Thai Oil Public Company Limited has activated its emergency response plan following an oil spill near the SBM-2 single buoy mooring (SBM) terminal off the coast of Sriracha. Approximately 10 square meters of black floating oil was observed spreading on the sea surface.
At 6:05 a.m. on Friday, June 6, Thai Oil reported the crude oil leak to the Thai Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center (ThaiMECC). The spill originated from the Singapore-flagged crude oil tanker Phoenix Jamnagar (IMO No. 9828962), which was docked at the SBM-2 terminal.
The incident occurred around 12:54 a.m. and lasted about 30 minutes. The cause was identified as a pipeline leak connecting the vessel. The estimated volume of spilled crude oil is 10 cubic meters (10,000 liters). The oil appeared as thin patches of black and brown, scattered in clumps covering an area approximately 10 by 10 meters, drifting southward.
Thai Oil immediately deployed three oil containment booms around the spill site and used dispersants to limit the spread of the oil.
In an official statement issued at 10:30 a.m. on June 6, the company confirmed the spill happened near midnight on June 5, triggered by severe weather conditions including large waves and sudden strong winds at SBM-2.
Following standard safety protocols, the company halted all oil transfer operations. The safety valve system at SBM-2 operated as designed, preventing structural damage. However, a small amount of oil leaked during valve closure — an anticipated and controlled outcome within the system’s safety design.
The company further explained that oil containment booms were already deployed before the transfer operation began. No further leaks have been detected, and the SBM-2 terminal remains intact. The floating oil on the surface resulted from waves and wind pushing the oil beyond the booms.
No injuries or casualties have been reported so far.
Thai Oil is continuing cleanup efforts according to its refinery’s emergency action plan. The company is coordinating with government agencies and private sector partners to minimize environmental impact. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.
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