By Danial Azhar
July 30, 2024
Updated a day ago
In the wake of a dramatic collision and fire involving two oil tankers near Singapore on July 19, Malaysian authorities have taken swift action to ensure safety and initiate an investigation. The tankers, Hafnia Nile and Ceres I, are currently anchored in Malaysian waters, with rescue and containment efforts underway.
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| A handout image shows the RSS Supreme's rigid-hulled inflatable boat in the vicinity of the burning vessels following a fire on two oil tankers about 55 km (34 miles) northeast of the Singaporean island of Pedra Branca, July 19, 2024. Republic of Singapore Navy/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo |
The collision occurred 55 km northeast of the Singaporean island of Pedra Branca. The Hafnia Nile, carrying about 300,000 barrels of naphtha, and the Ceres I, a very large crude carrier (VLCC), both sustained significant damage. Despite the severe fire, the naphtha cargo on the Hafnia Nile remains intact.
Director General of Malaysia's Marine Department, Mohamad Halim Ahmed, emphasized the hazardous nature of the situation due to the intact naphtha cargo on the Hafnia Nile. "Our priority is to ensure it remains afloat and can be moved safely," he said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the Ceres I was anchored due to technical issues when the Hafnia Nile's attempts to avoid it failed, leading to the collision. Initial reports suggested the Ceres I had fled the scene, but it was later found that it had drifted away because of a damaged anchor. Malaysia's coast guard successfully located and detained the vessel.
Fortunately, no significant oil spill was detected at the collision site, although there was an oil sheen believed to be from the Hafnia Nile's bunker tank. Malaysian authorities are coordinating with Singaporean officials and the owner of the Ceres I to move both vessels to a secure location for further investigation.
Safety remains the top priority as efforts continue to address the aftermath of this maritime incident.
Source: Reuters
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