Malta Freeport was closed this morning because of spillage during a bunkering operation.
Informed sources said the operation involved the small bunkering ship Sant'Elena which was alongside the container ship Berloiz
The incident happened at about 6am.
The case is being investigated by Transport Malta. Civil Protection personnel are tackling the spill.
Booms have been set up around the area - the basin of terminal 1 and 2 to protect the public beaches.
Transport Malta said the spill occurred when a hose failed. Action was taken by the bunker operator to boom the vessels and contain the spill. Some heavy oil ended up on board the bunker barge and some drifted into the inner side of the basin where some vessels have been affected.