An unknown quantity of bunker fuel has spilled from a container vessel owned by Danish shipping giant Maersk during bunkering operations in Hong Kong, a company spokesperson confirmed to World Maritime News.
“We can confirm that on January 6 our container vessel Maersk Gateshead had oil spilling during bunkering operations while at berth at Modern Terminal Limited in Hong Kong,” the statement read.
The company said that bunkering operations were ceased instantly and the leakage was stopped.
Hong Kong Marine Department and Environmental Protection Administration were informed and clean-up operations carried on throughout the day, on vessel deck, hull and sea surface.
The 4,340 TEU Maersk Gateshead, which arrived at the terminal in the evening hours of January 5, has suspended all cargo operations and is awaiting further instructions.
“Maersk takes this incident very seriously. In coordination with relevant authorities an investigation into the circumstances behind the incident has been launched,” the spokesperson added.