Keelung Port oil spill contaminates multiple ships

KEELUNG : A containership docked at Keelung Port has spilled oil during its refuelling, contaminating several nearby vessels.

The Port of Keelung Taiwan International Ports Corporation said it received an alert to a suspected oil spill from the 1,675 teu Kanway Global at 1740 hrs local time on March 16.

The spill affected multiple vessels, including TS Pusan, TS Surabaya , YM Immense and three pilot boats, whose hulls and mooring lines were also tainted.

The accident has raised concerns about port environmental management and operational safety.

According to the local environmental protection bureau, approximately 100 litres of heavy oil leaked into the harbour during a fuel barge connection procedure.

In response, containment booms and oil-absorbent materials have been deployed to mitigate environmental and operational disruption.

The three pilot boats will require drydocking for maintenance, while other affected vessels have postponed departures until the clean-up is completed.