A Libyan oil tanker has collided with a Singaporean bulker about 11 nautical miles northeast of Pedra Branca in Singaporean waters, reports the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The incident occurred in the early morning of January 2, when the 'Alyarmouk' collided with the 'Sinar Kapuas'.
According to the MPA, the 'Alyarmouk' reported damage to one of her cargo tanks, resulting in the spillage of crude oil.
The MPA subsequently deployed an assessment helicopter and activated two oil spill response companies, which deployed four craft equipped with dispersants, oil booms, and skimmers to the site.
The two vessels involved in the collision are currently safely anchored and are in stable conditions.
At the time of the incident, the 'Alyarmouk' was en route from Malaysia to China, and the 'Sinar Kapuas', from Hong Kong to Singapore.
The managers of the 'Alyarmouk' estimate that 4,500 tonnes of crude oil was spilled from the tanker.
Taking into account the weather and tidal currents, patches of oil may affect the northern parts of the island of Bintan, said the MPA.
The authority has also issued navigational broadcasts for ships to navigate with caution when in the vicinity of the incident site.
There is no report of injury, and traffic in the port and the Strait of Singapore remains unaffected.
The MPA is investigating the cause of the collision and is working with Indonesian authorities in line with the standard operating procedure for joint oil spill combat in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
