Oil Spill Struck the Kwai Chung Container Terminal in Hong Kong

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A serious fuel spill occurred at Kwai Chung Container Terminal in Hong Kong on August 20, 2024. At the time, a container ship was being refueled at Berths 6 and 7 by a barge operated by local fuel supplier Yee Lee, specifically the "YEE LEE 2." Initial investigations suggest that the incident was caused by an improperly tightened flange at the refueling station, resulting in a major fuel leak. The Hong Kong Marine Department promptly dispatched a team of personnel to the scene to investigate and initiate emergency cleanup operations after receiving the report around 10 pm.

2024年8月20日晚，香港葵涌集装箱码头发生了一起严重的燃油泄漏事故。当时，某集装箱船正在码头6号和7号进行燃油加注作业，由当地燃料供应商Yee Lee运营的驳船“YEE LEE 2号”负责供油。根据初步调查，事故原因可能是加注站法兰未拧紧，导致大量燃油泄漏。香港海事处在当晚10时许接到报告后，立即派遣人员前往现场展开调查，并组织相关人员进行紧急清理。

The spill affected a broad area, covering the waters around Kwai Chung Terminals No. 4, 6, and 7, and partially drifting towards Tsing Yi and Stonecutters Island. Photos from the scene reveal that the oil had heavily coated the port side of the affected vessels. It is indicated that the refueling hose had not been closed properly, causing substantial spillage onto the deck.

此次燃油泄漏事故波及范围广泛，漏油覆盖了葵涌4号、6号和7号码头对开海面，并部分飘向了青衣和昂船州的水域。现场照片显示，受污染的船舶左舷外板被重油覆盖，表明在加油作业期间未能及时关闭加油管，导致燃油大量外溢流至甲板面。

Despite emergency measures including cleanup operations underway by the Hong Kong Marine Department, it is anticipated that the cleanup will be protracted, with a full resolution possibly taking at least a month given the complex cleanup operations and the severe environmental impact.

目前，香港海事处已采取应急措施，组织清理作业来控制污染。然而，由于清理工作复杂且油污对环境的破坏有着长足的影响，此次清理工作预计将持续较长时间，彻底清理可能需要至少一个月。

Oil pollution has extensive effects on marine environments. First, it forms an oil layer on the water's surface that blocks sunlight from penetrating, which in turn affects the photosynthesis of underwater plants and further impedes their growth. Additionally, oil pollution has a direct toxic impact on marine life. The release of toxic compounds in the oil can impair the immune systems of fish and other marine organisms, leading to stunted growth and other health issues.

油污对海洋环境有着深远的影响。首先，油污会在水面上形成油膜，阻挡阳光进入水下，影响水生植物的光合作用，抑制水生植物的生长。此外，油污对海洋生物有直接的毒性影响，油中有毒化合物的释放可能引发鱼类和其他海洋生物免疫系统受损，生长发育迟缓等健康问题。

In addressing oil pollution incidents involving vessels, China has implemented a relevant compensation mechanism. According to the "Administrative Measures for the Collection and Use of Compensation Funds for Vessel-Induced Oil Pollution Damage", when an oil pollution accident occurs, the responsible shipowner and their oil pollution insurer are first liable for compensating the victims. Should the damage exceed the shipowner's liability limits, victims can seek additional compensation or reimbursement from the oil pollution fund. This mechanism ensures that victims of oil pollution accidents receive appropriate financial compensation and encourages shipowners to enhance their prevention and management practices for such incidents.

在应对船舶油污事故方面，中国也建立了相关的赔偿机制。根据《船舶油污损害赔偿基金征收使用管理办法》，当船舶发生油污事故时，首先由肇事船东及其油污保险人对受害者进行赔偿，如果损害超过船东的责任限制，受害者可以申请油污基金进行额外的赔偿或补偿。这种制度旨在确保油污事故受害者能够获得适当的经济补偿，同时也推动船东加强对油污事故的预防和管理。

On April 27, 2021, an oil spill incident occurred when a Panamanian-flagged bulk vessel heading from Sudan to Qingdao collided severely with a Liberian-flagged oil tanker while anchoring in the southeast waters off Chaolian Island in Qingdao. The collision not only damaged the bow of the oil tanker but also caused a breach in the second cargo tanks on the port side, resulting in approximately 9,400 tons of crude oil into the sea. According to the Qingdao Maritime Court, the registered losses from this incident amounted to 3.74 billion RMB. However, the oil pollution compensation fund available for the foreign vessel involved was only about 470 million RMB. This incident has been recognized as the largest oil spill accident in Qingdao waters and the most severe maritime pollution event in China.

在2021年4月27日，也曾发生一起油污泄露事件，事发时，苏丹港开往青岛的巴拿马籍杂货船在青岛朝连岛东南水域锚泊时，与利比里亚籍油船发生了严重碰撞。这起事故不仅导致油船船首受损，还导致左舷第二货舱破损，致使约9400吨原油泄漏入海。据青岛海事法院统计，这一事件的登记损失高达37.4亿元人民币。然而，涉案外轮享有的船舶油污赔偿责任限制基金仅约4.7亿元。这一事故被认定为我国最高级别的船舶污染事件，也是青岛海域发生的最大规模溢油事故。

Substantial fines for oil pollution create a daunting challenge for ship operators. When an oil spill occurs, it not only results in substantial economic losses but also damages the company’s reputation incurred by legal actions. Therefore, ship operators must enhance their efforts to prevent oil pollution and ensure that crew members adhere to operational procedures during refueling and daily operations. We offer secure and efficient refueling services and assist with maritime oil spill incidents and port-related negotiations. For more information, please contact us at 4009208810. We can deliver tailored solutions to fulfill your needs!

高额的油污罚款对船舶经营管理方提出了严峻挑战。油污事故一旦发生，不仅会导致巨额的经济损失，还可能面临法律诉讼，损害企业的声誉。因此，船舶经营管理方必须加强对油污事故的预防，确保船员在加油作业和日常运营中严格遵循操作规程。E-PORTS 提供安全可靠的加油服务，可以协助处理海上油污事件及港口协商事务。如有需求，欢迎提前联系 E-PORTS。我们将根据您的需求，为您提供满意的服务。您可以拨打 4009208810 进行咨询！