Alyarmouk

The heavily damaged "Alyarmouk" which had anchored off Singapore since Jan 3 entered the Benoi Yard of the Keppel Shipyard Ltd. in Singapore on Mar 3 around 3 a.m. for repairs of the starboard side damage. Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/33438735@N08/16528061469/

Oil spill response companies were rushing to clean up a large oil spill in the Singapore Strait in the hope of stopping the oil slick before it reaches protected turtle nesting areas on Bintan Island. On Jan. 2, an estimated 4,500 tons of crude oil were spilled when the "Alyarmouk" and the Singaporean cargo ship "Sinar Kapuas" collided approximately 11 nautical miles from the shoreline of Pedra Branca northeast of Singapore. The accident has been classified as a major spill, being one of the largest to have hit the area in years. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPAS) said that satellite images taken over the last few days did not find any evidence that the oil spill had reached the resort beaches of Bintan Island, but the agency has not ruled out the possibility that it would make landfall this weekend. Two marine services companies began cleaning up the oil on Jan 3, using dispersants, oil booms and skimmers to reduce the spread of the oil slick. Increased storm activity in and around the Singapore Strait esd expected this weekend, which may interfere with cleanup and containment efforts. Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/33438735@N08/16528061469/

A collision between Libyan-registered oil tanker Alyarmouk and Singaporean-registered bulk carrier Sinar Kapuas occurred this morning (Jan.2) in Singapore waters. According to Tradewinds news, the collision happened at 6am local time about 11 nautical miles north-east of Pedra Branca and left an oil spill and damages to the tankers. Citing a statement by the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), it was reported that Malaysian and Indonesian authorities were also notified of the spill. “Upon notification, MPA deployed a helicopter to assess the situation. Oil spill response resources have also been activated. “As part of standard operating procedures for joint oil spill combat in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, MPA has notified the Malaysian and Indonesian Authorities,” the MPA was quoted. MPA added that the two vessels involved were currently safe and anchored with no injuries reported. “MPA has issued navigational broadcasts for ships to navigate with caution when in the vicinity of the incident site. There is no report of injury, and traffic in the port and the Strait of Singapore remains unaffected,” MPA reportedly said. The report added that there was no indication on the extent of the damages suffered by Sinar Kapuas. Ship tracking data at 3pm local time showed that the ship was on its way to Singapore at a speed of 4 knots. Read more: http://www.therakyatpost.com/news/2015/01/02/libyan-singaporean-vessels-collide-singapore-waters/#ixzz3NeTVuVGp