Tag: oil spill

The Houston Ship Channel could remain under one-way travel restrictions for all this week after a collision took place between a deep-draft ship and a barge. Because of the collision, petrochemicals were spilled into the waterway. The damaged barges are located in a heavily trafficked area of the channel, affecting everyone.

The bulk carrier Solomon Trader is possible to be refloated and towed from the reef at Lavagu Bay, West Rennell, Solomon Islands. The operation could take place within a couple of weeks. The Hong Kong-flagged bulk carrier 'Solomon Trader' was loading bauxite when it ran aground due to unexpected gale at Kangava Bay, Rennell Island, on 4 February, causing an environmental disaster. 

A tanker collided with a tug pushing two barges on May 10, leading to the closure of the Houston Ship Channel. According to the US Coast Guard an unknown amount of product has been spilled from the barges, with sources reporting that the amount is about 9,000 barrels. USCG added that there were no injuries.

The US Coast Guard informed that it is monitoring a natural gas and condensate leak from an orphan well, located four nautical miles southeast of Bob Hall Pier near Corpus Christi, Texas, on Thursday, May 9. The US Coast Guard is cooperating with the Railroad Commission of Texas, Texas General Land Office and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to monitor and secure the release.

There is an ongoing consensus in the shipping industry that Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) is by far the most effective implemented legislation worldwide. But what differentiates the success of this regulation from several other regimes concerning maritime like SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, ISM or TMSA? Furthermore, should we expect any regulatory updates? And, is there further need to improve the level of understanding and the level of implementation of the OPA 90?

State Expert Review Agency approved Lukoil's oil spill response technology. Based on the use of absorbents and biotechnologies, the technology is designed specifically for marine and freshwater ecosystems of the Arctic region. The technology has strains of microorganisms that can be used in the Arctic regions, where application of conventional oil containment and skimming techniques is obstructed by the harsh environment.

IMCA issued a safety flash that focused on a pollution accident that occurred during bunkering operations. Specifically, the incident took place as the vessel took bunkers supplied by five tanker trucks, one after the other. Because of difficulties during the bunkering operations, the hose was loosened resulting to the oil spill. As a result, the local Coast Guard was informed and arrived at the area of the incident.

ITOPF published a Handbook, containing valuable information and guidance for those likely to be involved in oil spills, chemicals or other substances from ships. The 2019/20 edition has been fully revised, introducing new graphics, further information on ITOPF’s technical services and a brand new section on different types of marine spills.

The US Coast Guard is working with contractors on April 27, to mitigate the possible pollution threat posed by a derelict barge on the shoreline of Womens Bay on Kodiak Island. USCG verified an approximate 300-yard long, 1-yard wide, patchy, rainbow-colored sheen coming from near the barge that has been grounded on shoreline of the southeast corner of Womens Bay for several years.

The UK P&I Club presents a case where a defective lube oil cooler caused pollution. Namely as the ship was alongside, oil sheens were observed floating on the dock water around the stern, which were believed to be from lubricating oil leaking from the stern tube seal. The deficient condition of the lube oil cooler caused not only a pollution incident, but also significant costs regarding clean up, inspections, repairs and off-hire.