Singapore is intensifying its efforts to contain and clean up a major oil spill that occurred on June 14th, when a dredger collided with an anchored bunker vessel at the Pasir Panjang Terminal. The accident ruptured one of the bunker vessel's oil tanks, causing a significant leak of low-sulfur fuel oil into the surrounding waters.
As of June 17th, the oil slick had spread eastward, reaching the waters off Changi on the eastern end of the island. Authorities have deployed over 1,500 meters of containment booms so far, with an additional 1,600 meters planned for deployment at various beaches, including Sentosa Island and Labrador Nature Reserve, by June 18th.
"Some of the oil has been seen off Changi today," stated a joint statement from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), National Environment Agency (NEA), National Parks Board (NParks), national water agency PUB, Sentosa Development Corporation, and Singapore Food Agency. "Oil absorbent booms have been pre-emptively deployed off biodiversity-sensitive areas at Chek Jawa Wetlands at Pulau Ubin, Coney Island Park and Pasir Ris Park."
Protecting Sensitive Ecosystems
Conservationists have raised concerns about the potential impact on Singapore's delicate coastal ecosystems, particularly in areas like Chek Jawa, which is home to mangrove, mudflat, and seagrass habitats. Muhammad Nasry, Executive Director of Singapore Youth Voices for Biodiversity, warned that "oil slicks can block light from reaching seagrasses, which require sunshine to photosynthesise."
"If oil is deposited onto a sandy shoreline, the oiled-up sand can be scooped up easily. But in mangrove habitats, if the oil goes in, it's not going to come out easily," Nasry added.
To mitigate the risk, authorities have deployed booms and other preventive measures around sensitive areas like Chek Jawa Wetlands, Coney Island Park, and Pasir Ris Park. Additional containment and absorbent booms will also be installed to protect fish farms in the East Johor Strait and Changi Creek over the next few days.
Advanced Cleanup Techniques
In addition to traditional booms, the cleanup efforts will employ advanced technologies like the Current Buster system, a specialized oil floating containment and recovery device deployed from vessels. These systems consist of a boom with a skirt that extends below the water surface to enclose and collect oil on the water's surface.
"A Current Buster system, a specialised oil floating containment and recovery device deployed from vessels, will be used on June 18 off the Changi Exhibition Centre as a pre-emptive measure," the joint statement explained.
Public Advisories and Beach Closures
To facilitate the cleanup efforts and protect public health, several beaches have been temporarily closed until further notice, including:
- Beaches at East Coast Park (from Area B to H)
- Labrador Nature Reserve (Jetty and Rocky Shore)
- Sentosa beaches remain open to the public, but sea activities and swimming are not allowed at Tanjong, Palawan, and Siloso beaches
- Beaches at St John's, Lazarus, and Kusu islands
The public is advised to avoid swimming or engaging in water activities at Changi Beach until the situation is resolved.
Ongoing Monitoring and Cleanup
Authorities have been conducting daily air quality tests since June 15th to ensure the safety of the public and personnel involved in the cleanup operations. So far, the air quality at affected areas around Sentosa, East Coast Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve has been within safe levels.
NParks has also received an overwhelming response from members of the public who have volunteered to assist with the cleanup efforts. While volunteers will not be directly involved in shoreline cleanup for safety reasons, they will be deployed to monitor and report on affected wildlife and areas.
The cleanup efforts are expected to continue in the coming days as authorities work to contain the spread of the oil slick and mitigate its impact on Singapore's coastal environments.
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