A Netherlands-flagged dredging boat experienced a “sudden loss in engine and steering control” before colliding with the Singapore-flagged bunker vessel Marine Honour at Pasir Panjang Terminal on June 14, 2024. This information was revealed in a joint statement from four government agencies, including the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the National Environment Agency.

The incident caused a rupture in one of Marine Honour’s oil cargo tanks, resulting in a discharge of low-sulphur fuel oil into the sea. Investigations are currently underway, with the master and crew of the dredging vessel cooperating with authorities.

In response to the spill, MPA patrol craft were promptly deployed to spray dispersants on the affected area. An oil skimmer was also activated to mitigate the spill’s effects, and containment booms were placed around the vessels as a precautionary measure against further leaks. The statement highlighted that tidal currents have carried parts of the oil spill to the southern shorelines, impacting areas such as Sentosa, Labrador Nature Reserve, and East Coast Park.

MPA is coordinating with British Marine, the insurer of Marine Honour, to facilitate third-party claims for affected parties. As of June 16, there were no reports of oil slicks within Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, though an oil sheen was noted in nearby waters.

To aid in cleanup efforts, several beaches have been closed until further notice, including parts of East Coast Park and the beaches at Sentosa, where swimming and sea activities are currently prohibited. Meanwhile, the remaining areas of East Coast Park and Labrador Nature Reserve, including dining outlets, will remain open to the public.

In total, nearly 1,500 meters of containment booms have been deployed at various locations since the incident. An additional 1,600 meters of booms are planned to prevent further oil spread onto the shore. Oil recovery operations at sea are in progress, supported by Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL), a cooperative providing specialized oil spill response services. As of June 16, navigation traffic in the Singapore Strait’s traffic separation scheme remains unaffected, and port operations continue as normal.