Mumbai's Jawaharlal Nehru Port is being closed for up to three days after more than 250 containers spilled into the harbour following a containership collision on August 7.
The Indian Navy is being enlisted to ensure the harbour is clear and have sealed off the area from any ship movement, according to the latest reports on August 9 from the Ministry of Shipping.
The container vessel 'Chitra' collided with another vessel, 'Khailijia 3' near the Mumbai Port Trust area. 'Chitra', owned by MSC, was damaged and the vessel started listing causing 200 litres of hydraulic oil to leak out.
More than 250 containers spilled into the harbour. They are being cleared with the help of tugs and floating cranes, which are likely to be cleared in the next two to three days.
However, there are fears more oil may spill.
"The vessel has 2,662 tonnes of heavy oil in its various tanks and 245 tonnes of diesel oil for its own use. Presently, there is an oil spill around the vessel," said the shipping ministry in a statement
The coast guard and three tugs are spraying dispersants, however the ministry has confirmed that some oil has reached the shore near Raigad District.
The 'Khailijia 3' sustained only minor damage and is docked in the port.
The accident follows recent reports from Maersk Line that the port was congested, warranting a congestion surcharge on all import containers at India's Port of Nhava Sheva, southeast of Mumbai. However, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority denied that congestion was a problem.
Source: Economic Times
