Oil leak from Shell pipeline

At around 1:00 pm (Singapore Time) today, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) reported an oil spill from a Shell pipeline. The leak occurred at 5:30 am on October 20, 2024, between Bukom Island and the nearby Bukom Kecil. Fortunately, Shell quickly stopped the leak at its source.

To contain the spill, Shell deployed containment booms near the site and sent clean-up boats with dispersants to remove oil floating on the water. Dispersants help break down the oil into smaller particles, making it easier to clean up.

The MPA took fast action by sending seven clean-up boats to the area. These boats, along with contractors from Singapore Salvage Engineers, are equipped with dispersants to support the cleaning process. MPA has also activated drones and satellites to monitor the situation and make sure all traces of oil are tracked.

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Government agencies have been informed and asked to report any signs of oil in the waters nearby. As of 6:00 pm, no new oil sightings have been reported.

To ensure safe navigation, MPA’s Port Operations Control Centre sent safety alerts to passing ships, asking them to avoid the affected area. Thankfully, the spill has not affected shipping routes or vessel safety.

The response teams remain on alert to make sure the spill stays under control, with regular monitoring of the area. Further updates will follow if the situation changes.

This swift response from both Shell and MPA has minimized the environmental impact, ensuring the waters around Bukom Island stay safe and clean.