Asia/Pacific News
NZ Bunker Spill: The Volume Itself is Irrelevant, Whether the Response was Appropriate is the Key Factor, says Mobil
International fuel company Mobil has defended itself against accusations of withholding information about the amount of fuel spilled in the aftermath of a bunker spill in New Zealand's Port of Tauranga, local media reports.
Late last month, an unknown amount of fuel stemming from an oil line was spilled into the water while Mobil was carrying out bunkering operations.
"In some senses, the volume itself is irrelevant, it's whether the response is appropriate," said the company.
"In this case, we can be absolutely confident the Bay of Plenty Regional Council has manned an excellent response."
However, local member of parliament (MP) Clayton Mitchell has accused the company of attempting to cover up the amount of fuel leaked into the water, claiming that the company is trying to play down the spill's severity.
"They aren't telling us because they are trying to spin it to make it sound like it's not a major deal when it is a major deal," he said.
Mobil has maintained that the exact amount is uncertain because the bunkers escaped the line before reaching the fuel meter.
In the meantime, the company said that it has shut down the entire pipeline network connected to the wharf.
"We won't be putting them back into service until we are absolutely sure there are no issues," Mobil said.
It was reported last month that Mobil has since apologized about the incident, and has set up a claims process for damages directly related to the spill.
