A Collision with Devastating Consequences for Singapore's Waters and Environment

A Tragedy in Singapore's Waters

On June 14, 2024, a tragic accident unfolded in Singapore's waters when the Netherlands-flagged dredger, Vox Maxima, collided with the Singapore-flagged bunker vessel, Marine Honour, at Pasir Panjang Terminal. This collision resulted in a devastating oil spill, causing significant environmental damage and highlighting the importance of safety protocols in maritime operations.

The court documents revealed a series of unfortunate events leading to the collision. During maintenance work on the Vox Maxima, a circuit breaker controlling the flow of electrical power was left open. This oversight went unnoticed by the engineers who were scheduled to take over the watch, leading to a critical power failure.

As the Vox Maxima prepared for its voyage, two hydraulic pumps were activated, drawing power from the low-voltage switchboards. This increased the electric load, causing another circuit breaker to trip, resulting in a complete loss of power for the rudders and propellers. Consequently, the Vox Maxima lost steering and propulsion control.

Despite attempts to avoid a collision, the Vox Maxima struck the Marine Honour, causing significant damage to the vessel. The impact also led to the release of approximately 400 tonnes of oil into the sea, polluting Singapore's southern shorelines and impacting the coastal and marine environment.

The clean-up operation took over two months, and the full extent of the environmental damage is still being assessed. The Marine Honour remains under repair, with the cost exceeding S$6.6 million. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols and the devastating consequences that can arise from negligence.