Oil seeping from S’pore-flagged tanker involved in collision near Pedra Branca: Ship operator
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Singapore-flagged tanker Hafnia Nile on fire in Tanjung Sedili, near Singapore, on July 19.
PHOTO: AFP
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SINGAPORE – Oil is seeping from the damaged part of the Hafnia Nile, the Singapore-flagged tanker involved in a collision with another vessel on July 19. Hafnia, the ship’s operator, said on July 24 that an initial assessment showed damage to the tanker’s engine room.
“Further inspections have confirmed a light oil sheen which is seen emanating from the damaged area,” a Hafnia spokesperson said.
“A salvage team that has boarded the vessel has meanwhile transferred equipment from one of the attending tugs on site to contain and stop any localised seepage.”
The spokesperson added that experts are conducting inspections on the damaged areas of the vessel, which is connected to tugs in Malaysian waters.
Hafnia Nile and Sao Tome and Principe-flagged ship Ceres I caught fire at about 6am on July 19
Thirty-six crew members from both ships were rescued.
Separately, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said on July 24 that both Hafnia and the authority are in discussion on a safe location to transfer the tanker’s cargo, and on towage plans for repairs.
Reuters reported that Hafnia Nile is carrying naphtha, a generic term for a refined or partially refined petroleum fraction that is commonly used as a solvent.
MPA added that a tugboat that can do deep-sea towing has joined four other tugboats – with oil response and firefighting capabilities – on site with Hafnia Nile on July 23. The authority said it is investigating the collision.
