14 July 2021 03:38 pm Views - 307
The cleanup operation of the minor oil that took place at the Hambantota International Port (HIP) earlier this week, has reached completion, port officials said today.
The cleanup effort by the Emergency Response Unit of the HIP was successfully carried out while ensuring minimal impact on the environment, highlighted a statement released a short while ago providing an update on the situation.
“Minimal chemicals were utilized in the cleaning operation, keeping the environment in mind by using ecofriendly means- including manual oil retrieval was carried out.
“This method took more time but it’s a more effective and thorough way of cleaning up smaller oil spills,” said HIP Services CEO Ravi Jayawickreme.
He added that the commercial vessel has been detained until costs incurred are accepted and settled by its owners.
The oil spill occurred at approximately 6 pm on Sunday, 11 of July 2021 whilst a bunkering barge was refueling a commercial vessel that had called at the port.