The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) reported that the dredger Vox Maxima lost engine and steering control on Friday, colliding with the bunker vessel Marine Honour and causing an oil spillage.

PHOTO: Aerial view of Singapore container terminal. Getty Images

The collision ruptured one of Marine Honour’s oil cargo tanks, releasing VLSFO into the sea. The MPA immediately dispatched patrol craft to spray dispersants on the spill and activated their oil spill response contractor to deploy an oil skimmer to mitigate the spill's impact. Booms have also been placed around the vessels as a precaution against further leaks.

Oil recovery efforts at sea continue with support from Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), an international cooperative specializing in oil spill response services. The National Parks Board (NParks) has also deployed oil absorbent booms to protect Berlayer Creek and the Rocky Shore at Labrador Nature Reserve.

There have been no disruptions to the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), which manages maritime traffic lanes, and port operations remain unaffected.

Bunkering operations have remained unaffected by the oil spill, a source said.

By Tuhin Roy

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