“Chrysanthi S” fined $25,000 over Aloga Bay marine fuel spill

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has reportedly issued the Liberia-flagged Chrysanthi S a R350,000 ($25,000) fine over a recent oil spill involving bunker fuel, it says.

Additionally, it has received a letter of guarantee for approximately $359,000 to cover clean-up costs.

A following SAMSA report noted about 200 to 400 litres of oil accidentally spilled over into the sea while the cargo vessel was being refuelled; as much as 360 litres of the fuel was eventually extracted from the waters.

Investigations seemed to indicate that oil spillage occurred on board the vessel after one of the fuel tank valves was not properly closed, leading to fuel accidentally spilling out. At the time, the vessel had about 1,300 metric tonnes of fuel on board.

According to SAMSA, the vessel owners Golden Flower Navigation Incorporated had through its various agencies, including insurers, since accepted liability for the oil spillage and made the necessary undertakings in compliance with relevant South African laws and regulations as well international conventions related to incidents of the nature.

Detention of the vessel was lifted and it was allowed to continue with its international journey since 12 July.

Stakeholders involved in the spill, including the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), TNPA (port managers next to which the oil spill occurred), bunkering services company involved in the ship refuelling operation SA Marine Fuels, private sector oil spillage management services company Extreme Projects, wildlife and environmental groupings SANPARKS, SANCCOB, and others including the affected vessel’s crew and vessel owners and its agents were part of a “great teamwork” resulting in effective management of the spill.

Related: South Africa: Algoa Bay bunker spill ‘closely monitored’, says govt

Photo credit: South African Maritime Safety Authority
Published: 24 July, 2019