Around 10 PM on March 16, a major fuel spill occurred at Taiwan's Keelung Port, involving the 1,675 TEU container ship Kanway Global, built in 1998. The spill happened shortly after the vessel refueled, suspected to be due to overfilling, causing fuel to overflow into the harbor waters and contaminating seven nearby vessels.

Impact: Multiple Ships Polluted

The affected vessels include:

• TS Busan and TS Surabaya from TS Lines
• YM Immense from Yang Ming Marine Transport
• Norwegian Sky from Norwegian Cruise Line
• Three pilot boats docked at East Wharf Berth No. 6

Port Operations Disrupted, Cleanup Underway

Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) quickly deployed oil containment booms across the affected waters (East Wharf Berths No. 2 to No. 11) to prevent further spread of the pollution.

The Keelung City Environmental Protection Bureau initially estimated the leaked fuel at around 100 liters.

To restore port operations as quickly as possible, the contaminated ships were scheduled for cleaning according to their departure times.

TIPC aims to complete the cleanup by 5 PM on March 18 to minimize disruption to port activities.

Kanway Global's owner, Taiwan-based Kanway Lines, faces a fine of NTD 300,000 (approximately USD 9,100). The Maritime Port Bureau will impose the penalty under the Commercial Port Act and may take further action.

Frequent Fuel Spills Sound Alarm for Stronger Pollution Control Measures at Ports!