09/06/2025
17.2 Tonnes of Oil Spill into Gulf of Thailand After Supertanker Breakaway During Storm
Authorities Say Situation Now Under Control; Monitoring Continues
June 7, 2025 | Chonburi, Thailand – A powerful storm in the early hours of June 5 triggered an emergency disconnection of the Phoenix Jamnagar, a Singapore-registered supertanker, resulting in an oil spill of approximately 17.2 tonnes into the Gulf of Thailand.
The vessel, owned by Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and chartered by Thai Oil Public Company Limited, was offloading crude oil at SBM 2 (Single Buoy Mooring) near Si Racha District, Chonburi, when it was struck by sudden high winds and rough seas. The harsh conditions activated the ship’s emergency breakaway coupling system — a safety feature designed to prevent structural damage — but the shutdown process led to a leak that spilled crude oil over a 30-minute period.
Initial estimates placed the volume at 10,000 litres, later revised to 20,000 litres or roughly 17.2 metric tonnes. The Marine Department confirmed the spill occurred at coordinates 13°04.225′ N, 100°46.815′ E, with the oil slick drifting south at 1 to 2 knots and spreading across 20–30 square kilometers.
A multi-agency cleanup response was launched immediately. Containment booms were deployed at 300 and 600 meters from the leak point, and skimmers were used to collect surface oil. Aerial dispersants were applied by Royal Thai Navy helicopters, and water agitation methods were used to accelerate the dispersion.
Thai Oil led the emergency response in cooperation with Bangchak, PTT, the Royal Thai Navy (HTMS Tachai), the Harbour Department, and other partners. Senior officials, including the Chonburi Governor, the Director-General of the Harbour Department, and naval leaders, conducted on-site inspections aboard Harbour Master Patrol Vessel 804.
A temporary spill response command center was established at Thai Oil’s facility, coordinating with the Royal Thai Navy, Marine Police, and environmental agencies.
By 3:10 PM on June 6, aerial surveys confirmed no visible oil slicks in the affected area. At 4:19 PM, Thai Oil declared the situation under control, and cleanup vessels began returning to port. Continued monitoring is underway, with another inspection scheduled for the following morning.
Officials confirmed no structural damage to the Phoenix Jamnagar or the pipeline. The breakaway system functioned as intended under the emergency conditions, and the incident has been classified as an accidental spill due to sudden severe weather.
