Homepage Armateurs Italiano English Française
Italian Maritime Academy (IMA) ed Italian Maritime Academy Technologies (IMAT)
Picciotto
Cultura Navale
Collegio Nazionale Capitani Lungo Corso e Macchina
Daniele Alletto
Maxi-web.it
Air Naval
navichepassione
Torre d'aMare
ATENA
Précedente Suivante
Tasman Spirit
Tasman Spirit
TASMAN SPIRIT, Pakistan, 2003
27 Jul 2003

Incident
The Maltese tanker TASMAN SPIRIT grounded at the entrance to Karachi Port, Pakistan in the early hours on 27th July 2003. The vessel was carrying 67,800 tonnes of Iranian Light crude oil destined for the national refinery in Karachi. There were also 440 tonnes of heavy fuel oil in aft bunker tanks. The condition of the grounded tanker deteriorated as she was subjected to continuous stress from the heavy swell of the prevailing south-west monsoon and the vessel subsequently broke in two. In total, it is estimated that some 30,000 tonnes of oil was spilled from the TASMAN SPIRIT.

In the course of inspections on board the TASMAN SPIRIT it became apparent that most of the cargo tanks had been ruptured, whilst the bunker tanks remained intact. The owners' appointed salvors and also hired a succession of small tankers and barges for the purpose of shuttling and storing oil lightered from the casualty. During the next few weeks roughly half of the crude oil cargo and most of the bunker fuel was successfully transferred from the casualty.

On 11 August the tanker began to show signs of breaking up and eventually broke in two overnight on 13/14 August, spilling several thousand tonnes of crude oil. Much of the spilled oil quickly stranded on Clifton Beach, the main tourist beach in Karachi, but significant quantities remained afloat both inside and outside Karachi port. Dispersants were applied offshore from a Hercules C-130 aircraft equipped with an aerial dispersant spraying system (ADDS Pack) in response to two distinct pollution events involving the progressive break-up of the tanker. Approval for large scale dispersant use was given by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and the Pakistan Environment Protection Agency.

Oil entering the port of Karachi was confined by deploying booms at suitable collection sites, and in total some 140 tonnes of oil were recovered by skimmers. KPT also deployed vessels to apply dispersant on oil drifting through the port entrance.

The severe pollution of Clifton Beach created very strong oil vapours causing considerable discomfort to local residents and clean-up personnel. Local hospitals reported many cases of headaches, nausea and dizziness and seventeen schools in the vicinity were closed for about a week. The beach was cleaned by a combination of manual and mechanical means, but work was hampered by a lack of suitable disposal sites for collected oily waste. Agreement was eventually reached for disposal at one of the municipal waste sites serving Karachi City. Clifton Beach was re-opened to the public in the middle of October.

Given the low persistence of Iranian Light crude oil and the high mixing energy in the many damaged cargo tanks generated by the incessant heavy swell, it is likely that most of the spilled oil dispersed naturally. Field surveys conducted showed little or no impact on mangroves, salt pans and other sensitive resources in the vicinity. The geographical extent of shoreline oiling was limited to a ten-mile radius around the grounded tanker.

Whilst there were few reports of impacts of the oil on fisheries, a three-month fishing ban was imposed by the Marine Fisheries Department along the coastline directly affected by oil, extending five nautical miles offshore.


