Oil Spill in Gulf of Thailand: Thai Oil and Government Agencies Respond

Thai Oil, in collaboration with several government agencies, is currently working to contain an oil slick that occurred overnight in the Gulf of Thailand. The incident took place when a supertanker owned by Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines disconnected from an offshore pipeline connection during a severe storm. Immediate measures such as oil dispersants, booms, and skimmers are being deployed to mitigate the spill.

The National Maritime Interests Protection Center (ThaiMecc) initially estimated that around 10 cubic meters (approximately 10,000 liters) of oil had spilled in the Si Racha District, southeast of Bangkok. Subsequent reports have revised the estimate to 20,000 liters.

The vessel involved in the incident is the Phoenix Jamnagar (registered in Singapore with a capacity of 311,798 dwt), which was at the offshore terminal connected to the pipeline. Built in 2019, the supertanker is currently chartered to Thai Oil.

Image: Spill was drifting to the south at 1 to 2 knots (ThaiMecc)

The spill occurred around midnight on June 5 due to severe weather conditions, including high waves and strong winds. Although the company initiated a process to halt the oil transfer, the breakaway coupling disengaged during the storm, leading to the spill. Officials managed to stop the spill within 30 minutes, emphasizing that safety measures allowed only a small amount of oil to escape.

Despite efforts to contain the spill with booms placed at 399 and 600 meters, the slick expanded to cover an area of approximately 10 meters by 10 meters (32 feet) and was drifting southward at a speed of 1 to 2 knots.

Boats and helicopters equipped with dispersants are actively working in the affected area, while a skimmer has also been deployed. The authorities aim to complete the skimming operation by Friday afternoon, prioritizing the protection of the marine environment.

Thai officials attribute the incident to an accident caused by the sudden storm and confirm that no damage was observed on the tanker or the pipeline.