An unknown quantity of bunker fuel was spilled at the Port of Hong Kong on Sunday during bunkering operations on a Maersk ship at berth, A.P. Moller Maersk confirmed Monday.
The bunkering was taking place on the 4,340 TEU Maersk Gateshead as it was berthed at the Modern Terminal Limited.
The amount of fuel oil that was spilled has not been confirmed.
“We can confirm that on January 6, crew on our container vessel Maersk Gateshead discovered an oil spill on deck during bunkering operations while at berth at Modern Terminal Limited in Hong Kong.
“Bunkering operations were ceased instantly and the leakage was stopped, however some of the oil spilled over the ship side into the water.
“Hong Kong Marine Department and Environmental Protection Administration were informed immediately and clean up operations carried on throughout the day, on vessel deck, hull and sea surface.
“Maersk Gateshead has suspended all cargo operations and is awaiting further instructions.
“Maersk takes this incident very seriously. In coordination with relevant authorities an investigation into the circumstances behind the incident has been launched,” Maersk said in statement.
Maersk Gateshead is owned by A.P. Moller Maersk and operates on the AC1 service. The vessel was built in 2002 and sails under Danish flag.
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