Holland – Rotterdam Port Authority Confirms Significant Oil Spill

On June 24 the Port of Rotterdam said a clean-up operation was underway after a product tanker punctured its hull while mooring, releasing a significant amount of heavy fuel oil. Odfjell, the owner of the vessel Bow Jubail, said in a statement the ship had lost 220 tonnes of heavy fuel oil in the incident, which took place on June 23 at the LBC Oil Terminal, Botlek.

The port authority said in a statement much of the spill had initially been contained with barriers, but some had escaped and was leaking into some of the port’s extensive waterway network.

There were complaints from locals about the strong smell, and people who were suffering from nausea, headache or dizziness were advised to call a doctor.