Shell’s Singapore Refinery Suffers Second Leak in Three Months

In a troubling development for environmental safety, the Shell refinery at Pulau Bukom, Singapore, has experienced its second leak since October. This incident occurred on December 27, when a processing unit released oil products into the marine environment through its cooling water system. The leak has raised concerns about the refinery’s operational integrity and its impact on local ecosystems.

Details of the Recent Leak

On December 27, Shell reported to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) that it had shut down one of its oil processing units at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park. This unit is responsible for producing diesel and other refined products, utilizing cooling water sourced from the sea. Shell estimated that several tonnes of refined products were discharged into the water through a cooling water discharge outlet located in a confined channel.

In response to the spill, Shell took immediate action. The refinery deployed containment booms and sorbent booms to manage the situation. Additionally, dispersant spray was used to mitigate the effects of the spill. A built-in skimmer system, which is permanently installed in the channel, was activated to assist in the cleanup. To prevent the spill from spreading to the open sea, the channel inlet was boomed off. The MPA and Shell also dispatched response boats to address light sheening off Pulau Bukom, using dispersants and absorbent booms to clean the affected area.

As a precautionary measure, absorbent booms were placed on popular beaches such as Sentosa and at the nearby Sisters’ Islands Marine Park. Fortunately, no slicks have reached these areas, and public access remains uninterrupted. By December 28, Shell confirmed that the leak had been contained and that no further petroleum was entering the cooling water discharge. However, the exact source of the leak is still under investigation.

MOL and Shell Sign Collaboration Agreement to Advance Decarbonisation in Maritime Sector

Regulatory Oversight and Previous Incidents

The NEA is currently investigating the recent leak and has stated that it will take regulatory action if any noncompliance is discovered. This incident marks the second leak at the Shell refinery complex in just three months. The first leak occurred on October 20, 2024, when a land-based slop pipeline between Bukom Island and Bukom Kecil malfunctioned. That leak resulted in approximately 30 tonnes of an oil-water mixture entering the sea after overtopping a holding area. Fortunately, that spill was contained and cleaned up quickly.

Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore is the largest wholly-owned refining complex operated by the British company. It has been in operation since 1961. Earlier this year, Shell announced plans to sell the facility to Glencore and Chandra Asri Capital. However, the transaction has not yet been finalized, leaving the future of the refinery in a state of uncertainty.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of the marine environment and preventing future incidents. The recent leaks have raised questions about the operational practices at the Shell refinery and the effectiveness of its safety measures. Stakeholders are keenly watching how Shell and regulatory agencies respond to these challenges.