Massive Oil Spill in Gulf of Thailand: Supertanker Accidentally Detaches from Pipeline

Image Credits: National Maritime Interests Protection Centre/Facebook

A recent report from the National Maritime Interests Protection Center highlights a notable incident that occurred off Thailand’s coast on June 5. A supertanker, the Phoenix Jamnagar, became disconnected from an offshore pipeline during a sudden storm, resulting in a crude oil spill estimated at up to 20,000 liters into the Gulf of Thailand. Cleanup efforts are currently underway and involve multiple government agencies alongside private sector partners.

The Singapore-registered tanker is owned by Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and was in the process of unloading crude oil at SBM 2 (Single Buoy Mooring) near Si racha District when severe weather conditions struck just before 1:00 AM. The unexpected high waves and strong winds triggered the ship’s breakaway coupling system—a safety feature designed to prevent damage during emergencies—leading to an unintentional disconnection that caused oil to leak into the sea for about half an hour while operations were halted.

Initially, officials estimated that around 10,000 liters had spilled; however, this figure was later revised upwards to approximately 20,000 liters—equivalent to about four or five tons of crude oil. The Marine Department confirmed that this incident took place at specific coordinates (13°04.225′ N, 100°46.815′ E),with reports indicating that the slick was drifting southward at speeds between one and two knots.

Upon visual inspection, authorities identified an oil slick measuring roughly ten meters by ten meters within a larger area spanning between twenty and thirty square kilometers beyond immediate containment measures.

In response to this environmental crisis under regulations set forth by Prime Minister’s Office concerning water pollution management related to oils and chemicals (B.E. 2565), urgent cooperation requests were sent out by the Marine Department’s Secretary-General for national maritime interests protection.

Environmental expert Ms. Jittima Suthiphotiphong has been appointed as coordinator for cleanup operations while ensuring oversight from the Marine Water Authority regarding pollution control efforts.

To manage containment effectively, a dual-layer boom system was deployed around the spill site—an inner circle extending three hundred meters outwards with another circle reaching six hundred meters further out—and skimmer devices were placed within these zones for efficient recovery of surface oil with hopes of completing cleanup activities by Friday afternoon.

Outside these protective barriers, teams from Thai Oil collaborated with Bangchak Petroleum company Limited and PTT along with support from HTMS Tachai of the Royal Thai Navy as well as local harbor departments using both manual techniques and aerial dispersal methods via Navy helicopters equipped for such tasks.

High-ranking officials including Chonburi Governor visited aboard Harbour Master Patrol Vessel 804 for firsthand assessments alongside representatives from various disaster prevention offices in Chonburi province.

A temporary coordination center has been established within Thai Oil’s facilities aimed at streamlining ongoing responses among involved parties like Royal Thai Navy personnel and marine police over one-to-three days following this event.

Simultaneously occurring, navigational safety measures have been implemented through collaboration between Marine traffic Control centers issuing warnings to vessels traversing nearby waters so they can steer clear of affected areas until further notice is given regarding safe passage again post-cleanup efforts being finalized soon after initial assessments showed no visible damage sustained either by Phoenix Jamnagar or its associated pipeline infrastructure due largely thanks due diligence exercised during emergency protocols activated amidst unpredictable weather conditions leading up towards this unfortunate occurrence overall!

By June 6th afternoon aerial surveys conducted revealed no remaining visible traces left behind; thus confirming effective management strategies put into place throughout response phases leading back towards normalcy expected shortly thereafter!

Reference: National Maritime Interests Protection Center (ThaiMecc)