Chonburi: Thai Oil has confirmed that its insurance covers all potential ramifications of the recent oil spill, including environmental impacts. The company is working closely with both government and private sectors to manage the spill, ensuring no impact on its refinery operations.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Bandit Thammaprachamjit, CEO and Managing Director of Thai Oil Public Company Limited, reported to the Stock Exchange of Thailand about the crude oil leak that occurred on June 5 at Mooring Buoy No. 2 (SBM-2) of Thai Oil Refinery in Sriracha District. The leak was attributed to high waves and sudden strong winds, which led to the temporary halting of oil transfer as per safety protocols. The SBM-2 buoy’s safety system activated as designed, but some oil leaked during the closure of the protective valve.
Preventive measures were in place, including the deployment of a boom before the oil transfer began, and the SBM-2 buoy system remained undamaged. The oil spill was limited to the sea surface, caused by adverse weather conditions. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The company has executed its oil spill removal plan, collaborating with governmental and private entities to clean the oil stain without affecting refinery operations. Comprehensive insurance policies are in place to cover all potential liabilities.
The Maritime Interests Protection Center (MCO), in collaboration with the Marine Department, is actively engaged in eliminating the oil spill. The Marine Department acts as the Coordination Center for the Prevention and Elimination of Water Pollution Due to Oil, alongside the MCO, as per the Prime Minister’s Regulations on Water Pollution Management.
The cleanup strategy involves two areas: the immediate vicinity of the boom, surrounded by two circles using booms and a SKIMMER device to be completed by today, and the larger area outside the boom where approximately 4-5 tons of oil have spilled over a 20-30 square kilometer radius. Ships from Thai Oil, Bangchak, PTT, the Royal Thai Navy, and other agencies are working to disperse the oil using water stirring techniques and Oil Spill Dispersant deployed by a Navy helicopter.
The Governor of Chonburi, along with senior officials from the Marine Department and the Royal Thai Navy, inspected the spill site and established an oil spill disposal center at the Thai Oil Company’s conference room. The Royal Thai Navy, Marine Department, and other relevant agencies are conducting the operation, while the Marine Traffic Control and Safety Center coordinates with VTS Sriracha to inform ships navigating the area.