour busters, more than 1000 metres of containment boom and more than 400 personnel were deployed by MPA and oil spill response companies as part of the containment and clean-up efforts at sea.

Since 3 February 2014, no oil patches have been reported in our waters. MPA will continue to monitor our waters closely and carry out any necessary clean up.

Sentosa Development Corporation is completing clean-up works on the beaches of Kusu and St John's Islands and co-operating with the National Environment Agency (NEA) to ensure the surrounding waters are free from oil pollution. The islands remain open, but the public are advised to keep away from the areas on the beaches affected by the oil spill. Signage are located on the beaches to inform and guide the public. NEA will continue to monitor these beaches and will inform the public when the currently closed parts of these beaches are re-opened. NEA is also working closely with the National Parks Board and the Singapore Land Authority on the clean-up efforts at Pulau Semakau and will provide more updates when the operations are completed.

MPA would like to record its appreciation to the following organisations for their invaluable assistance:

1.Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore
2.Centre for Remote Imaging, Sensing and Processing (NUS)
3.International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited
4.Ministry of Defence
5.National Environment Agency
6.National Parks Board
7.Oil Spill Response Ltd
8.Public Utilities Board
9.Republic of Singapore Air Force
10.Republic of Singapore Navy
11.Semco Salvage & Towage Pte Ltd
12.Sentosa Development Corporation
13.Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd
14.Singapore Salvage Engineers Pte Ltd
15.SMIT Singapore Pte Ltd
16.SPICA Services (S) Pte Ltd
17.Svitzer Salvage Asia Pte Ltd
18.Tian San Shipping Pte Ltd
19.Masters and crew of ships that reported sightings of oil patches

About the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was established on 2 February 1996, with the mission to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre (IMC), and to advance and safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests. MPA is the driving force behind Singapore's port and maritime development, taking on the roles of Port Authority, Port Regulator, Port Planner, IMC Champion, and National Maritime Representative. MPA partners the industry and other agencies to enhance safety, security and environmental protection in our port waters, facilitate port operations and growth, expand the cluster of maritime ancillary services, and promote maritime R&D and manpower development.

About National Environment Agency
Formed on 1 July 2002, the National Environment Agency (NEA) is the leading public organisation responsible for improving and sustaining a clean and green environment in Singapore. The NEA develops and spearheads environmental initiatives and programmes through its partnership with the People, Public and Private sectors. It is committed to motivating every individual to take up environmental ownership and to care for the environment as a way of life.

By protecting Singapore's resources from pollution, maintaining a high level of public health and providing timely meteorological information, the NEA endeavours to ensure sustainable development and a quality living environment for present and future generations.

About Sentosa Development Corporation
Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) was established on 1 September 1972 as a Statutory Board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Its charter since inception has been to oversee the development, management and promotion of the island as a resort destination for locals and tourists. Under the care of SDC, the island went through a makeover to become a premier getaway with multi-faceted appeal. From business conventions to beach parties, Sentosa caters to an extensive range of needs and interests.

SDC has evolved and grown over the years. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of Sentosa Island and a cluster of nine islands south of Sentosa, including the conservation of the islands' greenery and heritage, it oversees the following business and commercial units-Sentosa Leisure Management Pte Ltd, Sentosa Golf Club, Sentosa Cove Resort Management Pte Ltd and Mount Faber Leisure Group Pte Ltd.


Oil spillage clean-up and containment efforts continue - Update 3

4 February 2014

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) continues to coordinate the containment and clean-up of the oil spillage in Singapore's waters following two collisions south of Jurong Island and off Marina South on 29 and 30 January 2014 respectively.

The clean-up efforts have resulted in significant improvements to Singapore's port waters, except for minor oil patches in the vicinity of the Southern Islands, and a few patches of oil at Pulau Seringat shoreline which are being removed by response craft and personnel using oil booms and skimmers.

MPA continues to work closely with the National Environment Agency and the Sentosa Development Corporation on the landward clean-up operations.

MPA is monitoring the situation in case there are undetected patches of oil.

Members of the public who spot any oil patches in our waters or coastlines can also contact MPA's 24-hour Marine Safety Control Centre at 6325-2488/9.

Vessel traffic in the Strait of Singapore and port waters remain unaffected. Port operations are also not affected. Investigations on both incidents are on-going.


Oil spillage clean-up and containment efforts continue - Update 2

31 January 2014

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) continued to coordinate the containment and clean-up of the oil spillage in Singapore's waters following two collisions south of Jurong Island and off Marina South on 29 and 30 January 2014 respectively.

A total of 24 craft and 120 personnel from MPA and oil spill response companies were involved in the effort. Most of the affected areas have been cleaned up, except for minor oil patches in the vicinity of the Southern Islands.

MPA is still monitoring the situation in case there are undetected patches of oil. Response craft and personnel will remain on site in the interim.

Members of the public who spot any oil patches in our waters or coastlines can also contact MPA's 24-hour Marine Safety Control Centre at 6325-2488/9.

Vessel traffic in the Strait of Singapore and port waters remain unaffected. Port operations are also not affected.


Oil spillage clean-up and containment efforts continue

30 January 2014

Following the oil spillage from two collisions south of Jurong Island and off Marina South on 29 and 30 January 2014 respectively, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has been co-ordinating the containment and clean-up efforts. Good progress has been made since the start of the operations.

A total of 20 craft from MPA and oil spill response companies have been deployed for the clean-up efforts. Containment booms were used to contain and prevent the oil patches from hitting the coastlines and approved oil dispersants are being used to break up the oil patches into smaller globules.

Patches of oil may be spotted in the vicinity of the Southern Islands but the public is advised not to be alarmed. Members of the public who spot any oil patches in our waters or coastlines can also contact MPA's 24-hour Marine Safety Control Centre at 6325-2488/9.

The four vessels involved in the collisions are currently safely anchored and in stable condition. There is no report of injury, and port operations remain unaffected. Investigations are currently on-going.

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore press release