Asia/Pacific News
Several Hundreds of Litres of Bunker Fuel Spilt in New Zealand
Several hundreds of litres of bunkers on Friday spilled from a crude oil tanker calling at an oil refinery in Whangarei Harbour, New Zealand, local media reports.
The HS Alcina was reportedly delivering its load of Kuwaiti crude when bunkers were spilt from the ship's fuel tanks causing a 20 square-metre oil slick.
Absorbent booms were deployed immediately and beaches swept Saturday morning, with authorities saying much of the oil has now been recovered.
"As unfortunate as the incident was, I hope that the response will reassure the public, particularly our neighbours, that we take these things seriously and that through investment in time, equipment and training, we are prepared for these types of events," said Jim Lyle, regional harbourmaster for Northland regional Council.
According to the report, there has been little or no damage to the environment as a result of the spill.
"We believe the spill has now been completely recovered but we will keep watching the beaches and the coastline over the next few days as a precaution," said the recipient of the delivery, Refining NZ, on Saturday.
It is too early to say whether enforcement action will be taken, said Lyle.
The Filipino government was recently criticised for its handling of oil spill compensation rules following bunker spills in the country's waters.
