An oil tanker and a cargo ship collided off the East Yorkshire Coast on Monday morning, spilling jet fuel into the North Sea.
The oil tanker, Stena Immaculate, which sails under the US flag, was hit by the Portuguese container ship Solong around 10 am. This collision ruptured a cargo tank on the tanker, causing explosions and a release of Jet-A1 fuel into the ocean.
Crowley, the tanker’s management company, stated that safety is their top priority and that they would provide updates as more information becomes available. Videos from the scene showed at least one of the vessels ablaze, with black smoke billowing into the air.
What’s the Impact of the Spill?
While the exact amount of fuel spilled is unclear, oil spills can have severe impacts on marine life and local communities, especially if the fuel reaches the shore. However, experts note that jet fuels may be less toxic than crude oil due to their chemical makeup. Prof. Mark Sephton from Imperial College London mentioned that jet fuel consists mainly of smaller hydrocarbons, which bacteria can break down more readily than larger molecules found in crude oil.
Greenpeace expressed concerns about the situation but emphasized that it’s too soon to determine the full extent of the environmental damage. The impact will depend on various factors, including the type and quantity of fuel involved, weather conditions, and how quickly the response teams act.
Who Responds to Oil Spills?
Even if the ships are not British, the UK is responsible for addressing pollution in its Exclusive Economic Zone, extending 200 nautical miles from shore. In such events, the HM Coastguard’s Counter Pollution and Salvage Team leads the response. They assess the situation and determine how to minimize the environmental impact.
Local authorities and commercial companies also have roles in managing the spill. The local port authority often has counter-pollution equipment and may coordinate efforts with pollution response contractors.
How Are Spills Cleaned Up?
To handle a spill, teams first identify the source and then use various methods to contain and recover the fuel. They deploy inflatable barriers, called booms, to prevent the oil from spreading. Mechanical devices, known as skimmers, can also pump the oil into storage units. In rough waters, however, these methods can be less effective.
Another option is chemical dispersion, which involves spraying special substances from aircraft or boats to help break down the oil, similar to how dish soap works on grease. Though designed to be less harmful to the environment than untreated oil, there are strict regulations governing their use. Additionally, some oils can break down naturally if disturbed, helping to speed up the cleaning process.
What’s the Government Doing?
In Parliament, Baroness Sue Hayman stated that the situation is evolving. She mentioned that her department is coordinating with relevant agencies, including the Environment Agency, to manage the response. Downing Street affirmed the importance of the emergency services’ rapid actions and stated that they are closely monitoring the situation.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch is also investigating how the collision happened.
