Shell's Singapore Refinery Experiences Second Oil Spill in Two Months

A second oil spill has occurred at Shell's Pulau Bukom facility in Singapore within the past two months. On 26 December 2024, a suspected leak was detected in one of the refinery's oil processing units, and the unit was immediately shut down. Shell estimates that several tonnes of refined petroleum products leaked along with cooling water discharge.

Shell immediately implemented measures to prevent the spill from spreading to the sea. Absorbent materials and barriers were deployed in the cooling water discharge channel, dispersants were sprayed, and an on-site oil skimming system was activated. The company also collaborated with Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), using vessels and unmanned aerial vehicles to clean light oil layers. Absorbent booms were also placed as a precaution at Sisters' Islands Marine Park and Sentosa beaches.

Authorities reported that navigation traffic was not affected and fuel bunkering operations at Singapore Port continued normally. The National Environment Agency (NEA) and MPA launched investigations into the incident and stated that appropriate sanctions would be imposed if any negligence or fault is found.

This incident marks the second spill at Shell's Pulau Bukom facility in two months. On 20 October 2024, approximately 30-40 metric tonnes of "slop" (a mixture of oil and water) leaked into the sea from an onshore pipeline. Shell contained the leak and completed cleanup operations in that incident.

Pulau Bukom hosts Shell's only integrated energy and chemicals park in Asia. As part of its strategy to reduce carbon emissions and provide liquidity, the company plans to sell its Singapore refining and petrochemicals facilities to a Chandra Asri and Glencore joint venture through a deal expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

The latest incident occurred during a period of heightened environmental sensitivity in Singapore. In June 2024, a collision between a barge and a fixed bunkering vessel at Pasir Panjang Terminal resulted in more than 400 tonnes of oil spilling into the sea, affecting areas including Labrador Nature Reserve, Sentosa, East Coast Park, and Changi. That incident was recorded as the largest oil spill in the past decade, and cleanup operations were completed in September 2024.

Shell stated that it will continue to monitor the situation in cooperation with authorities following the latest spill and will draw lessons from the incident to enhance its safety performance. The company emphasised that it has deployed emergency response teams and will implement necessary measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring, in order to minimise negative impacts on the environment and community.

Key Points:

• A second oil spill occurred at Shell's Pulau Bukom facility within two months.

• An oil processing unit was shut down due to a leak detected on 26 December 2024.

• The company estimates that several tonnes of refined petroleum products leaked.

• Absorbent materials and barriers were used to prevent spill spread, and cleanup was conducted using vessels and unmanned aerial vehicles.

• Navigation traffic and fuel bunkering operations were unaffected.

• NEA and MPA launched investigations into the incident.

• Shell stated it will draw lessons from the incident to enhance safety performance.

• The company plans to sell its Singapore facilities to a Chandra Asri and Glencore joint venture.

• Environmental sensitivity in Singapore has increased; a major oil spill occurred in June 2024.

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News Link: https://container-news.com/shells-singapore-refinery-suffers-second-oil-leak-in-two-months/

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