Singapore Investigates Oil Slicks In Waters Off Tuas Port

SINGAPORE, March 26 (Bernama) -- Singapore agencies are currently investigating reports of periodic oil slicks in waters off Tuas Port, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

MPA said initial investigation by the agency together with the National Environment Agency (NEA) and JTC Corporation (JTC), as well as findings from laboratory tests on oil samples revealed that the source is likely to have originated from further inland.

"There is currently no evidence indicating a single source of the oil pollution.

"The oil slicks have not significantly impacted port operations or navigation," it said in a statement, in response to media queries.

It said further investigations by NEA are ongoing to identify probable upstream landward sources of the oil pollution, which may have flown through the drain networks to sea.

Meanwhile, MPA is deploying regular patrols to monitor the waters off Tuas Port, with oil spill response craft ready to be activated at short notice, to quickly deal with any oil slicks.

JTC has also installed oil booms and CCTV cameras along an open seaward section of a key drainage to monitor oil gathered at the booms.

"NEA has also issued guidance and reminders to various premises in the vicinity of Tuas Port on the appropriate management of waste oil," it added.

-- BERNAMA