Vessels in recent collision near Pedra Branca now stable, no further oil leakage

SINGAPORE - The two vessels involved in a recent collision near Pedra Branca are now in stable condition and anchored safely with no further oil leakage, said the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in a statement released today.

Libyan-registered oil tanker Alyarmouk and Singapore-registered bulk carrier Sinar Kapuas collided about 20km north-east of Pedra Branca on Jan 2 at around 6am.

Approximately 4,500 tonnes of crude oil was spilled from the oil tanker, said Alyarmouk's ship managers.

In its efforts to contain the oil spill, Singapore deployed four vessels equipped with dispersants, oil booms and skimmers to the site. The non-toxic, bio-degradable dispersants were used to break up the oil into smaller globules.

MPA also engaged the technical expertise of International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF) to assess the nature of the spill. The Authority had earlier warned that patches of oil might affect the northern parts of Bintan due to weather conditions and tidal currents.

However, satellite imagery and ITOPF's aerial surveillance on Jan 4 did not show any of the spilled oil spreading towards the island.

MPA said that it will continue to monitor the movement of the oil patches, and will conduct daily aerial surveillance whenever possible. The Authority will also continue to check with vessels operating in the region regarding sightings of oil patches.

Singapore will continue to offer its assistance and share available information with the Indonesian authorities.

minlee@sphcom.sg