24-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) A week after a maritime collision involving the Singapore-flagged tanker Hafnia Nile, the vessel’s operator has confirmed that oil is now leaking from the damaged section of the ship. The incident, which occurred on 19th July approximately 55 kilometres north-east of Pedra Branca, has raised concerns about potential environmental impact in the region’s waters.
Hafnia, the tanker’s operator, revealed on 24th July that initial assessments had identified damage to the vessel’s engine room. A company spokesperson stated, “Further inspections have confirmed a light oil sheen which is seen emanating from the damaged area.” In response to this development, a salvage team has boarded the Hafnia Nile and transferred specialised equipment from an attending tug to contain and halt the localised seepage.
The collision, which involved the Hafnia Nile and the Sao Tome and Principe-flagged vessel Ceres I, resulted in a fire aboard both ships. The incident occurred in Singapore’s maritime search and rescue region, prompting a swift response that led to the rescue of all 36 crew members from both vessels.
Currently, the Hafnia Nile remains connected to tugs in Malaysian waters as experts continue to assess the extent of the damage. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has confirmed ongoing discussions with Hafnia regarding the safe transfer of the tanker’s cargo and plans for towing the vessel to a repair facility.
Reuters has reported that the Hafnia Nile was carrying naphtha at the time of the collision. Naphtha, a refined petroleum fraction commonly used as a solvent, poses potential environmental risks if released into marine ecosystems.
In light of the situation’s complexity, the MPA announced that a deep-sea towing capable tugboat joined four other vessels with oil response and firefighting capabilities at the site on 23rd July. This bolstered presence aims to manage any potential escalation of the oil leak and facilitate the safe handling of the damaged tanker.
