Butan Leaks from LPG Carrier after Collision with Tanker

Singapore-flagged LPG tanker Crystal Sunrise collided with a westbound tanker Astro Saturn on Tuesday morning, April 17, about one nautical mile south of Tuas Extension, in Singapore territorial waters. 

“Crystal Sunrise was picking up its pilot near the designated western pilot boarding ground when the collision took place at about 2.30 a.m.,” the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said, informing of the incident.

Following the collision, the LPG tanker started to leak butane from one of the cargo tanks which was damaged in the incident.

 “The ship’s crew took the necessary measures and stopped the leak,” MPA Singapore added.

Based on the initial estimates, 1,796 million tons of butane gas had leaked.

“As liquefied butane has a high evaporation rate, MPA has assessed that any leaked butane would have been carried southward away from mainland Singapore, where most of it would have rapidly dissipated to below flammable levels within an hour and pose no risk to shipping,” the port authority commented.

The Greek-flagged Astro Saturn is reported to have suffered damages to its port anchor and bow. The 120,324 cbm ship, built in 2003, belongs to Pantheon Tanker’s fleet, according to VesselsValue data. It was chartered by Jellicoe Tankers for one year in May 2017.

Nevertheless, both ships are said to be stable. The crew members of both vessels are safe and reported no injuries.

“As a precautionary measure, eight PSA Marine staff who were in the vicinity of the collision received medical check-ups at the National University Hospital. All of the crew have since been discharged,” MPA noted.

The maritime and port authority has launched an investigation into the incident.