The container ship Ningpo, which is registered in Hong Kong and owned by the London-based China Navigation, has been detained by authorities in Whangarei Harbour, New Zealand, following an incident in which about 7000 liters of fuel oil was released into the sea in the harbour on Tuesday 1 December 2015. The majority of the oil was contained by a boom placed around the affected area, then skimmed off the water by the purpose-built vessel Taranui. Some oil reached local beaches forming a slick several hundred meters in length, which led to the removal of contaminated sand with mechanical diggers and spades.
Boom being used to contain spilled oil at Whangarei Harbour in New Zealand on 1 December 2015. Michael Cunningham/Northern Advocate.
Maritime New Zealand are reportedly refusing the vessel permission to leave the harbour until its tanks have been thoroughly cleaned and inspected, and the ship's owners are said to be flying a specialist investigation team from Singapore to carry out their own checks on the vessel. It is unclear if any legal action will be taken at this time.
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