The US Coast Guard has intervened to stem an oil spill from the fuel tanks of Yang Ming Marine Transport’s 6,572TEU container vessel, YM Mandate in the port of New York and New Jersey.
Oil was spotted leaking from the 10-year old vessel on Monday evening as it called at the Global Container Terminal Bayonne Bridge terminal in New Jersey.
A Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team reported a small crack in the ship’s hull. USCG said it had intervened with oil spill prevention equipment to prevent environmental damage.
The leak was being dealt with by a unified command consisting of the Coast Guard, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Gallagher Marine Systems.
“Oil containment boom and absorbent pads have been deployed around the 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. Internal transfer of fuel oil from the affected tank is also being conducted. The affected tank has a capacity of 1.75 million litres. The amount of fuel oil leaked is not known at this time,” it said.
Container News contacted Yang Ming’s New York office for an update on the situation for shippers with containers aboard THE Alliance vessel, but the company refused to provide an update on the situation.
Rainbow Blue Nelson
Americas Correspondent
