Solomon Islands face another big oil spill
Two years after authorities were faced with a huge bunker leak, the government of the Solomon Islands is facing another large clean-up, accusing the crew of a 30-year-old bulk carrier of dumping about 1,000 tonnes of heavy fuel oil into local waters.
The Panama-flagged Quebec, founded in 1991, stands accused of intentionally dumping fuel into the sea.
The 28,451 dwt handysize vessel, which Equasis says is operated by Singapore's Feng Sea Shipping European database, was carrying out a logging shipment for a Chinese business when it dumped heavy fuel oil in late January into Graciosa Bay in Temotu province, the government of Solomons claims.
Thierry Nervale, the head of the Solomon Island Maritime Authority, told state media that an initial estimate of the Quebec spill revealed that about 1,000 tons of heavy fuel oil had been discharged and that the government would take legal action against the owners of the vessel.
On February 4, 2019, the Hong Kong-flagged Solomon Trader ran aground in Kangava Bay off Rennell Island near the largest raised coral atoll in the world, a UNESCO world heritage site, becoming the highest profile dry bulk victim of that year. When the accident occurred, it was loading bauxite in poor weather, which caused hundreds of tons of bunker fuel to spill and the ship to be declared a total constructive loss.
Maritime Business World
YORUM KAT