Singapore nears completion of oil spill cleanup

Approximately 550 tonnes of oil-soaked sand and debris have been collected so far.

The cleanup of bulk oil from the sea and beaches is nearly complete. 

In a joint statement, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), National Environment Agency (NEA), National Parks Board (NParks), Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) and private organisations said no oil slicks have been seen along the East Coast and Changi since 18 June, as per satellite and drone images. 

Additionally, most oil-soaked sand has been removed, except from Tanjong and Palawan beaches at Sentosa, with 550 tonnes of debris collected so far.

Over 3,400 meters of boom have also been laid to contain trapped oil and prevent it from re-entering the sea.

“We are moving to the next phase of the clean-up response, which is focused on the more difficult clean-up of oil remnants trapped in areas such as coastal features, waterside infrastructures and rock bunds,” the agencies said in a statement.

These areas are less accessible, requiring significant effort to clean trapped oil in crevices and below beach surfaces. Specialised resources and equipment will be used, considering site conditions like wind, tide, and currents to minimise re-pollution.

In heavily impacted areas, such as Sentosa’s Tanjong and Palawan beaches, the specialised cleanup is expected to take around three months. Cleanup at Sentosa Siloso beach and certain stretches of East Coast Park is expected to be completed earlier. Beach cleanups are ongoing with the support of the Singapore Civil Defence Force's Rapid Response Fire Vessel.

Long-term impacts on biodiversity are being monitored. Swimming and water activities will only resume once water quality is confirmed safe.

Sentosa Cove has been less affected due to prompt closure of lock gates and deployment of absorbent booms. Vessel movements within Sentosa Cove have been halted to minimise impact on waterways and canals. Movements will resume once the lock gates are deemed safe.

Additionally, The cleanup of trapped oil remnants near Pasir Panjang Container Terminal, PSA Terminal, and Labrador Nature Reserve was largely completed on 23 June. No residual oil has been observed. Containment booms and skimmer systems have also been deployed to facilitate cleanup.

Moreover, no oil slicks have been observed at the Eastern Anchorages. Sporadic oil sheens are expected to dissipate naturally. The Police Coast Guard and Current Buster systems are on standby for any new sightings.

Labrador Nature Reserve’s shoreline cleanup is also nearly complete. Beaches at St. John’s, Lazarus, and Kusu Islands remain clear. Containment booms are in place as a preventive measure.

Over 1,500 members of the public have shown interest in helping with the oil spill management efforts. Over 400 volunteers, including those from the Public Hygiene Council, have been patrolling parks and reporting oil sightings.

Singapore’s fish farms also remain unaffected by the oil spill, and fish samples continue to indicate safe consumption. Air quality in affected areas remains safe, and Singapore’s drinking water supply is unaffected.

Beachfront businesses, except those offering activities at closed beaches, remain open. 

The damaged tanker Marine Honour is anchored off the western petroleum anchorage. The safe transfer of its remaining oil is expected to take one to two weeks.

Singapore is also in close contact with Malaysian authorities, who reported observing oil slicks off Johor.