Sponsored By

Over 1,000 tonnes of fuel spilled from bulker Wakashio off MauritiusOver 1,000 tonnes of fuel spilled from bulker Wakashio off Mauritius

Over 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil have spilled from the capesize bulker Wakashio aground of the tourist island of Mauritius according to charterers Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL).

Marcus Hand, Editor

August 10, 2020

1 Min Read
wakashiospillgreenpeace
Photo: Greenpeace

MOL said the Panama-flagged bulker was believed to have lost over a 1,000 tonnes of fuel oil in a joint news conference with the vessel’s owners Nagashiki Shipping in Tokyo on Sunday.

The capesize bulker grounded off Mauritius on 25 July and according to MOL the starboard side bunker tank of the vessel has been breached spilling fuel into the sea. The full impact of the spill in the pristine seas around Mauritius remain unknown. It is reported that only 50 tonnes of fuel were recovered from the 1,180 tonne fuel tank.

"We apologise profusely and deeply for the great trouble we have caused," said Akihiko Ono, an executive vice president told the news conference yesterday.

The crew of the vessel have been evacuated and according to MOL are safe and being transferred ashore.

Chemical dispersants used to break up oil in spills would damage the coral reefs in the area. “We won't be able to use them unless we get the green light from the authorities in Mauritius," Nagashiki Shipping President Kiyoaki Nagashiki, was quoted a saying by Nikkei Asia Review.

Mauritius Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, declared a “State of Environmental Emergency” on Friday in response to the spill.

Happy Khambule, Greenpeace Africa senior climate and energy campaign manager, said: “The Japanese bulk carrier, MV Wakashio ran aground around July 25 and is now leaking tonnes of diesel and oil into the ocean.

“Thousands of species around the pristine lagoons of Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny and Mahebourg are at risk of drowning in a sea of pollution, with dire consequences for Mauritius’ economy, food security and health.”

Ironically on YouTube there is a video of the vessel from 2012 entitled “MV Wakashio the unsinkable”.

 

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

Get the latest maritime news, analysis and more delivered to your inbox
Join 12,000+ members of the maritime community

You May Also Like