The Shell oil pipeline in Singapore is leaking. According to authorities, the leak has been stopped and cleanup work has begun

SINGAPORE (Reuters) – An oil pipeline owned by British giant Shell began leaking into the sea yesterday, Singaporean authorities and the company said, adding that the leak had been stopped and cleanup teams deployed.

The leak began on Sunday morning in a pipeline that runs between the two islands of Bukom and Bukom Kecil, Singapore’s Maritime and Ports Authority (MPA) said in a statement.

“It was reported that the leak was stopped at the source,” the MPA said. “Shell has placed containment barriers at the site of the leak and has also deployed vessels equipped with dispersants to clean up oil spotted near the leak.”

The agency said it also dispatched equipment and a team to help clean up the fuel spill and activated drone and satellite capabilities to monitor the spill.

“Relevant government authorities have been alerted and must report any oil sightings,” it said, adding that there had been “no new oil sightings” as of Sunday evening.

Shell operates a large oil refinery on Bukom.

The MPA said it had issued “maritime safety circulars urging passing vessels to stay away from the site” although “there is no impact on maritime safety”.

Shell confirmed the leak, which it said occurred at Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore on Bukom.

The leak was stopped in the afternoon, although oil sheen was detected on the water channel between the islands, a Shell spokesman said in a statement.

“We have activated emergency specialists to help manage the situation. No injuries were reported and we have informed the relevant authorities,” the spokesman said.

“The health and safety of our employees and the environment are our top priority as we work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”

In June, Singapore closed beaches on the resort island of Sentosa following an oil spill caused by an accident in Pasir Panjang harbor between an excavator and a stationary bunker ship.

The cleanup of the affected beaches was completed last month. — AFP