Singapore: Oil leak from Shell pipeline has stopped at source, says MPA

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Sunday (20 October) said it was alerted to an  oil leakage from a Shell land-based pipeline between Bukom Island and Bukom Kecil, which occurred at around 5.30am (SGT) on the same day.

MPA said the leak was reported to have stopped at source.

“Shell has placed containment booms off the site of the leak and has also deployed craft equipped with dispersants to clean up the oil sighted in the vicinity of the leak,” it said in a statement. 

MPA has deployed seven MPA craft equipped with dispersants together with craft from its contractor Singapore Salvage Engineers. 

MPA has also activated its drones and satellite capabilities to assist with the sighting of the oil spill. Relevant government agencies have been alerted and to report any oil sightings. There were no new oil sightings as at 6pm (SGT) on 20 October. 

MPA’s Port Operations Control Centre has issued navigational safety broadcasts to ask passing vessels to keep clear of the site. There is no impact to navigation safety.

On the same day, Shell issued a brief statement stating oil sheens have been detected since late morning at the water channel between the Bukom Besar and Kechil islands.

“We have activated emergency response specialists to help manage the situation. There are no injuries reported and we have informed the relevant authorities.”

“The health and safety of our people and the environment are our top priority as we work on resolving this as quickly as possible.”

Photo credit: Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Published: 21 October 2024