Two containership vessels have collided off Pasir Gudang Port, in Johor, Malaysia causing 300 tonnes of oil spillage in the surrounding waters Fleetmon have reported.
The accident occurred last night (Tuesday January 3 2017). A press release from the Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) confirms that the two ships involved were the Singapore-registered container vessel WAN HAI 301 and Gibraltar-registered container vessel APL DENVER.
According to the MPA statement, APL DENVER's ship master reported that one of the ship's bunker tanks had sustained significant damage resulting in an oil leakage that is believed to be approximately 300 tonnes. Despite the collision, there have been no reports of any injuries.
The Johor Port Authority immediately deployed four anti-pollution vessels at the spill site, as well as positioning an oil boom around the APL DENVER in an attempt to contain the leak. Oil patches were also noticed in Singapore waters where much of the oil has drifted. In response the MPA sent out eight anti-pollution crafts with dispersant spraying capabilities.
Despite the best efforts of the MPA and the JPA, spills are always difficult to contain, even if caught early. In September last year (2016), a 70 tonne oil spill caused major issues at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas that took some time to recover from.
