Container Ship Hits Berth at NMPT, Spills Oil into Sea-But Quick Action Averts Tragedy 

Mangaluru: A major disaster was averted as officials succeeded in containing an oil spill released by container ship MV X-press Brahmaputra, which collided with a bollard while sailing out of Jetty No 2 at the New Mangalore Port Trust on Saturday. As per sources in the New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) said that due to the collision, the port side hull was damaged. As it is highly risky to sail with the starboard side tank damaged, the container ship was re-berthed at berth number 2.

The ship was bound to its home waters in Colombo-Sri Lanka and the spill (Diesel) was from its bunker tank (used for the running of the ship) and was less than 100 litres. The accident took place around 7 am and soon, the damaged container ship began releasing oil (diesel). Within four hours, using buoyant booms (which are inflatable tubes) and skimmers, the oil leak was checked. As diesel is a non-persistent oil (which evaporates quickly), it was easy to contain the spread of the oil spill.  The container ship (built in 1998) sailing under a Singapore flag had arrived from Colombo.

It is learnt that the container ship was a lone vessel that was being cast out 169 meters, ready for sail and there was just another on the other side far away, as per Port sources. The entire manpower of Deputy Conservator was employed in averting a tragedy and the area was encircled with a pollution control team. Besides, physically restricting it and subjecting it to chemical action as per the oil spill drill, a lot of oil was evaporated hence there was no spread, said Port officials. By Saturday, evening, NMPT officials again issued a circular stating there was no major issues/concerns and that the ‘matter is under complete control’.