Spanish authorities at the port of Ceuta, on the southern shore of the Strait of Gibraltar, say they are containing what they believe to be the largest oil spill in the port’s history. The spill was caused by a crack in the hull of a Turkish tanker which is currently detained and heavily fined.
The port captain of Ceuta, one of only two Spanish ports in Africa and a vital link in Mediterranean traffic, told reporters he had received a report of an oil leak from the tanker. Start K (12,900 dwt) on the evening of Tuesday, April 30, and they immediately mobilized a containment effort. In about two hours, he said the leak was contained. They deployed two containment booms and an absorbent boom.
The Liberian-flagged tanker managed by the Turkish company Chemfleet arrived on April 30 from the Spanish port of Vilagarcia and was carrying out a refueling operation. The latest estimate indicates that the ship leaked between 25,000 and 30,000 liters of light marine fuel from a crack measuring 32 centimeters (about 12.5 inches) in one of the fuel tanks. Westerly winds helped contain the spill and throughout the day Wednesday crews could be seen with absorbents mopping up the fuel. The harbor master estimates that at least 85 percent of the spill has been recovered.
THE Start K is now detained at port and has been ordered to pump all the fuel out of the cracked tank. The port captain said the tank would be drained and examined and repaired before the ship departed.
Additionally, the port requires a deposit of €72,000 ($77,000) made up of a €60,000 fine and €12,000 for cleaning costs. The final amount of the fine has not yet been determined, but media reports said it would be at least 200,000 to 250,000 euros ($214,000 to $267,000), with one report saying it could reach half a million euros.
The vessel was cited in December 2023 for 18 defects during a UK Port State Inspection. Among the items identified were hull corrosion as well as propulsion and other structural problems. However, the ship was not detained.
Ceuta port officials acknowledged that this was the third incident this year, while noting that the previous two events were much smaller. According to media reports, in mid-February, a Panamanian-flagged ro-ro cargo ship, Lider Trabzon (7,225 dwt) had to pay €136,000 ($145,000) after another oil spill. Last week, a general cargo ship registered in Gibraltar, Schill plaque (3,175 dwt) also caused a small spill in the port.
