Oil spill in Grand Harbour

An oil spill at about 2.30 p.m. at Ras Ħanżir in Grand Harbour yesterday is being investigated by the Malta Maritime Authority (MMA).

The spill occurred during a routine operation when the oil tanker Anchor Bay operated by Island Bunker Oils Co. Ltd was loading gas oil (diesel) from the harbour fuelling installation. Around 300 litres of diesel were spilled.

MMA personnel went on site to investigate the matter and monitor the clean-up, which was being carried out by the vessel's contractor. Oil containment booms were deployed around the inboard side of the tanker to contain the fuel between the vessel and the jetty, allowing the oil to be collected.

No damage to the environment is envisaged and no injuries were reported. Shipping operations at Grand Harbour were not affected by the incident, MMA said.

The authority said it will be carrying out an investigation to determine the cause of the spill.