Forum: Agencies update response plans with learning points from every oil spill incident
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We thank Mr Seah Minlong for his feedback (Recent oil spills show need to improve response times and preventive measures, Nov 15).
While the nature, scale and causes of the incidents on June 14, Oct 20 and Oct 28 differ, the collective measures by government agencies and industry partners helped to mitigate the impact.
These included deploying containment booms around incident sites, activating craft to spray dispersants, installing oil-absorbent booms to protect biodiversity-sensitive areas, and using drones and satellite technology to assist with oil sightings.
In the June 14 incident, the oil that was immediately discharged from the vessel upon impact did not remain stationary at the incident site, and was carried by tidal currents and waves to other locations. In accordance with international practices, containment booms were placed around the damaged vessel as a preventive measure against further spillage from the vessel, and not to contain the oil that was already spilt into the sea.
Dispersants were used to break down the spilt oil, to facilitate subsequent clean-up operations at sea and ashore. Oil recovery systems were also used to remove oil from the sea upon confirmation of the location of the moving oil patches.
Investigations into the Oct 20 pipeline leak at Shell’s facility on Bukom Island are ongoing.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) conducts independent inspections at industrial facilities to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
As part of the investigation, NEA is reviewing Shell’s preventive measures to determine if enhancements are needed.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore is currently investigating the Oct 28 oil overflow incident.
When incidents happen, agencies strive to respond in a prompt, coordinated and effective manner.
We also update and improve our response plans with relevant learning points from every incident, and maintain readiness through training and regular inter-agency exercises, such as the recent joint oil spill exercise involving more than 100 personnel from 18 agencies and companies, including academia, industry and volunteer groups.
On Mr Seah’s suggestion to strengthen penalties for discharging oil into local waters, the quantum of maximum fines for offences is set in legislation, considering factors such as the severity of the offence, deterrence and proportionality.
Penalties are periodically reviewed to ensure they remain effective and aligned with evolving circumstances, and to deter non-compliance with laws and regulations.
Chong Jia Chyuan (Captain)
Port Master
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
