NMSA is aware of Oil Spill Incident in Kimbe - Papua New Guinea National Maritime Safety Authority

The National Maritime Safety Authority is aware of an oil spill incident near the Kimbe main wharf that occurred at 3am on Monday morning whereby a huge volume of palm oil had reportedly leaked from one of the storage tank and into the sea

Officers from the NMSA Marine Environment Protection department are on the ground now to do assessment and to determine the extent of any damage that may have been caused to the marine life by this oil leakage

NMSA General Manager/CEO Mr Paul Unas has called on the public near the main wharf and the surrounding community to stay away from the impacted areas until further assessments are done that will clear of any harmful or toxic related substances that can pose danger or harm

Mr Unas has also asked for cooperation between the company responsible, and other government agencies together with NMSA to amicably allow for smooth site inspection and assessment

The PNG National Maritime Safety Authority Act 2003 specifies that NMSA’s role includes setting standards and strengthens control over marine oil pollution from ships and clean-up operations and other environment damage caused by shipping in PNG coastal waters and water ways. The Authority is the National Lead Agency for the implementation of International Maritime Environment Conventions which PNG is a party to

Therefore, pursuant to Section 6 of the Marine Pollution (Ships & Installations) Act 2013, NMSA can charge the Company responsible for the oil spill when it determines the extent of the damage to the marine life and the seas and surrounding shorelines

From reports received, NBPOL the owner of the storage tanks has contained the spread of the oil spill straight after it became aware of the leakages this morning.