A Netherlands-flagged dredging boat reported a sudden loss of engine and steering control before colliding with the Singapore-flagged bunker vessel, Marine Honour, at Pasir Panjang Terminal on June 14, 2024. The incident resulted in a rupture of one of Marine Honour’s oil cargo tanks, leading to a release of low-sulfur fuel oil into the sea.

In a joint statement from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the National Environment Agency, the National Parks Board (NParks), and Sentosa Development Corporation, officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the crew of the dredging vessel is assisting in the inquiry.

Following the allision, MPA patrol craft were immediately deployed to manage the spill, spraying dispersants and mobilizing an oil skimmer to mitigate the environmental impact. Temporary floating barriers, known as booms, have also been set up around the vessels to prevent further leaks.

Due to tidal currents, parts of the oil spill have reached southern shorelines, including areas around Sentosa, Labrador Nature Reserve, Southern Islands, Marina South Pier, and East Coast Park. As of June 16, no oil slicks were detected within Sisters’ Islands Marine Park; however, an oil sheen was observed in nearby waters.

To facilitate cleanup efforts, several beaches have been closed until further notice, including:

East Coast Park (Areas B to H)
Labrador Nature Reserve (jetty and rocky shore)
Sentosa (Tanjong, Palawan, and Siloso beaches closed to sea activities and swimming)
St John’s, Lazarus, and Kusu Islands
The public is advised to avoid these areas while cleanup operations are in progress. All other locations at East Coast Park and Labrador Nature Reserve, including dining facilities, remain open.

NParks has deployed oil absorbent booms to protect vulnerable areas, including Berlayer Creek and the rocky shore at Labrador Nature Reserve. While West Coast Park is not directly affected, booms have been placed there to safeguard the mangroves.

Since the incident, nearly 1,500 meters of containment booms have been laid in various locations, including the beaches at Sentosa and East Coast Park. An additional 1,600 meters will be installed over the next few days to prevent further shoreline contamination.

Oil recovery efforts are ongoing, supported by Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), an international organization specializing in oil spill management. As of June 16, no oil slicks have been reported in the traffic separation scheme of the Singapore Strait, and navigation traffic remains unaffected, ensuring port operations continue as normal.