US Coast Guard, partner agencies respond to oil leak from containership in Bayonne, New Jersey

A unified command consisting of the US Coast Guard, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Gallagher Marine Systems is responding to a report of a container vessel leaking fuel oil at the Global Container Terminal in Bayonne, New Jersey, on Tuesday, September 29.

The National Response Center contacted Coast Guard Sector New York watchstanders on Monday, September 28, reporting a sheen near the Liberian-flagged YM Mandate.

A Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) New York boat crew in the area reported a small crack in the ship’s hull through which fuel oil was found leaking. Coast Guard investigators confirmed the leak.

The crew of YM Mandate activated the vessel’s US Coast Guard-approved vessel response plan by making notifications and activating response resources.

Oil containment booms and absorbent pads have been deployed around YM Mandate and contracted skimming vessels have been working to remove oil from the water.

All leaking product is currently contained within the boom and skimmer system and internal transfer of fuel oil from the affected tank is also being conducted.

The affected tank has a capacity of 1.74 million litres.

The amount of fuel oil leaked is not known at this time.