Singapore to Seek Compensation from Shipowner for Oil Spill

Singapore will seek compensation for the costs incurred in an oil spill last week from the owners of the stationary vessel that discharged the oil, local media CNA reported on Thursday.

The Maritime and Port Authority told CNA that the shipowner of Singapore-flagged Marine Honour - which was hit by Netherlands-flagged dredger Vox Maxima - is liable for costs incurred in containing and cleaning the oil spill and damage to infrastructure.

Reuters has reached out to the port authority for comment.

Earlier, the port authority said the dredger Vox Maxima had experienced a sudden loss in engine and steering control before it hit Marine Honour at Pasir Panjang Terminal.

This caused one of the vessel's oil cargo tanks to rupture and spill fuel oil into the sea. The oil was carried to beaches and parks around Singapore and also to the island of Sentosa.

The incident sparked an intense clean-up effort across Singapore with workers laying out 3,400 metres of booms and oil recovery operations at sea that rely on predictive modelling of tidal and wind conditions, and drone and satellite imagery.

Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said on Facebook the port authority had quickly ensured there were no further leaks from the vessel and sprayed dispersant to treat the spilled oil last Friday when the accident occurred. Chee added that the incident was not due to port congestion.

The ship owners of Marine Honour and Vox Maxima could not be immediately reached for comment.

(Reuters - Reporting by Xinghui Kok; Editing by Ed Davies and Jacqueline Wong)