Suspected leak of 'few tonnes' of oil from processing unit on Pulau Bukom, Shell working on clean-up with authorities

Shell has temporarily shut down its oil processing unit at Pulau Bukom following a suspected oil leak on Dec. 26.

According to a media release by Shell on Dec. 27, the oil and gas company said that oil sheens were seen alongside a wharf at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore, and that the oil was "suspected to be from one of the oil processing units" at the facility.

"Shell is actively working with the relevant authorities to manage the clean-up effort," the company said.

In a joint statement by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), National Environment Agency (NEA), National Parks Board (NParks) and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), the authorities confirmed that boats, satellites and drones were deployed to assist with clean-up efforts and further surveillance.

Suspected oil leak under investigation: Shell

According to Shell, the oil leak is suspected to have occurred at one of the oil processing units, causing some of the refined oil products to be released into the water.

The company has launched an investigation to determine the amount of product leaked into the sea after temporarily shutting down the oil processing unit.

Emergency response specialists have also been activated to manage the situation.

Shell said "an estimated few tonnes" of refined oil products had been leaked into the sea, together with cooling water discharge.

Shell said it has laid absorbent and containment booms, sprayed dispersants, and activated an oil skimmer system.

"The health and safety of our people and the environment are our top priority as we work on resolving this as quickly as possible," the company said.

It added that its global trading and supply team is working to minimise any impact to customers.

No impact to navigational traffic and bunkering operations: Authorities

Authorities confirmed that the MPA and NEA were informed by Shell of the suspected oil leak and the company's investigation into the matter.

Boats were deployed to clean up the light oil sheens off the site using dispersants and absorbent booms.

Drones and satellites have also been activated for further surveillance.

The authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and said that no oil patches were observed near Pulau Bukom.

Oil absorbent booms will also be laid at Sisters' Islands Marine Park and at the beaches on Sentosa as a precautionary measure.

There has been no impact to navigational traffic and bunkering operations in the Port of Singapore.

The authorities said that they will provide further updates if there are "significant developments".

Investigations under NEA and MPA are currently ongoing, and the authorities said enforcement action will be taken "if any wrongdoing or lapse is discovered".

Top photos via Shell/Facebook