As per http://coordination-maree-noire.eu/spip.php?article961

OIL SPILL IN KARACHI SEA FROM TASMAN SPIRIT TANKER
On 27th of July, 2003, a Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) chartered oil tanker, MT Tasman Spirit carrying 67000 tons light crude oil for Pakistan Refinery Limited grounded at 1.5 nautical mile from shore while cruising in the curved entry channel of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) under unfavorable weather conditions. The ship was 24 years old, perhaps had week engines therefore failed to overcome the external forces and detracted from the main course. Unsuccessful attempts were made to pull the entangled ship with the help of six tug ropes using a powerful ship. Later on , some oil started oozing out of the ship, efforts were made to plug in the leaking sources but it could not be controlled. Lately, two ships viz. MT Endeavor-II and Fair Jolly, were brought from Gulf to transfer oil of Tasman Spirit. The larger oil tanker, MT Endeavor-II was berthed at the oil pear whereas the smaller vessel, Fair Jolly, having the capacity of around 7000 tons was taken closed to the MT Tasman Spirit to pump out crude oil. With this arrangement, about 20,000 tons oil was shifted till the ship got serious crack on 13 August 2003 and excessive spillage of oil took place. Two compartments containing about 6000 tons each completely drained out.
Marine Pollution Control Center soon after grounding of ship approached International Oil Tankers Pollution Federation (ITOPF) and called for emergency assistance. All oil spill-combating equipment available with the Port Qasim and Maritime Security Agency (MSA) were pooled and handed over to the KPT to be utilized as and when required.
As the oil spilled, due to rough sea conditions and high wind speed, it spread promptly. MPCC started its operation after spillage by installing booms and skimmers. Due to limited capacity, the oil could not be contained. It mostly spread towards eastern side and hit about 7-8 km of coastline. KPT used booms and skimmers to protect main channel so as to keep main channel open for traffic. ITOPF started its operation on 14 August 2003 when the oil already hit Clifton beach.
Environmental Impacts
Due to spillage of crude oil in sea, severe environmental degradation in terms of air, water and beach took place, which will have short and long-terms effects. The spilled oil is disappearing from sea surface after spray of dispersants and with the passing time as it is undergoing through various stages like evaporation, stranding, emulsification, oxidation, spreading, sedimentation, dispersion, desolution and bio-degradation. But during this long process, it will cause adverse impacts on marine eco-system.
Degradation of Air Quality
Because of high volatile components and wide range of carbon chain, the air quality degraded badly within 12 hours of the incidence. Random tests carried out by Sindh EPA confirmed presence of high volatile matters in the air like Benzene, Xylene, Toulene, Hydrogen Sulphide etc. Residents of adjacent areas complained breathing difficulty and sore throat. High wind speed favored dispersion and flushing of pollutants that lowered down concentration of volatile matters within 72 hours. . The level of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) as measured by Haigler and Bailly on 20 August 2003 was 179 ppm on the Sea View Point. The air quality improved day by day as the VOC contents evaporated and dispersed. Residents of adjacent areas were exposed to many carcinogenic compounds but for short duration. In absence of continuous monitoring stations in the country, no time-series data could be recorded to predict public exposure to pollutants during peak concentration.
Contamination of Beach
Spilled oil adversely affected about 10 km shoreline. The concentration of oil in seawater was tested by Sindh EPA and found in the range of 300-1400 ppm at different locations. The highest was in the area of Beach View, Sherian Jinnah, Village and KFC. The beach sand in these areas was found contaminated with oil. Samples of sea sand were tested and found contaminated with heavy metals Nickel, Vanadium and Cadmium present in the oil.
KPT, DHA and City Government provided labour who under the supervision of ITOPF started beach cleaning operation. The removed material being hazardous in nature, is being dumped in low lying area of DHA.Present dumping site is a temporary arrangement. Final disposal of the waste material needs special considerations.
Marine Resources
The oil spill incidence has occurred in the breading season. Presence of oil in sea for a long time will adversely affect new bread. KPT claims that fishing is being done in the west side and in the deep sea where no oil exits. But expert?s opinion is different. They claim that spilled oil will travel to fishing zone in due course of time depending on the wind direction.
Mangroves
The western side mangroves are still saved but on the eastern side oil is touching aerial roots. It is expected that oil will travel to the western side and reach mangroves area. KPT has been asked to place a boom to stop any chance of oil entering to this area.
Forest Department has prepared a report on the damage of mangrove due to spillage and future impacts if any on this resource.
Measures Taken By the Ministry of Environment
The Ministry of Environment immediately after receiving information about grounding of ship forwarded a Performa of UNEP/OCHA Environmental Emergency Notification/Request for International Assistance to DG (Port & Shipping) to get it filled and dispatch. The filled in Performa was received on 13 August 2003 in the Ministry, which was faxed to UNEP on the same day. UNEP/OCHA could not mobilize resources immediately. Secretary Environment addressed d.o letters to Pakistan High Commission Nairobi and Executive Director UNEP to expedite emergency response. In reply, UNEP asked for identifying specific requirement. Ministry of Communication provided list of 20 equipment/items for oil spill response in different quantities. UNEP/OCHA indicated that in such cases the cost of equipment is normally covered by ? International Protection and Indemnity Club (P&I Club) of ship owners. It was also mentioned that the equipment requested was ?a lot? and would cost millions of dollars. It was advised to refer to IMO Experts already stationed at KPT and produce a list of agreed equipment.
DG Pak-EPA visited Karachi from 14-15 August and again from 18-23 August 2003. After visiting affected sites and meeting with Secretary Communication, Chairman KPT, Manager, KPT Marine Pollution Control Center and DG Sindh EPA, constituted an Environmental Impact Evaluation Committee on 15 August 2003 under the chairmanship of DG Sindh EPA to evaluate environmental impacts due to oil spillage and propose a workable environmental rehabilitation and restoration plan within 15 days. The TOR of the Committee is :
