Navy Vessel Spills Oil in Akaroa Harbour, Cleanup Underway

Akaroa Harbour is experiencing an oil spill after the Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Te Kaha leaked an estimated 200 to 300 litres of lubricating oil on Saturday morning. Cleanup efforts are currently underway, with authorities working to minimize environmental impact.

Details of the Spill

The leak originated from a defect in an oil cooler on the starboard engine of the 118-meter-long vessel, according to a New Zealand Defence Force spokesperson RNZ reports. Immediate action was taken to contain the spill, with crew members utilizing soaker pads and an inflatable boat to disperse the oil.

The Defence Force stated that the source of the leak has been isolated and no further oil is escaping 1News. The HMNZS Te Kaha remains anchored in Akaroa Harbour even as cleanup operations continue.

Environmental Response

Environment Canterbury was immediately notified by the New Zealand Defence Force and is collaborating with them, Maritime New Zealand, and local stakeholders to assess the impact and coordinate the response 1News. Emma Parr, Environment Canterbury’s Regional on-scene commander, emphasized the focus on minimizing environmental impacts.

“This persistent oil needs physical intervention… It’s not a large volume, but the type of the oil means that it will have a potentially higher environmental impact, because it is so thick,” Parr stated 1News. Unlike diesel oil, which disperses naturally, this thicker oil requires direct intervention for containment, and recovery.

Authorities are encouraging anyone who observes affected wildlife to contact Environment Canterbury’s Pollution Hotline at 0800 765 588 and to avoid touching any impacted animals RNZ.

Recent Incidents in Akaroa Harbour

This incident follows a similar event in late January, where a tourist boat ran aground near the mouth of Akaroa Harbour, resulting in the leakage of 2240 litres of marine diesel fuel and 120 litres of other oils into the sea 1News.