To assess extent of damage caused to marine life, mangrove forests and eco-system.
To quantify the level of contamination due to oil spillage in the coastal water, fish, shrimps, crab, etc.
To suggest workable environmental rehabilitation and restoration plan and to identify responsible agencies to implement the same.
The Committee has composition from concerned government, non-governmental organizations and subject specialists. The Committee held its first meeting on the 20 August 2003. The Committee formed two groups : one for taking samples of air, water and sea sand and other for assessing damages to eco-system including marine life and mangroves. The Report of the Committee will be presented to the Ministry of Environment.
During high oil concentration in sea, DG Pak-EPA also coordinated with DG Sindh EPA and other organizations to conduct air, water and soil quality tests. The test results were shared with KPT.
The Ministry on the request of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation coordinated with other ministries to facilitate mobilization of International Tankers Owner Pollution Federation (ITOPF) and Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) from Singapore. Additional Secretary Ministry of Environment coordinated with concerned officers of different Ministries/departments for visa, landing rights, flying rights and permission to use dispersants.
The Secretary Environment visited Karachi from 20-21 August 2003. During his stay, he had meeting with DG Sindh EPA and Country Representative IUCN on conducting environmental assessment of affected area and also addressed participants of the 1st meeting of the Environmental Impacts Evaluation Committee. He visited coastal areas affected due to oil spillage and had discussion with Chairman KPT on long-terms effects of oil on marine resources and remedial measures. He also chaired meeting of concerned departments, non-governmental organization and experts. Minister Communication, Advisor to Chief Minister on Environment and Alternate Energy and Chairman KPT were also present. Restoration of beach, disposal of contaminated sea-sand and protection of marine resources were particularly discussed.
Minister of State for Environment also visited Karachi 22-24 August 2003 and chaired a high level meeting in Defense Housing Authority, Karachi in which Administrator DHA, Provincial Secretary Forest, DG Marine Fisheries department, DG National Institute of Oceanography, Manager KPT Marine Pollution Control Center (MPCC), Country Representative IUCN, DG Pakistan EPA, DG Sindh EPA, Administrator of City Government, representative of Home Secretary, experts and representatives of non-governmental organizations were present. The Minister stated that he has visited affected areas and observed enormous damage to environment and loss of economic activity in the area. He was of the view that our people are courageous and he has confidence that they would overcome the disaster shortly. The Minister emphasized to work together as one team and support efforts of KPT, DHA and City Government in cleaning of beach. He particularly appealed to NGOs to come forward and pay special attention to restore environment. IUCN Country Representative stated that about 100 sq km area has seam to be affected due to oil spill. Secretary Forest suggested that only relevant department should give public statement on the damages. He informed that majority of mangroves are still saved though oil was seen in some areas. DG Marine Fisheries Department informed that they tested sea food samples and found no contamination till yesterday. Some participants showed apprehension of oil spread towards western side mangroves and suggested to place a boom for precautionary purposes. Manager MPCC did not agree and showed his inability due to non-availability of spare boom. The participants were informed that the Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of DG Sindh EPA to assess the damage caused to environment and prepare a rehabilitation plan, has started its work while the international experts are also coming to Pakistan to help the Committee. The Minister called upon participants to provide all kind of assistance to the Committee. The Minister stated that a few weeks back he watched oil spill combating exercise organized by MSA and realized the need to enhance national capacity of combating oil spill. He informed that on his advice MSA is now developing a project.
During his visit, Minister met with the prominent members of the EIEC. The Minister was informed that the Committee has held its first meeting on the 20 August 2003 and will meet again on 27 August 2003. In the first meeting, the Committee formed two groups one for pollution and other for eco-system. DG Sindh EPA highlighted his difficulties due to shortage of funds for working of the Committee. Minister advised the Committee to start their work and assured that some funds will be made available for meeting the expenditures.
The oil spill of more than 30,000 tons of oil from the broken and half sunk ship Tasman Spirit has raised the compensation liabilities for the insurance companies.
Insurance surveyors are reported to have indicated recovery of over 32,000 tons of crude oil. This recovery too carries a price tag of 40 per cent of the initial oil cost for the six Pakistan-based insurance companies and their reinsurers.
Insurance sources now estimate cost of the oil cargo at about Rs900 million. Total loss suffered in the mishap now cost about Rs650 million. Bulk of the compensation payment will come from the foreign reinsurers.
Efforts are now being made to ensure quick compensation payment from the six Pakistan-based insurance companies so that process could be initiated for seeking early payment from the reinsurers.
Insurance sources say that surveyors are expected to finalize their report in next few days on loss of oil cargo in the open seas and cost of the recovery of oil from half sunk ship.
The six insurance companies that have booked marine insurance business of the 67,500 tons of Iranian crude oil on the ship are Central Insurance 23.5 per cent, Eastern Federal Union 21.5 per cent, Adamjee 20.9 per cent, New Jubilee 17.6 per cent, Habib Insurance 11.5 per cent and New Hampshire 5 per cent.
These insurance companies expect their reinsurers to make prompt compensation payment of their loss claims. But these companies fear that reinsurers will offer harsh conditions and raise premia rate when they will seek renewal of their treaties from next January.

Username Enregistré surveychile
Armateur
Ship manager
Numéro IMO
Type de navire
Année et chantier de construction
Date
Lieu
Téléchargée le 19/03/2016
Dimension 1200 x 900
visites 2710